Save It This bright avocado toast with heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil will make any morning feel special. Creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes and good bread meet a splash of olive oil for a simple dish bursting with summer flavor—a brunch favorite I rely on when tomatoes are at their peak.
I whipped up my first version with tomatoes from a farmers’ market and was amazed at how the sweet and tangy flavor worked with buttery avocado. Now I make it for family brunches every summer.
Ingredients
- Crusty bread: choose a rustic sourdough or multigrain for flavor and crunch and toast it well for a sturdy base
- Ripe avocado: offers creamy richness try to pick one that yields slightly to gentle pressure and has dark green skin
- Heirloom tomatoes: these bring gorgeous color and natural sweetness check for tomatoes that feel heavy and have a fresh smell
- Fresh basil leaves: add herbal brightness look for vibrant green leaves with no black spots
- Extra virgin olive oil: gives depth and richness the best flavor comes from a cold pressed oil
Instructions
- Prepare the bread:
- Toast slices of your chosen bread until golden crisp. You want a hearty texture that can hold toppings.
- Prep the avocado:
- Slice avocado in half. Remove the pit and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash lightly with the back of a fork leaving a few chunks for texture. Sprinkle with a little salt to bring out the flavor.
- Slice the tomatoes:
- Cut heirloom tomatoes into generous wedges or rounds. If especially juicy let them drain for a minute on a paper towel so your toast stays crisp.
- Assemble the toast:
- Spread the mashed avocado onto the hot toast. Layer the sliced tomatoes on top gently pressing them in. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt if you like.
- Finish with basil and oil:
- Tear a handful of basil leaves and scatter over the tomatoes. Drizzle everything generously with extra virgin olive oil to tie it all together.
Save It Tomatoes always take me back to summer mornings with my mom when the garden harvest arrived—she would layer sun-warmed slices over anything she could think of. Now I cherish picking the most colorful ones at the market just for this toast.
Storage Tips
This toast is best eaten immediately but you can prep the toppings ahead. Keep mashed avocado in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning. Slice tomatoes only when ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap fresh basil with dill or mint for a twist. If heirloom tomatoes are unavailable good cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes work too. Whole grain rye or gluten free bread hold up nicely in place of sourdough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the toast as is for breakfast or pair with a soft-boiled egg on the side. Make mini versions for summer parties as a fun appetizer. For something heartier layer on a piece of smoked salmon.
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Tomato and avocado toast brings French café flair to your kitchen. Its roots run deep in Mediterranean and Californian cuisine both known for spotlighting vegetables at their peak. Heirloom tomatoes arrive in local markets from June through September so make the most of this sunny season.
Seasonal Adaptations
Early fall try slices of ripe figs instead of tomatoes. In winter roasted squash makes a delicious topping. Spring brings radishes which add a peppery crunch.
Success Stories
Friends tell me this toast wins over even those who swear they do not like tomatoes. Last summer a neighbor requested the recipe after one bite at brunch. I often make extra—there are never any leftovers.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze sliced bread ahead and toast straight from frozen to save time. Skip freezing fresh tomatoes and avocado as texture is best when fresh but stash frozen basil or pre chopped herbs for convenience.
Save It This simple recipe is a celebration of ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado—enjoy it while summer lasts. You will turn to it again with each tomato season.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for this toast?
Sourdough or country bread provide a hearty base, but any crusty loaf will complement the toppings well.
- → How ripe should the avocado be?
The avocado should be ripe but slightly firm, allowing for easy spreading without becoming mushy.
- → Can I use any tomatoes for this dish?
Heirloom tomatoes are preferred for their vibrant color and flavor, but ripe regular tomatoes can also be used.
- → Is fresh basil necessary?
Fresh basil adds aromatic depth and color, but you can substitute with other herbs like parsley if desired.
- → How can I enhance the flavor further?
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dash of pepper, or a hint of lemon juice will elevate the dish's freshness.