Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions Recipe
There is something utterly delightful about Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions that feels both fancy and simple at the same time. This vibrant dish layers creamy, tangy mashed avocado with the bright punch of quick-pickled onions atop perfectly toasted bread, creating a combination bursting with flavor and texture. Each bite delivers creamy richness, a touch of acidity, and a satisfying crunch that will elevate your usual toast game to something truly special and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions comes from a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients that work in beautiful harmony. Each component plays a crucial role: the tangy pickled onions add brightness, the ripe avocado brings buttery creaminess, and the crisp toasted bread provides the perfect base. Let’s dive into the essentials!
- 1 small red onion: Thinly sliced, it transforms into vibrant, tangy pickled onions that add zing and color.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Gives the pickling liquid its bright acidity and fruity depth.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances the vinegar’s sharpness with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavors both in the pickling liquid and the avocado mash.
- 1/4 cup water: Dilutes the pickling mix just enough to mellow it out.
- 4 slices of your favorite bread: Sourdough is a great choice for its crispy crust and chewy interior.
- 2 ripe avocados: The star ingredient, mashed creamy and infused with fresh lemon juice.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Adds freshness and helps keep the avocado from browning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to bring the avocado and pickled onions to life.
- Optional toppings: Radish slices, microgreens, chili flakes, and sesame seeds for extra color, texture, and a little spice kick.
How to Make Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions
Step 1: Pickle the Onions
Start by preparing the tangy pickled onions that add irresistible brightness to your toast. Combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and water in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Add the thinly sliced red onions, toss gently, and let them soak for at least 15 minutes so they soften and soak up all that delicious vinegar flavor. The longer they sit, the more vibrant and flavorful they become.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado
While the onions pickle, scoop the ripe avocados into a bowl and mash them smoothly with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The lemon juice is essential to keep the avocado from browning and adds a fresh zing that complements the richness perfectly. Taste and adjust the seasoning so your avocado mash sings with flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Next, toast your bread slices to a golden crisp. A good crunch contrasts wonderfully with the creamy avocado and juicy pickled onions. Whether you prefer a toaster, grill pan, or oven, aim for warm, slightly crunchy slices that hold up well under the toppings.
Step 4: Assemble the Toast
Now for the fun part: spread a generous layer of that lush avocado mash onto each slice of toasted bread. Top with a helping of pickled onions and sprinkle any optional toppings you like. Radishes bring a peppery snap, microgreens offer fresh herbal notes, chili flakes add a kick, and sesame seeds provide a subtle nuttiness. Each slice becomes a beautiful, flavor-packed masterpiece.
How to Serve Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only elevates the flavor but also makes your Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions look like it came from a trendy café. Fresh microgreens add a pop of color and a hint of earthiness, while a sprinkle of chili flakes introduces a bit of warmth. Thin radish slices provide crunch and a peppery bite, and sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty undertone. These little details turn simple toast into a vibrant and inviting dish.
Side Dishes
This toast pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy avocado and tangy onions perfectly. For a heartier meal, a bowl of tomato soup or roasted sweet potatoes balance out the meal with warmth and earthiness. For a breakfast or brunch vibe, fresh fruit or a cup of herbal tea rounds out the experience wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not switch things up and serve your Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions on a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation? Or cut the toast into smaller, bite-sized pieces for an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. You can even use the mashed avocado as a dip alongside pickled onions on a platter, turning your favorite flavors into a fun party spread that everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that might be tricky), store the mashed avocado separately from the pickled onions and toasted bread. Keep the avocado in an airtight container with a thin layer of plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent browning. The pickled onions can be refrigerated in their pickling liquid for up to a week, maintaining their tangy crunch.
Freezing
Freezing avocado toast isn’t recommended because the texture suffers; avocados turn mushy and bread can become soggy. However, you can freeze the pickled onions separately in a sealed container for up to a month, ensuring you always have a quick burst of tangy flavor ready to go.
Reheating
For best results, toast fresh bread each time you want avocado toast with pickled onions. If you have already assembled toast leftovers, consume cold or briefly warm just the bread portion in the oven or toaster oven, then add the avocado and pickled onions fresh. This keeps the textures and flavors vibrant and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use white or yellow onions instead of red for the pickled onions?
Absolutely! White or yellow onions can be pickled as well, but red onions tend to have a milder, slightly sweeter taste and gorgeous color that enhances both flavor and appearance.
How ripe should my avocados be?
Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not too soft or mushy. Perfectly ripe avocados mash easily and have the best creamy texture ideal for your Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions.
Can I make the pickled onions ahead of time?
Yes, and that’s a great idea! Pickled onions actually develop more depth of flavor if they sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, making your toast even more delightful.
What bread works best for this toast?
Sourdough is a top favorite thanks to its sturdy crust and tangy flavor, but feel free to use whole grain, rye, or any bread you love. Just ensure it toasts well for that perfect crunch.
Are there any vegan or gluten-free variations?
This recipe is naturally vegan! For gluten-free options, simply choose a gluten-free bread that crisps up nicely when toasted. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based and allergy-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions is one of those dishes that feels special but comes together effortlessly, perfect for any time of day. Its combination of creamy avocado, tangy onions, and crunchy toast is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and customize it with your favorite toppings – it’s a joy to make and even more satisfying to eat.
