Ingredients
Scale
This recipe relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients to truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 2 large, ripe avocados: The star of the show. Look for avocados that yield to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. Hass avocados are ideal for their creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor. They provide the luscious base for our salad.
- 2 cups mixed sprouts (e.g., alfalfa, broccoli, lentil): This is where the “salad” and the signature crunch come from. A mix provides a complex texture and a range of nutty, earthy, and slightly peppery flavors. They are also packed with nutrients.
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion: This adds a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the avocado. Dicing it finely ensures it integrates well without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Absolutely essential. Not only does it add a bright, zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish, but its acidity also prevents the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown too quickly.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil adds another layer of fruity, peppery flavor and contributes to the silky, satisfying mouthfeel of the avocado salad.
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or to taste): Flaky salt provides a better texture and a more nuanced flavor than regular table salt. It adds a delightful little crunch with each bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a pungent, woody spice that complements the creaminess of the avocado and the freshness of the sprouts.
- 4 thick slices of sturdy bread (e.g., sourdough, whole grain, or rye): The foundation of your toast is critical. A sturdy, rustic bread with a good crust will hold up to the generous topping without becoming soggy, providing the perfect crunchy canvas.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish): For those who enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top adds a welcome kick and a beautiful pop of color.
- Fresh herbs like dill or chives (optional, for garnish): Finely chopped fresh herbs can add another dimension of freshness and flavor complexity.
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect balance of a creamy, crunchy topping on a perfectly toasted base. The key is in the gentle handling of the ingredients and the timing of assembly.
- Prepare Your Toast Canvas: Begin by toasting your bread slices to your desired level of golden-brown perfection. This can be done in a toaster, under a broiler, or in a dry skillet over medium heat. The goal is to create a firm, crunchy surface that will act as a barrier against moisture from the avocado salad, preventing the toast from becoming soggy. Once toasted, set the slices aside on a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Create the Avocado Base: While the bread is toasting, prepare the avocado salad. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Using the back of a fork, gently mash the avocado. It’s important not to over-mash; aim for a chunky, rustic texture with some small pieces of avocado remaining. A completely smooth purée will lack the satisfying texture we’re looking for.
- Incorporate Flavor and Acidity: Add the fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the mashed avocado. Stir gently to combine. The lemon juice is crucial at this stage to prevent browning and to add that signature zesty flavor.
- Fold in the Fresh Components: Now, add the finely diced red onion and the mixed sprouts to the bowl with the avocado mixture. Using a spatula or a large spoon, gently fold the ingredients together. Be careful not to stir vigorously, as this can bruise the delicate sprouts and crush them, causing them to lose their wonderful crunch and release too much water. The goal is to lightly coat the sprouts and onion with the avocado mixture while keeping their texture intact.
- Taste and Adjust: This is the most important step for personalizing your toast. Take a small taste of the avocado and sprout salad. Does it need more salt? A little more lemon for brightness? A bit more pepper for a kick? Adjust the seasonings now until the flavor is perfectly balanced to your liking.
- Assemble and Serve Immediately: The final and most exciting step is the assembly. Take your toasted bread slices and generously pile the avocado and sprout salad on top of each one. Don’t be shy—a thick layer is what makes this so satisfying. Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs, if using. For the best experience, serve the toasts immediately while the bread is still warm and crunchy and the salad is cool and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400