Avocado and cucumber toasts

Recipe for Avocado and Cucumber Toasts

Hello! We are going to prepare some Avocado and cucumber mini toasts, a fresh, healthy, and very easy-to-make appetizer. It's ideal for those looking for a light snack, full of flavor and plant-based nutrients that you can enjoy at any time of day.

Preparation time

This recipe is quick and simple, perfect for those with little time but who want a healthy and delicious option.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 5 minutes (to toast the bread)
• Total: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the toasts

• 4 slices of whole wheat bread or bread of your choice
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 medium cucumber
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• A few sprigs of fresh cilantro or parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil (Optional)

If you can't find Hass avocado, you can use another type of avocado that is ripe but firm, and adjust the amount of lemon juice so it doesn't oxidize quickly.

Utensils we will use

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Toaster or pan for toasting the bread
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon for mashing the avocado
• Spoon or fork for spreading
• Small grater (optional, if you want to make grated cucumber)

How to make Avocado and Cucumber Toasts

Prepare the avocado

1. Select and cut the avocado. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. It's important that the avocado is ripe to make it easier to mash without lumps and achieve a creamy texture.
2. Mash the avocado. Place the flesh in a bowl and add the juice of half a lemon to prevent it from oxidizing and developing a bitter taste. Use a fork or spoon to mash the avocado until you get a homogeneous texture but with some body.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste and mix well. The pepper enhances the fresh flavor without overpowering the avocado.

Prepare the cucumber

1. Wash and peel the cucumber. Wash the cucumber thoroughly and, if you prefer a smoother texture, peel it. If you want more freshness and fiber, leave the skin on.
2. Cut the cucumber. You can cut the cucumber into thin slices or small cubes, according to your taste. Slices provide a crunchy texture and an attractive visual for the toasts.

Toast the bread

1. Choose the bread. Use whole wheat, multigrain, or any type you prefer, but make sure it's firm so it doesn't get soggy easily when placing the avocado.
2. Toast the bread. Toast the slices in a toaster or pan over medium heat until golden and crispy on the outside, remember that the goal is for the bread to maintain texture when bitten.

Assemble the toasts

1. Spread the avocado. With a spoon, spread the avocado cream evenly over each slice of toasted bread.
2. Place the cucumber. Arrange the cucumber slices or cubes on top of the avocado, making sure they are well distributed to achieve that fresh touch in every bite.
3. Decorate and season. Add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or parsley to taste. If you want an extra touch, you can drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or add freshly ground black pepper.

To finish and serve

Upon finishing, check the salt and pepper to adjust if necessary. Serve the toasts immediately to preserve freshness and crispy texture. This snack works very well as an appetizer or for a light snack. It pairs perfectly with a simple soup or fresh skewers like those you can find in this complementary recipe for caprese skewers with watermelon.

The benefits of including avocado and cucumber in your diet

Avocado is recognized as an excellent source of healthy fats that promote cardiovascular health and aid in vitamin absorption. Additionally, its creamy texture makes recipes more satisfying and nutritious. Its fiber content helps digestion and keeps blood sugar levels stable.

On the other hand, cucumber is very low in calories and provides hydration thanks to its high water content. It has essential vitamins and minerals and helps reinforce the feeling of freshness in light dishes like this one. Furthermore, as it is a fresh vegetable food, it provides vitality without adding fats.

Together, these Avocado and cucumber mini toasts are a healthy, low-calorie, and nutrient-rich option that you can include in your daily diet to maintain a balance between flavor and well-being. The combination of healthy fats and fresh vegetables makes this appetizer an ally for those looking to take care of their diet without sacrificing taste.

How to enjoy avocado and cucumber toasts in different meals

These toasts are very versatile and can adapt to various occasions. For breakfast, they provide enough energy without feeling heavy and offer a good contribution of healthy fats, ideal for starting the day. They are an ideal snack for mid-morning or afternoon, as their freshness provides hydration and satiety without excess calories.

They also work very well as an appetizer before the main meal or even at informal gatherings, as a vegetable and vegetarian option that pleases many palates. If you're looking for something more complete, you can accompany them with a light soup or tapas with light protein, like this salmon canapé.

Finally, their quick and simple preparation makes them perfect for those days when you don't want to complicate things, allowing you to enjoy a fresh and healthy bite in less than thirty minutes.

Tips for choosing the best avocado and cucumber for your toasts

The avocado should be ripe but firm. To check, press gently on the skin; it should yield slightly without feeling mushy. An overly ripe avocado has dark flesh and becomes pasty, which will affect the texture of the toasts.

The cucumber should be fresh, firm, and blemish-free. Depending on the type, it may be better to peel it to avoid bitterness from the skin. If you use cucumbers with large seeds, you can cut them in half and remove the seeds to make the toast lighter.

To preserve avocado if you don't use all the pulp, store the rest with a little lemon juice and wrapped in plastic film to prevent it from oxidizing quickly. It's always best to prepare the toasts just before eating to preserve freshness.

Creative variations for avocado and cucumber toasts

This toast base is very adaptable to different flavors. Some common variations include adding sliced cherry tomatoes for a sweet and tangy touch, or sprinkling feta cheese crumbled to add a salty contrast. You can also try different fresh herbs, such as basil or mint, which will give it a different freshness.

If you like stronger flavors, a few drops of hot sauce or some sesame seeds add texture and depth. Those following vegetarian diets can include plant-based protein ingredients like scrambled tofu or crispy chickpeas to enrich the toasts.

Preparing these toasts with different breads, such as rye or spelt, also modifies the taste experience. The key is to maintain the balance between the creaminess of the avocado and the freshness of the cucumber so that each bite is pleasant and balanced.

Recommendations for storing and preparing avocado and cucumber toasts

It is important to prepare the toasts just before serving to preserve the texture of the bread and prevent it from getting soggy. Avocado tends to oxidize quickly, which is why using lemon juice is essential. If you need to prepare ahead, store the avocado and lemon mixture in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within a maximum of 12 hours.

The cucumber should always be washed and dried very well before cutting so that the toasts do not become watery. If you prefer a more delicate presentation, slicing the cucumber into thin sheets with the help of a mandoline (or a vegetable peeler) is ideal.

To toast the bread, avoid using too much heat, which could burn the slices on the outside and leave them hard on the inside. An even and crispy golden brown will ensure a better texture for these toasts.

This video shows the detailed preparation of a similar recipe that can serve as a visual reference and complement the written explanation.

Here you will find ideas for healthy avocado snacks that complement the toasts well, ideal for vegetarian diets and fresh options.