Salad:

• 4 apples red or green
• 3-4 cos baby lettuce heads
• ½ cup pickled red peppers sliced
• 4 slices ciabatta bread cut into cubes
• 40g mozzarella cheese torn or cut in small pieces

Sauce:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 2 tbsps honey
• 1 tsp dried basil or basil pesto
• 1 tsp dried or fresh oregano
• fresly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic finely grated

Method:

• Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, dried basil, dried or fresh oregano, ground pepper, and grated garlic. Set aside.
• Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
• Bread: Cut the ciabatta into cubes.Apples: Cut each apple into four large sections around the core, then slice each section.
• Core and slice the apples:
• Halving the Apple: Use a chef's knife to cut the apple in half. Use a paring knife to carve out the core from each half, removing the blossom end afterward.
• Cook the Apples: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the apple slices and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Sauté until the apples are slightly softened. Remove and set aside to cool.
• Toast the Bread: In the same pan, add the ciabatta cubes and 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Sauté until the bread is lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
• Assemble the Salad: Wash and break the cos lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them in a large salad bowl. Layer the cooked apples, toasted bread cubes, and pickled red peppers over the lettuce. Scatter mozzarella pieces throughout.
• Finish with Sauce: Drizzle the remaining sauce over the salad just before serving.

Enjoy this vibrant, tangy, and satisfying Fried Apple Salad!