Apple & Late Tomato Salad

Late-season tomatoes meet crisp autumn apples in this bright Mediterranean-style salad, a harvest pairing that celebrates the shoulder of summer and fall. Fresh basil, mint, and a honey-lemon olive oil dressing keep every bite juicy and fragrant.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep

Estimate for one serving

• 215 cal
• 5g protein
• 22g carbs
• 13g fat

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 2 medium crisp apples
• 3 medium ripe late-season tomatoes
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1/4 small red onion
• 1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Wash and dry the apples, tomatoes, cucumber, basil, and mint thoroughly. Core the apples and cut them into thin wedges, leaving the skin on for color and crunch.
2. 2Slice the late tomatoes into wedges or thick half-moons so they stay juicy and substantial. Halve the cucumber lengthwise, scoop out the seeds if watery, then cut into half-moons.
3. 3Thinly slice the red onion into delicate half-rings and place them in a small bowl of ice water for a few minutes to mellow the bite, then drain and pat dry.
4. 4In a large mixing bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and black pepper until the dressing looks glossy and emulsified. Taste and adjust brightness if needed.
5. 5Add the apple wedges, tomato pieces, cucumber, and drained onion to the bowl. Toss gently so every piece gets a light coat of dressing without crushing the tomatoes.
6. 6Tear the basil and mint leaves by hand over the salad to release their aroma, then fold them through with a light hand so the herbs stay vibrant.
7. 7Scatter the toasted pumpkin seeds across the top for crunch and a subtle nutty finish. If using feta, crumble it over the salad now.
8. 8Let the salad rest 5 minutes at room temperature so the apples and tomatoes mingle with the herbs and dressing. Divide into bowls and serve immediately while everything is crisp and fragrant.