Name: Creamy Avocado and Smoked Salmon Toasts recipe
Ingredients: 4 slices of bread (Sourdough, Whole Wheat, or Multigrain recommended): The foundation of our toast! Opt for a sturdy bread that can hold up well under the creamy avocado and smoked salmon. Sourdough brings a delightful tang and chewiness, whole wheat offers a nutty flavor and added fiber, while multigrain provides a hearty texture and nutritional boost. Ultimately, the best bread is the one you love the most. For a gluten-free option, choose your favorite gluten-free bread slices. Consider toasting the bread to varying degrees of crispness – some prefer a light golden hue, while others enjoy a more robust crunch. Experiment to find your perfect level of toastiness!; 2 ripe avocados: The star of the creamy element! Ripe avocados are essential for achieving that smooth, buttery texture we’re aiming for. To check for ripeness, gently press near the stem end. It should yield slightly to pressure but not feel mushy. If it’s too firm, it needs a few more days to ripen. If it’s overly soft, it might be overripe. Hass avocados are a popular choice due to their creamy texture and rich flavor, but other varieties will work as well. The avocado provides healthy fats, a creamy consistency, and a mild, slightly nutty flavor that complements the smoked salmon beautifully.; 4 oz smoked salmon (lox or nova style): The protein and the smoky, salty flavor punch! Smoked salmon is the luxurious highlight of this toast. You can use lox or nova style smoked salmon – both are delicious. Lox is typically salt-cured only, while nova is cold-smoked and tends to be milder. Look for good quality smoked salmon that is firm and brightly colored. Avoid salmon that looks dull or feels slimy. The smoky flavor of the salmon adds depth and complexity to the creamy avocado, creating a wonderful contrast. For a richer experience, consider using wild-caught smoked salmon.; 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess): This is your secret weapon for ultimate creaminess! While the avocado itself is naturally creamy, a touch of cream cheese takes it to another level of indulgence. It adds a tangy richness and helps to bind the avocado mixture together. If you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese, and the avocado will still provide ample creaminess. For a vegan option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative.; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightness and acidity are key! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for brightening up the richness of the avocado and salmon. It adds a zesty, citrusy note that cuts through the fat and prevents the avocado from browning. Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for the best flavor. Lime juice can also be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor profile.; 1 small red onion (thinly sliced or finely diced): A touch of sharpness and bite! Red onion adds a subtle sharpness and a bit of crunch to the toast. Thinly sliced red onion provides a more pronounced bite, while finely diced red onion blends more seamlessly into the avocado mixture. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its flavor. Shallots or chives can also be used as milder alternatives.; 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped): Freshness and herbaceous notes! Fresh dill is the perfect herb to complement both avocado and smoked salmon. Its delicate, slightly anise-like flavor enhances the overall taste profile and adds a touch of freshness. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use fresh chives or parsley, though dill is highly recommended for its classic pairing with salmon.; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Seasoning is paramount! Don’t underestimate the power of salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors and bring the dish together. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are preferred for their superior taste. Season the avocado mixture generously to your liking, and add a final sprinkle of pepper over the finished toasts for an extra layer of flavor.; Optional garnishes: Capers, everything bagel seasoning, chili flakes, olive oil drizzle – These are your opportunities to personalize your toasts! Capers add a salty, briny pop. Everything bagel seasoning provides a wonderful blend of seeds and spices. Chili flakes offer a touch of heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add richness and a fruity note. Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a few capers for a salty, briny burst. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a luxurious finish.

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices of bread (Sourdough, Whole Wheat, or Multigrain recommended): The foundation of our toast! Opt for a sturdy bread that can hold up well under the creamy avocado and smoked salmon. Sourdough brings a delightful tang and chewiness, whole wheat offers a nutty flavor and added fiber, while multigrain provides a hearty texture and nutritional boost. Ultimately, the best bread is the one you love the most. For a gluten-free option, choose your favorite gluten-free bread slices. Consider toasting the bread to varying degrees of crispness – some prefer a light golden hue, while others enjoy a more robust crunch. Experiment to find your perfect level of toastiness!

2 ripe avocados: The star of the creamy element! Ripe avocados are essential for achieving that smooth, buttery texture we’re aiming for. To check for ripeness, gently press near the stem end. It should yield slightly to pressure but not feel mushy. If it’s too firm, it needs a few more days to ripen. If it’s overly soft, it might be overripe. Hass avocados are a popular choice due to their creamy texture and rich flavor, but other varieties will work as well. The avocado provides healthy fats, a creamy consistency, and a mild, slightly nutty flavor that complements the smoked salmon beautifully.

