10 Effortless Ways to Dress Up Your Avocado Toast
Decadently creamy and mildly sweet, avocado toast is incredibly easy to make: Slice or mash some avocado and spread it on a piece of toast. But don’t let the simplicity of this dish fool you.
Overview
Decadently creamy and mildly sweet, avocado toast is incredibly easy to make: Slice or mash some avocado and spread it on a piece of toast. But don't let the simplicity of this dish fool you. Topping your toast with avocado adds tons of antioxidants, fiber and essential minerals like potassium — turning plain ol' toast into a nutritional powerhouse. And while basic avocado toast is tasty all on its own, dropping on some fruits, veggies or nuts adds texture and even more nutrients to your meal. Try one of these sweet, savory or spicy avocado toast toppings for a breakfast that's equal parts pretty, healthy and tasty.
1. Tex-Mex Avocado Toast
Turn up the heat with a veggie-packed avocado toast that's both satisfying and spicy. Beans and corn add beneficial protein and fiber that'll keep you feeling full for hours. They also supply antioxidants to help protect your cells from damage. Tomato slices provide a generous amount of vitamin C for smooth, glowing skin. Start by loading a thick slice of multigrain toast with mashed avocado. Then add a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes; a tablespoon each of drained and rinsed black beans and toasted corn kernels; and a tablespoon of salsa or pico de gallo. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
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2. Crunchy Spiced Chickpea Avocado Toast
This avocado toast features whole grains, legumes and leafy greens. Roasted spiced chickpeas provide vegan protein to help nourish your muscles. They also supply tons of dietary fiber to promote digestion and heart health. Warming spices like cayenne, cinnamon and ginger add antioxidants, which help protect against free radical damage. Make this toast by spreading mashed avocado over a generous slice of sourdough. Add a quarter-cup of roasted chickpeas, seasoned with a dash of cayenne, ginger and cinnamon. Finally, top with a sprinkle of feta cheese, a tablespoon of chopped mint leaves and the zest of one lemon.
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3. Tropical Avocado Toast
Take your taste buds on a trip to the tropics with this refreshing avocado toast. Homemade pineapple-and-pepper salad supplies tons of vitamin C to your meal. Pineapple also supplies bromelain, an enzyme that supports joint health. A cilantro garnish adds fresh flavor and also supplies vitamin A, an essential nutrient that nourishes your skin, eyes and immune system. Make the pineapple salsa by mixing two tablespoons of chopped fresh pineapple with a tablespoon of chopped red bell peppers and a generous handful of chopped cilantro. Then top a slice of whole-wheat toast with thinly sliced avocado. Add the salsa and garnish with another sprig of cilantro.
4. Poached Egg Avocado Toast
If you're looking for a meal that's easy to make but still looks fancy, this poached egg avocado toast is the option for you. Mixing the mashed avocado with cayenne, an antioxidant powerhouse that also helps with weight loss, adds a hint of spice to your toast. The poached egg provides enough protein to make this toast a satisfying meal. Start by poaching your egg. While it's cooking, mash a quarter-teaspoon of cayenne with half of an avocado. Spread the avocado mixture over a slice of sprouted grain bread, add a handful of your favorite microgreens. Top with the egg and another sprinkle of cayenne if you'd like a bit more heat.
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5. Beet and Crispy Shallot Avocado Toast
For a gorgeous kick-off your morning, make this vibrantly hued avocado toast. Beets come packed with heart-healthy fiber, and they also supply betaine, a phytonutrient that helps boost your athletic performance. Crispy shallots add crunch along with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Make this toast by cutting roasted beets into half-inch slices. Skin and thinly slice the shallots. Dip the shallots in a mixture of milk and cornstarch, then coat with breadcrumbs and pan-fry in coconut oil until crispy. Top a piece of multigrain bread with avocado slices, sliced beets and the shallots. Finally, garnish with some orange zest for a pop of color and citrus flavor.
6. Mediterranean Avocado Toast
This avocado toast bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Sun-dried tomatoes provide vitamin C, which helps boost immunity. They're also a great source of lycopene, a phytonutrient with powerful antioxidant benefits. Black olives impart savory flavor and healthy fats, while garlic can help reduce high blood pressure. Begin by mashing half of an avocado and mixing in a dash of garlic powder. Spread the mixture over a thick slice of whole-grain bread. Add a few tablespoons of thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes and a tablespoon of pitted and sliced Kalamata olives. Garnish with a handful of chopped basil, a sprinkle of feta and the zest of one lemon.
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7. Sweet and Savory Burrata Avocado Toast
Craving comfort food that's still totally healthy? Try a decadent avocado toast featuring burrata, an ultra-creamy Italian cheese. Red grapes and cherry tomatoes supply a powerful dose of antioxidants and naturally sweet flavor. And a balsamic vinegar garnish adds savory flavor and heart-healthy phytonutrients. Start by topping a slice of multigrain baguette with a layer of mashed avocado, then smearing on a generous helping of the burrata. Add a few halved grapes and chopped cherry tomatoes, season with a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and garnish with thinly sliced basil ribbons and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
8. Arugula and Fig Avocado Toast
Double up on your greens by pairing creamy avocado with crisp, peppery arugula. Like most leafy greens, arugula is an excellent source of vitamin K, a nutrient that's essential for blood clotting. It's also high in vitamin A, which boosts immune health. Sliced figs provide a hefty dose of fiber, so you'll feel full and satisfied for hours after eating. Prepare the toast by topping a slice of whole-wheat flaxseed bread with half of a thinly sliced avocado. Add a small handful of arugula leaves, arrange a few fig slices atop it and sprinkle with the leaves from a sprig of fresh thyme. Garnish with chopped toasted hazelnuts and a drizzle of antioxidant-rich manuka honey.
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9. Persimmon and Pomegranate Avocado Toast
This richly colored avocado toast is topped with sweet persimmons and tart pomegranate arils. Persimmons provide vitamin A and potassium, a mineral important for nerve, muscle and heart health, while pomegranate arils burst with fiber and vitamins C and K. Top a thick slice of crusty artisanal multigrain bread with a generous layer of mashed avocado. Add two or three wedges of fresh persimmon. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh dill and a handful of pomegranate arils, then add a drizzle of honey. For the best flavor, make sure to make this toast using persimmons that are fully ripe.
10. Strawberry and Mint Avocado Toast
In the mood for something refreshing? Try this strawberry and mint avocado toast. Strawberries are one of the richest sources of vitamin C, and they're naturally low in sugar (so they're lower in calories than many fruits). Mint leaves add bright herbal flavor, and they also contain phytonutrients that help promote digestion. Make the toast by spreading a thick layer of mashed avocado on a slice of multigrain bread. Top with two to three tablespoons of sliced strawberries, a handful of freshly chopped mint leaves and a tablespoon of toasted chopped hazelnuts. Season with freshly ground salt and black pepper, then garnish with a drizzle of honey.
What Do YOU Think?
Are you already an avocado toast convert or just excited to give avocado toast a try? Which of these flavor combinations will you make first? What are your favorite avocado toast toppings? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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