Salami and Bell Pepper Sandwiches

I'm still avoiding gluten, but I've never stopped taking my sandwiches seriously.

There's nothing quite like holding the layers in your hand after compiling the perfect sandwich.

Full-bodied salami on top of fresh spinach with a creamy spread and a satisfying crunch.

Lately I've been using vegetables in place of bread for my sandwich crusts. Everything from cucumbers to lettuce wraps and eggplant strips make for a light, refreshing backdrop against thick-cut pieces of meat and cheese.

Sweet red bell peppers sliced in half are the perfect size and shape to replace the grains in that good old sandwich bag.

I cover the insides with cream cheese. I could get all fancy and opt for goat cheese or feta, but the familiar and easy-to-spread breakfast favorite has become my go-to at any time of day or night. The soft flavor doesn't clash, and it melts into a thick creamy sauce that infuses the whole sandwich if I decide to pop it into a panini press at the last minute.

A drizzle of balsamic vinegar (this O Fig California brand is to die for) adds a little more depth, and complements the smoky salami with just a bit of sweetness.

I layer the salami thick, really thick.

Yeah, I know what you all came here for. It's not the spinach.

They say that salami is the next big trend in sandwich meat. Oscar Mayer's Old World Style salami is a family favorite, convenient and accessible at our local grocery store. The black pepper flavor has a little kick, flavorful enough that I don't have to fuss over adding a lot of condiments or spices. I like meat that can stand on its own.

What's the most creative sandwich that you've ever made?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.