4 oz smoked salmon (lox or nova style): The protein and the smoky, salty flavor punch! Smoked salmon is the luxurious highlight of this toast. You can use lox or nova style smoked salmon – both are delicious. Lox is typically salt-cured only, while nova is cold-smoked and tends to be milder. Look for good quality smoked salmon that is firm and brightly colored. Avoid salmon that looks dull or feels slimy. The smoky flavor of the salmon adds depth and complexity to the creamy avocado, creating a wonderful contrast. For a richer experience, consider using wild-caught smoked salmon.

2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess): This is your secret weapon for ultimate creaminess! While the avocado itself is naturally creamy, a touch of cream cheese takes it to another level of indulgence. It adds a tangy richness and helps to bind the avocado mixture together. If you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese, and the avocado will still provide ample creaminess. For a vegan option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative.

1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightness and acidity are key! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for brightening up the richness of the avocado and salmon. It adds a zesty, citrusy note that cuts through the fat and prevents the avocado from browning. Always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled for the best flavor. Lime juice can also be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor profile.

1 small red onion (thinly sliced or finely diced): A touch of sharpness and bite! Red onion adds a subtle sharpness and a bit of crunch to the toast. Thinly sliced red onion provides a more pronounced bite, while finely diced red onion blends more seamlessly into the avocado mixture. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its flavor. Shallots or chives can also be used as milder alternatives.

2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped): Freshness and herbaceous notes! Fresh dill is the perfect herb to complement both avocado and smoked salmon. Its delicate, slightly anise-like flavor enhances the overall taste profile and adds a touch of freshness. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use fresh chives or parsley, though dill is highly recommended for its classic pairing with salmon.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Seasoning is paramount! Don’t underestimate the power of salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors and bring the dish together. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are preferred for their superior taste. Season the avocado mixture generously to your liking, and add a final sprinkle of pepper over the finished toasts for an extra layer of flavor.

Optional garnishes: Capers, everything bagel seasoning, chili flakes, olive oil drizzle – These are your opportunities to personalize your toasts! Capers add a salty, briny pop. Everything bagel seasoning provides a wonderful blend of seeds and spices. Chili flakes offer a touch of heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add richness and a fruity note. Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a few capers for a salty, briny burst. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a luxurious finish.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Cream

Halve and pit the avocados: Carefully cut the avocados lengthwise around the pit. Twist the two halves to separate them. To remove the pit safely, gently whack the pit with the blade of a knife and twist to remove it. Use a spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh into a medium-sized bowl.

Mash the avocado: Using a fork, mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency. Some people prefer a completely smooth cream, while others like a slightly chunkier texture. Don’t over-mash if you prefer some texture.

Add cream cheese (optional): If using cream cheese, add it to the bowl with the mashed avocado. This will enhance the creaminess and add a subtle tang.

Incorporate lemon juice: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the avocado mixture. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps prevent the avocado from browning.

Season generously: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the avocado mixture. Start with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning to your liking. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s crucial for bringing out the flavors of the avocado and salmon.

Mix thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning again if needed. The avocado cream is now ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Toasts

Toast the bread slices: Toast the bread slices to your preferred level of crispness. You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or a skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, lightly brush the bread with olive oil or butter for extra flavor and crispness. Toast until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Optional: Garlic rub: For an extra layer of flavor, once the toasts are slightly cooled, rub a peeled garlic clove over the surface of each toast. This adds a subtle garlic aroma and taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Toasts

Spread the avocado cream: Generously spread the prepared creamy avocado mixture evenly over each slice of toasted bread. Ensure you cover the entire surface for maximum flavor in every bite.

Layer with smoked salmon: Drape or arrange slices of smoked salmon over the avocado cream on each toast. You can tear the salmon into smaller pieces or leave them in larger slices, depending on your preference.

Garnish and finish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and thinly sliced or diced red onion over the smoked salmon.

Optional garnishes (add now): If using capers, everything bagel seasoning, chili flakes, or olive oil drizzle, add them at this stage. A sprinkle of capers adds a salty pop, everything bagel seasoning provides a savory crunch, chili flakes offer a touch of heat, and a drizzle of olive oil adds richness.

Final seasoning: Give a final sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper over the assembled toasts.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Serve right away: Creamy Avocado and Smoked Salmon Toasts are best enjoyed immediately after assembly while the toast is still crispy and the avocado is fresh. Serving them promptly ensures the best texture and flavor experience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 350-450
Sodium: 400-600 mg
Fat: 25-35 grams
Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
Fiber: 4-6 grams
Protein: 15-20 grams
Cholesterol: 50-70 mg