Avocado and Tomato Toast

Savor the delicious simplicity of Avocado and Tomato Toast, featuring creamy avocado and juicy heirloom tomatoes atop garlic-rubbed toasted bread, finished with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Avocado and Tomato Toast captures the very essence of summer on a slice of toasted bread. Using the freshest ingredients like sweet tomatoes, ripe avocado, fragrant basil and fruity olive oil, this dish is perfect for brunch or any meal, delivering a burst of flavor and a refreshing taste with every bite.

Looking for additional recipes inspired by the summer season, then try Arugula Steak Salad with Cornbread Croutons and Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and fresh- Unlike, heavy cooked meals, this recipe is light and fresh, making it the perfect choice for summer when you want something flavorful yet not too heavy.
• Quick and easy- It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can be prepared in minutes, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the summer weather.
• Versatile- This toast can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch or as a light dinner, making it a versatile option for any meal of the day.
• No cooking required- With minimal cooking involved (just toasting the bread), you can keep your kitchen cool during the hot summer months while still enjoying a delicious meal.
• Customizable- Endless opportunities for creativity in this recipe. You can experiment with different bread types, various avocado preparations, and a wide array of toppings.

How Can You Tell If An Avocado Is Ripe?

• Color- Ripe avocados typically have dark green to nearly black skin. However, the color can vary depending on the variety of avocado. Avoid avocados with bright green skin, as they are likely underripe.
• Texture- Gently squeeze the avocado in the palm of your hand. Ripe avocados should yield slightly to gently pressure but should not feel mushy or overly soft. If the avocado feels firms, it is likely underripe.
• Stem- Check the stem or “button” at the top of the avocado. Gently flick off the small stem cap. If the area underneath is green, the avocado is likely ripe and ready to eat. If it is brown or black, the avocado may be overripe.

Variety of Tomatoes

• Heirloom- Prized for their unique flavors and appearance, and passed down through generations. They come in various colors, shapes and sizes, adding both visual appeal and delicious taste.
• Beefsteak- Large, meaty tomatoes with a rich flavor, perfect for slicing and layering on toast.
• Roma- Oval-shaped tomatoes with a firm texture and low moisture content, ideal for toasting on bread.
• Cherry tomatoes- Small, round tomatoes bursting with sweetness, great for adding a pop of color and flavor to your toast.
• Campari tomatoes- Sweet and juicy tomatoes, slightly larger than cherry tomatoes with a round shape and vibrant red color.

Ingredient Notes

Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.

• Avocado- Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and creamy texture. Feel free to slice them or mash them according to your preference.
• Tomatoes- Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes, such as heirloom or vine-ripened varieties. Cherry or grape tomatoes also work well for added sweetness and color.
• Bread- Choose your favorite type of bread for toasting, such as whole grain, sourdough, ciabatta, or multigrain.
• Garlic- For extra flavor, consider rubbing the toasted bread with a cut clove of garlic before adding the avocado and tomatoes.
• Olive oil- Drizzle a high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the assembled toast for richness and depth of flavor. Look for cold-pressed olive oil for the best taste.
• Herbs- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or micro greens add brightness and freshness.
• Radish- Use a variety of colors and slice thinly on a Japanese mandolin.
• Seasonings- Enhance the flavor of the toast with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground cracked pepper.

Substitutions

• Avocado- If ripe avocados are not available, you can use guacamole or avocado hummus as a spread.
• Tomatoes- If fresh tomatoes are out of season or unavailable, you can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, roasted red peppers or marinated artichoke hearts.
• Bread- Instead of traditional bread, consider using whole grain crackers or even rice cakes. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread.
• Herbs- Experiment with different herbs such as cilantro, dill, or chives for added freshness and flavor.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Prepare the tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes into thin rounds or wedges. If using cherry or grape tomatoes, you can halve or quarter them for smaller pieces.

STEP 2: Cut the avocados. Slice the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and then use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt.

STEP 3: Toast. Toast your bread until golden brown and crispy. Next, take a clove of garlic and slice off the tip. Then, use the cut side of the garlic clove to rub it all over the toasted bread.

STEP 4: Assemble. Spoon the mashed avocado evenly on top of the toasted bread.

STEP 5: Layer. Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the avocado, covering the toast evenly.

STEP 6: Add olive oil. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tomatoes and avocado. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

STEP 7: Garnish. Top with chopped fresh herbs, radishes, arugula or micro greens for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Expert Tips

Choose ripe ingredients. Select ripe, flavorful tomatoes and avocados for the best taste and texture in your toast.

Opt for a sturdy bread. Use a sturdy bread, such as whole grain, sourdough, artisanal bread, that can hold the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy.

Toast bread properly. Toast the bread until it’s golden brown and crispy to provide a sturdy base for the toppings.

Season well. Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper generously over the avocado and tomatoes to enhance their natural flavors.

Don’t forget the garlic. For extra flavor, I rub a peeled garlic clove over the toasted bread. It adds so much delicious garlic flavor without being overpowering.

Experiment with toppings. Get creative with additional toppings like crumbled feta cheese, pickled red onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

FAQ

Storing

Storing this Avocado and Tomato Toast can be a bit tricky due to the nature of the ingredients. However, if you have leftover toast you’d like to store for later, here are some tips:

• Refrigerator- If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Place the toast on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and help prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Individual components- Alternatively, you can store the individual components separately and assemble the toast just before serving.
• Best enjoyed fresh- While it’s possible to store the tomato toast for later consumption, it’s best enjoyed fresh as soon as you make it. Try to make only as much toast as you plan to eat to avoid leftovers.

Avocado Toast Variations

Below are my favorite avocado toast variations.

• Everything bagel- Spread mashed avocado over the toast and top with sliced tomatoes, plus a generous sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning.
• Loaded avocado toast- Top mashed avocado on toasted bread with your favorite toppings like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and fresh herbs for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
• Sweet balsamic- Drizzle toast with balsamic glaze, then add black pepper and sea salt for a sweet and tangy variation of avocado toast.
• Protein style- Add protein-rich toppings like hard-boiled eggs, smoked salmon, grilled marinated chicken, fried or poached eggs for a nutritious and filling meal option.

Helpful Tools and Equipment

• Toaster or toaster oven- For toasting the bread to the desired level of crispiness. Alternatively, you can also use a grill pan or skillet.
• Avocado slicer- Optional tool for easily removing the pit and slicing the avocado.
• Chef’s knife- For nice tomato slices and to prevent crushing, a sharp chef’s knife is your best friend.
• Citrus juicer- To add a touch of lemon or lime for flavor boost and to prevent the avocado from browning, consider using a citrus juicer.

More Summer Recipes To Try

Recommended Recipes

• Elote Pasta Salad
• Lemon Pepper Pasta with Ricotta and Breadcrumbs
• Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
• Turkey Avocado Sandwich
• Easy Summer Charcuterie Board

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