Tomato Basil Fruit Salad

Serves 4 · 15 min prep

Ingredients

• 3 medium diced ripe peaches
• 2 cups hulled and halved ripe strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup torn fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp torn fresh mint leaves
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1/8 tsp pinch flaky sea salt
• a few grinds black pepper
• 1/3 cup optional crumbled soft goat cheese or whipped ricotta

Instructions

1. 1Choose the ripest peaches and sweetest cherry tomatoes you can find; the salad depends entirely on peak flavor. Dice the peaches into bite-size chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. 2Add the halved strawberries and halved cherry tomatoes to the same bowl so the colors stay bright and distinct.
3. 3In a small jar or bowl whisk together the honey, lime juice, and lime zest until the honey fully dissolves into a thin dressing.
4. 4Pour the dressing over the fruit and tomatoes. Add the torn basil and mint leaves, then sprinkle with the flaky salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
5. 5Gently fold everything together with a large spoon so the fruit softens slightly and releases juices without crushing the tomatoes.
6. 6Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the basil perfume infuses the juices and the flavors marry.
7. 7Taste and adjust with an extra squeeze of lime or drizzle of honey if needed. Spoon into shallow bowls.
8. 8If using, dollop a little soft goat cheese or whipped ricotta on each portion for creamy contrast. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature as a light dessert.