Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast
A creamy, protein-rich smoked salmon avocado toast that’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for breakfast or brunch. Ready in just 10 minutes and full of healthy fats and fiber, this toast is both satisfying and simple to make.
Equipment
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 fork or potato masher
- 1 Knife for slicing
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Spoon for spreading
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread multi-grain or sourdough
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ Persian cucumber peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 oz smoked salmon
- ½ cup microgreens or arugula
- 1 tablespoon pickled red onions optional
- 1 teaspoon Everything Bagel Seasoning optional
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Start by selecting your favorite bread—multi-grain, sourdough, or whole-grain varieties work beautifully. Place 2 slices in a toaster or toaster oven and toast them until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. The bread should be firm enough to support the toppings without becoming soggy. Once toasted, transfer the slices to a plate and allow them to cool for a few minutes to prevent the warm bread from making the avocado mixture watery.
- Prepare the Avocado Spread: Cut your ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small mixing bowl. Using the back of a fork or a small masher, mash the avocado until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor and prevent browning. If you enjoy a mild garlic flavor, finely mince 1 clove and mix it in. Season the avocado with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, keeping in mind that the smoked salmon adds some saltiness too.
- Spread the Avocado Mixture: Using a spoon or butter knife, generously spread the prepared avocado mixture evenly over each slice of toasted bread. Be sure to cover the surface right to the edges, creating a creamy, even layer that will support the rest of the toppings. This step ensures each bite has a perfect balance of creamy avocado and crunchy toast.
- Arrange the Cucumber Slices: Peel and thinly slice ½ Persian cucumber (or English cucumber) into uniform rounds. Layer the cucumber slices evenly on top of the avocado spread. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle, clean flavor that balances the richness of the avocado and salmon. Overlapping the slices slightly will create a visually appealing presentation.
- Add the Smoked Salmon: Take 4 ounces of smoked salmon and gently tear or cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place the salmon carefully over the cucumber layer, distributing it evenly across both slices of toast. The smoked salmon delivers a rich, savory flavor and provides a protein boost, making this breakfast or brunch filling and satisfying.
- Incorporate Optional Toppings: If desired, add 1 tablespoon of pickled red onions for a tangy contrast, and sprinkle ½ cup of microgreens or arugula over the top for freshness and a slight peppery bite. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance richness and add a silky finish. For a subtle crunch and added flavor, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Everything Bagel Seasoning over the toast.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the toast by serving it with a lemon wedge on the side. Encourage diners to squeeze fresh lemon juice over the toast just before eating for a bright, zesty touch that elevates all the flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the toast while the bread is still crisp, and the avocado is fresh and creamy.
- Tips for Perfect Presentation: For a visually stunning result, arrange the toast on a platter or plate with contrasting colors from the microgreens, cucumber, and pickled onions. Slice the toast diagonally if desired for easier handling. This recipe is not only delicious but also picture-perfect, making it ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or casual breakfasts that impress.
Notes
- Garlic Optionality: Garlic adds a subtle depth of flavor, but it can be omitted for a lighter, everyday breakfast. For a stronger garlic kick, lightly sauté the minced garlic in a teaspoon of olive oil before mixing it into the avocado.
- Avocado Ripeness: Ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe for creamy texture. Slightly under-ripe avocados can be firm and difficult to mash, while overripe ones may be too mushy and watery.
- Bread Selection: Multi-grain, sourdough, or whole-grain bread all work well. Thicker slices support toppings better, while thinner slices toast faster.
- Topping Variations: Microgreens, arugula, or fresh herbs like dill or chives enhance freshness. Pickled red onions or capers add tangy contrast.
- Scaling the Recipe: Easily multiply ingredients to serve a crowd. Plan for approximately ½ avocado and 2 ounces of smoked salmon per serving.
