Lemony Avocado Toast with Arugula

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A smear of creamy avocado mash on multi grain toast topped off with peppery arugula makes this avocado toast a quick and satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Avocado toast. Chances are you’ve seen it on the menu at your favorite little brunch place at some point over the past couple years. It’s a deliciously healthy alternative to stack of pancakes or a cheesy omelette.

I love avocado toast topped with a runny egg or thick slice of tomato, but perhaps my favorite is the recipe I’ll share with you today: avocado mixed with loads of lemon and topped with peppery arugula.

It’s so simple and satisfying and not only a great breakfast, but a perfect option for a quick lunch or dinner.

Three items I always have on hand are avocado, arugula, and lemons. My younger son is a guacamole junkie, so I know I’m making guac for him at least once a week. And salads are in heavy rotation at our house, with baby arugula being my favorite green. So you know you can count on a package or two of that in my crisper drawer.

I also favor a simple salad dressing most nights and the one I whisk together most is this basic lemon vinaigrette.

Put these three staples together and you have my favorite version of avocado toast.  

• The creamy avocado is mashed with lemon juice and zest, a sprinkling of red pepper flakes for a little kick, and just a drizzle of olive oil.
• I love it paired with a rustic multi-grain bread, all toasted and crunchy.
• Ttop it off with a handful of arugula, lightly dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

While I love avocado toast for breakfast, I honestly find myself having it for lunch or dinner just as often. My boys’  busy social calendars had them elsewhere for dinner the other night, so I grabbed a ripe avocado and made myself dinner for one.

And let me tell you, avocado toast and coffee for breakfast has nothing on avocado toast, sauvignon blanc and a good book for dinner!

Tips for success

• Always choose a ripe avocado for the mash. You can check if it is ripe by pressing on it gently. If it yields to the pressure but doesn’t stay indented, it’s good to go. Some grocery stores even put a “Ripe” sticker on them when they’re ready.
• Don’t use an avocado that is mushy (overripe) or hard (unripe).
• To ripen avocados place them in a brown paper bag with another fruit such as an apple or banana for a couple days.
• Avocados will oxidize when exposed to the the air and turn brown. Mixing the avocado with an acid such as lemon or lime juice will slow down the oxidation process.

5 from 4 votes

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Lemony Avocado Toast with Arugula

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

A smear of creamy avocado mash on multi grain toast topped off with peppery arugula makes this avocado toast a quick and satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Course: Breakfast/Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: avocado toast

Servings: 2 Servings

Calories: 399 kcal

Author: Cathy Roma | What Should I Make For…

Ingredients

Lemon Vinaigrette

• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Avocado Mash

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Make the Avocado Toast

• 2 slices multi-grain bread, toasted
• a couple handfuls of arugula

Instructions

Lemon Vinaigrette

1. Whisk together all ingredients until emulsified.

Avocado Mash

1. Cut avocado in half and remove the pit. Score the avocado halves and then scoop the avocado into a small bowl.

2. Add the zest, lemon juice, salt, red pepper flakes, and olive oil and mash together with a fork.

Make the Avocado Toast

1. Spread the avocado mash on the toast.
2. Toss arugula with the dressing and place on top of the avocado mash. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• Always choose a ripe avocado for the mash. You can check if it is ripe by pressing on it gently. If it yields to the pressure but doesn’t stay indented, it’s good to go. Some grocery stores even put a “Ripe” sticker on them when they’re ready.
• Don’t use an avocado that is mushy (overripe) or hard (unripe).
• To ripen avocados place them in a brown paper bag with another fruit such as an apple or banana for a couple days.
• Avocados will oxidize when exposed to the the air and turn brown. Mixing the avocado with an acid such as lemon or lime juice will slow down the oxidation process.

Nutrition Facts

Lemony Avocado Toast with Arugula

Amount Per Serving

Calories 399 Calories from Fat 306

% Daily Value*

Fat 34g52%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Sodium 1286mg56%

Potassium 556mg16%

Carbohydrates 21g7%

Fiber 8g33%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 220IU4%

Vitamin C 18.5mg22%

Calcium 42mg4%

Iron 1.2mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Update Notes: This post was originally published in July 2016 but was republished with tips in March 2019.