Cucumber Toast with Avocado
A fresh, flavorful toast layered with creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers, tangy pickled onions, and a sprinkle of feta. This fiber-rich, protein-friendly meal is ready in just five minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or a light lunch.
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 Fork or Potato Masher
- 1 Toaster or Toaster Oven
- 1 butter knife or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick-cut rustic bread
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 Persian cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon za’atar seasoning
- 2 tablespoons pickled red onions
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Flaky salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bread: Start by selecting thick-cut, rustic bread for the best texture and flavor. Using a toaster or toaster oven, toast each slice until it achieves a golden-brown crust and slightly crisp edges. The toast should remain tender in the center but firm enough to support the toppings without getting soggy. Once toasted, spread a thin layer of high-quality butter evenly over each slice while still warm to enhance flavor and add richness.
- Mash the Avocado: Cut the ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a small bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice, which not only brightens the flavor but also helps prevent the avocado from browning. Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the avocado to a chunky, creamy texture. You want it smooth enough to spread easily but with small lumps for a pleasant bite and texture contrast.
- Layer the Avocado on Toast: Using a butter knife or spoon, evenly spread a generous amount of the mashed avocado onto each piece of buttered toast. Make sure the avocado covers the surface edge to edge, creating a creamy base that will hold the remaining toppings in place. This step ensures each bite is packed with the smooth, tangy richness of avocado.
- Arrange the Cucumber Slices: Thinly slice the Persian cucumber and layer the slices on top of the avocado. Aim for even coverage, slightly overlapping the slices to create a visually appealing pattern. The cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and light flavor that balances the richness of the avocado and butter.
- Sprinkle Za’atar Seasoning: Generously sprinkle the za’atar seasoning over the cucumber and avocado layers. The herbaceous, slightly tangy blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac adds an aromatic and savory element that elevates the overall flavor profile of the toast. Be sure to distribute it evenly so each bite carries the distinct, earthy flavor.
- Add Pickled Red Onions: Thinly slice or measure out pickled red onions and arrange them over the za’atar-covered toast. The bright, tangy onions provide a subtle acidity that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado, the crunchy cucumber, and the buttery toast, creating a balanced, layered taste experience.
- Sprinkle Crumbled Feta: Lightly crumble feta cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the toast. The feta adds a salty, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients and introduces a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure to distribute it evenly to ensure every bite has a hint of feta.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Finish the toast with a pinch of flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This final seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the avocado, cucumber, and feta while adding a subtle, satisfying seasoning layer. Adjust the salt and pepper based on your preference, but don’t overdo it, as the feta already provides some saltiness.
- Serve Immediately: Once fully assembled, serve the cucumber avocado toast immediately while the bread is still slightly warm and the toppings are fresh. This ensures the toast maintains its crisp texture and the avocado stays creamy. Pair with a fresh cup of tea, coffee, or a light salad for a complete, balanced meal.
- Optional Garnish and Variations: For extra flair, consider adding a few fresh herb sprigs like dill or parsley, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. You can also experiment with different breads such as sourdough or whole-grain varieties, or add a protein topping like a poached egg to make it more filling.
Notes
- Use thick-cut, rustic bread for the best balance of crunch and softness.
- Select ripe avocados that yield slightly under gentle pressure for a creamy texture.
- Lemon juice not only adds flavor but prevents avocado from browning quickly.
- Za’atar seasoning enhances the toast with a fragrant, earthy flavor—adjust quantity to taste.
- Pickled onions provide tangy contrast; feel free to make your own for extra freshness.
- Crumbled feta adds a savory note, but goat cheese or ricotta can be substituted.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture; the bread may become soggy if left too long.
- Experiment with toppings like radishes, sprouts, or microgreens for added nutrition and visual appeal.
