Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs and Tomato Salsa

Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs and Tomato Salsa is a trendy, nutritious, and satisfying brunch dish that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy. The creamy avocado spread over toasted bread is topped with a perfectly poached egg, while the fresh tomato salsa adds a zesty kick. This dish is packed with healthy fats, protein, and fresh flavors, making it a well-rounded breakfast or brunch option.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings
• Nutritious & Balanced: Loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber for sustained energy
• Customizable: Can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or keto-friendly with simple swaps

Taste & Texture

• Creamy & Buttery: Mashed avocado with olive oil adds a rich, velvety texture
• Crunchy & Crispy: Toasted whole-grain bread provides the perfect crispy contrast
• Zesty & Fresh: The tomato salsa brings brightness with a hint of tang from lime juice

Dietary Attributes

• Vegetarian
• High in healthy fats
• Can be gluten-free with the right bread choice

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Avocado Toast:

• 2 slices whole-grain bread (or your choice of bread)
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Poached Eggs:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, helps with egg whites)

For the Tomato Salsa:

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Notes on Quality

Use ripe avocados for the best creamy texture. Fresh cherry tomatoes work best for the salsa, but Roma tomatoes can be a good alternative. Whole-grain bread adds extra fiber, but sourdough or gluten-free bread also works well.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap whole-grain bread for sourdough, gluten-free, or keto bread if needed
• Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different tangy flavor
• Replace cilantro with parsley if you’re not a fan of its taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Begin by making the tomato salsa. In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
• Toast the slices of bread until golden and crispy.
• While the bread is toasting, prepare the poached eggs. Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and add the vinegar (if using). Crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide them into the simmering water. Cook for 3-4 minutes for soft poached eggs with runny yolks. Remove with a slotted spoon.
• While the eggs cook, mash the avocado in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread slices.

• Once the eggs are ready, place them on top of the avocado toast.
• Spoon the tomato salsa over the top of the eggs and toast.
• Serve immediately and enjoy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use fresh eggs for the best poached egg results; older eggs don’t hold their shape as well
• Toast the bread just enough to be crispy but still soft in the middle for the perfect bite
• Stir the water in a circular motion before adding the eggs to help them keep a nice round shape

Common Mistakes

• Boiling the water too hard can cause the eggs to break apart; keep the simmer gentle
• Over-mashing the avocado can make it too smooth; leave a little texture for the best experience
• Adding too much lime juice to the salsa can make it watery, so start with less and add more if needed

Time-Saving Tips

• Make the salsa ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days
• Use an egg poacher if you struggle with traditional poaching techniques
• Pre-toast the bread and reheat it for a quick morning meal

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a fresh fruit salad or a smoothie for a complete breakfast
• Pair with a side of roasted potatoes or a green salad for a heartier meal

Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with extra cilantro or microgreens for a beautiful touch
• Add a drizzle of hot sauce or balsamic glaze for extra flavor

Beverage Pairings

• A fresh orange juice or a green smoothie pairs beautifully with this dish
• For a weekend brunch, a mimosa or light white wine complements the flavors well

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Avocado toast is best eaten fresh, but you can store the components separately. The salsa can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. Store unpeeled avocado halves in an airtight container with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Reheating Methods

Toast the bread again before assembling to bring back its crispiness. Poached eggs don’t reheat well, so it’s best to make them fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use fried eggs instead of poached eggs?
Yes, a fried or scrambled egg works just as well if you prefer a different texture.

What’s the best bread for avocado toast?
Whole-grain and sourdough are popular choices, but any hearty bread works well.

Troubleshooting

My poached eggs always fall apart. What am I doing wrong?
Use fresh eggs and add vinegar to the water to help the whites hold together. Stirring the water before adding the egg also helps it form a round shape.

My avocado is too hard. How can I ripen it quickly?
Place it in a paper bag with a banana or apple for a day to speed up the ripening process.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• To make it vegan, replace the egg with sautéed mushrooms or tofu scramble
• Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version

Flavor Twists

• Add feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha for a spicy kick

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• In summer, add sliced peaches or strawberries for a sweet-savory contrast
• For fall, try topping with roasted butternut squash and pumpkin seeds

Conclusion

Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs and Tomato Salsa is the perfect combination of creamy, crispy, and fresh flavors. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a quick breakfast or an elegant brunch, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and let me know how it turned out in the comments.

If you love breakfast recipes, check out these delicious options:
Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A fun and cheesy treat for any occasion
Classic French Toast Recipe – A timeless breakfast favorite in just 20 minutes
French Omelette with Fines Herbes – A light, fluffy omelet packed with fresh herbs

For more recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest page: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

Print