Vibrant Sun-Dried Tomato and Avocado Smash Toast Recipe

Ingredients

For the Avocado Smash

1 ripe avocado
2 to 3 tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste, or 1 small garlic clove, finely minced

For the Toast

2 slices gluten-free rustic or sourdough bread
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Optional Toppings

Fresh basil leaves
Microgreens
Red pepper flakes
Flaky sea salt
Poached egg
Soft-boiled egg
Crumbled feta cheese or dairy-free feta alternative
Thinly sliced cucumber
Halved cherry tomatoes
Thinly sliced radishes
Balsamic glaze

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Drain the sun-dried tomatoes well, allowing the excess packing oil to drip away. Finely chop the tomatoes so their tangy flavor can be distributed evenly throughout the avocado mixture. If using fresh garlic, mince it finely to prevent large, overpowering pieces in the finished spread.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

Toast the gluten-free rustic or sourdough bread until it is golden brown and crisp around the edges. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bread and the appliance being used. Set the toasted slices aside while preparing the avocado smash.

Step 3: Prepare the Avocado

Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocado until it is mostly smooth, leaving a few small chunks to give the spread additional texture.

Step 4: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add the drained and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the mashed avocado. Fold them into the mixture until they are evenly distributed. Their concentrated tomato flavor and pleasantly chewy texture will provide a flavorful contrast to the creamy avocado.

Step 5: Season the Avocado Smash

Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, the fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently until all the ingredients are combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, garlic, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 6: Assemble the Toast

Divide the avocado mixture evenly between the two slices of toasted gluten-free bread. Spread it generously across the surface of each slice, reaching close to the edges so every bite contains both crisp toast and creamy avocado.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over each prepared toast. Garnish with fresh basil, microgreens, red pepper flakes, or flaky sea salt, if desired. For extra freshness and crunch, add sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or radishes.

Step 8: Add an Optional Protein

For a more filling breakfast or lunch, top each slice with a poached egg or soft-boiled egg. Crumbled feta cheese also adds a salty, creamy element that complements the avocado and sun-dried tomatoes. Use a dairy-free feta alternative when needed.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Transfer the finished avocado toast to serving plates and enjoy it immediately. Serving the toast as soon as it is assembled preserves the contrast between the warm, crisp bread and the cool, creamy avocado topping.

Notes

Choose an avocado that yields slightly when gently pressed but does not feel overly soft or mushy. An underripe avocado will be difficult to mash, while an overripe one may have an unpleasant flavor or brown spots.

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work especially well because they are tender and intensely flavorful. Drain them thoroughly before chopping so the avocado mixture does not become excessively oily.

The amount of sun-dried tomatoes can be adjusted according to taste. Use 2 tablespoons for a more balanced avocado flavor or 3 tablespoons for a stronger tomato presence.

Fresh lemon juice brightens the rich avocado and helps slow browning. Lime juice can provide a similar effect, although it will give the toast a slightly different flavor.

If using fresh garlic, begin with a small amount because raw garlic can taste quite strong. Garlic powder provides a milder, more evenly distributed garlic flavor.

Use sturdy gluten-free rustic or sourdough bread that can support the creamy topping. Toasting it thoroughly creates a firmer surface and helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative. Check the product label to confirm that it meets your dietary needs.

A poached or soft-boiled egg makes the toast more substantial and adds protein. Cook eggs to the level of doneness that is appropriate for you and the people you are serving.

Fresh basil reinforces the Mediterranean-inspired flavors, while microgreens add delicate texture and color. Red pepper flakes are ideal for anyone who enjoys a touch of heat.

A light drizzle of balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity. Use it sparingly so it enhances rather than overwhelms the avocado and sun-dried tomatoes.

Serve the toast immediately after assembling it for the best combination of crisp bread and creamy topping. If it sits for too long, moisture from the avocado mixture will begin to soften the bread.

If you have leftover avocado mixture, transfer it to an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly against its surface to minimize exposure to air. Refrigerate it promptly and enjoy it within one day. Some browning may still occur, but the mixture can be stirred before serving.

This recipe is designed to be gluten-free, but ingredient labels and preparation conditions can vary. Use certified gluten-free bread, verify all packaged ingredients, and prevent cross-contact when serving someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.