Avocados are creamy, flavorful, and one of the hottest fruits of the summer. We can’t get enough of it in our guacamole dips, and the green stuff tastes pretty good in salads, smoothies, brownies, and sandwiches, too. Good taste is not the only thing to love about avocados; they are also full of health benefits. Avocados are nutritious and include 20 different vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and Vitamin E. They are also very high in potassium, which supports good blood pressure; fiber, which supports weight loss; and antioxidants, which help improve eye health.
Avocados should be stored at room temperature until they ripen which can take up to 4 to 5 days. When the outside skin is black or dark purple, they are ripe and ready to eat or refrigerate. To speed up the ripening process, place your avocado in a paper bag with an apple, banana, or kiwifruit. To speed up the ripening process even more (say, like ten minutes), slice your avocado, sprinkle with lemon juice, and bake it in the oven on 300° for 10 minutes. If your avocado is ripe, but you’re not quite ready to eat it, store it in the refrigerator to preserve it. If you’ve already cut into your avocado, sprinkle it with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, or cover it in plastic wrap to keep it from turning brown.
While guacamole is the most popular way to eat avocados, it isn’t the only way. Avocados taste great on toast. Just slice or smash and place on top of a piece of bread. It’s so simple to make, but quite an upgrade from your plain butter and jam toasts. A plain avocado toast tastes great and makes for a nice breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack, but adding a variety of toppings gives an even greater taste and doesn’t cost that much more money or time. Below are nine easy and quick ways to top your avocado toast and eat any time of the day – three for breakfast, three for lunch, and three for dinner.
Breakfast
1. California-Style Fried Egg Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is given a fun California-style twist! This ultimate breakfast toast is piled with lots of smashed avocado, fresh veggies, and a beautiful fried egg on top.
2. Breakfast Bruschetta on Avocado Toast
Breakfast Bruschetta topped with scrambled eggs, salty bacon, sweet peppers, all on a creamy Avocado Toast! The perfect Saturday morning breakfast or brunch recipe.
3. Peach, Whipped Feta, and Avocado Toast
Sweet and savory—this Peach, Whipped Feta, and Avocado Toast is a great recipe for breakfast or a snack.
Lunch
1. Turkey and Avocado Toast
Made with wholesome ingredients like whole grain bread, creamy avocado, and delicious slow roasted turkey breast, this toast is a smart option that fits into a healthy lifestyle. It’s the perfect quick lunch for busy afternoons.
2. Tomato Avocado Melt
A tasty melt with mayo and cayenne to add just the right touch of tang and bite.
3. Cucumber Hummus Avocado Toast
Crunchy cukes, creamy hummus, and glorious avocado join forces in pretty much the easiest lunch or snack ever.
Dinner
1. Mexican Grilled Corn Avocado Toast
It’s toast! Not just any toast. Toast with smashed avocado and grilled, charred, buttery corn. Crumbly, fresh cheese. Spices and herbs. Lime and salt. Oh my!
2. Avocado Tuna Melt
Avocado, tomato, tuna salad, and muenster cheese on crunchy toasted whole grain bread.
3. Caprese Avocado Toast
This simple avocado toast includes fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze and makes for a great snack or meal!
Which one of the above recipes will you try? What is your favorite way to eat avocados and/or toast? Share your ideas with the Lifehack community.
Featured photo credit: Getty Images via gettyimages.com
