Quick Avocado and Tomato Toast with Basil and Garlic
This quick avocado and tomato toast is the perfect vegetarian breakfast – fresh, flavorful, and ready in 10 minutes. A light, easy recipe for summer mornings!
A Light Vegetarian Breakfast You’ll Crave Every Morning
Some mornings, you wake up ready to sauté, scramble, poach, and roast. And some mornings… you just want to eat something that feels like you tried without actually trying.
This quick avocado and tomato toast is for those mornings.
It’s light yet satisfying, beautifully fresh, and ready in minutes. No stovetop, no pans, no eggs, no fuss. Just a cutting board, a toaster, and a bowl.
But don’t mistake “simple” for boring – this recipe is vibrant, herby, a little garlicky (in a good way), and full of textures. The juicy Campari tomato and buttery avocado make the perfect pair, brightened with a hint of lemon and basil, all piled onto golden, garlicky sourdough. If you’re like me, you’ll start making this on mornings when you “don’t feel like cooking”… and end up craving it every day.
Let’s dive into why this easy vegetarian breakfast toast is worth bookmarking, meal-prepping for, and maybe even obsessing over (just a little ).
Why You’ll Love This Quick Avocado and Tomato Toast
This is not just another avocado toast. It’s a simple yet elevated breakfast that feels gourmet but takes less than 10 minutes to make.
Here’s what makes this breakfast toast recipe a keeper:
- No cooking required: Just toast, chop, mix, and eat. Perfect for lazy mornings.
- Vegetarian and wholesome: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and flavor.
- Customizable: Use different breads, herbs, or toppings to fit your mood.
- So fresh and flavorful: Lemon, garlic, and basil give it that “wow” without any effort.
- Beautifully balanced: Creamy avocado, juicy tomato, crunchy pine nuts, and garlicky toast – it’s a texture dream!
This is the kind of breakfast that nourishes you without weighing you down. And trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your new summer morning ritual.
The Inspiration Behind This Toast
I made this breakfast one morning when I was just done with eggs, oatmeal, and smoothies and I wanted something savory, satisfying, but still light. There was a ripe tomato, half an avocado, and a crusty slice of sourdough that was begging to be toasted.
I remembered my favorite bruschetta topping – tomato, basil, olive oil, and salt – and thought, why not mix it with avocado? The result? A quick vegetarian toast that somehow tastes like sunshine and garden-fresh goodness, with barely any effort.
It’s become my go-to when I want a quick, fresh bite – especially in summer, when tomatoes and basil are at their peak. And since you only need half an avocado and one tomato, it’s the perfect recipe for using up little odds and ends in your fridge.
What You’ll Need
Let’s break down the simple, fresh ingredients that make this vegetarian avocado toast recipe shine:
1. Avocado
Creamy, rich, and full of healthy fats – avocado gives this toast body and satiety. Make sure it’s ripe but not overripe. A good tip? Gently press near the top by the stem; if it yields slightly, it’s ready!
2. Campari or Roma Tomato
Campari tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and less watery than standard tomatoes, making them ideal here. Roma tomatoes also work beautifully. Just cube them finely so they meld into the mix.
3. Fresh Basil
This brings a pop of herbaceous brightness that totally transforms the dish. If you don’t have basil, you can sub in flat-leaf parsley or chives.
4. Lemon Juice
Just a touch lifts the flavor and keeps the avocado from browning. Fresh lemon juice is best – bottled just doesn’t have the same zing.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Adds richness and depth, while also tying the whole mixture together. Use your good stuff here – it really shines!
6. Salt
Don’t skip this. A pinch of flaky sea salt brings out all the flavors.
7. Sourdough (or your favorite bread)
You want a sturdy, flavorful base that can stand up to juicy toppings. Sourdough is my go-to, but multigrain or whole wheat work too.
8. Garlic
A fresh garlic clove, rubbed on hot toast, is magic. It gives a subtle kick that elevates the whole dish without overwhelming it.
9. Pine Nuts (optional but recommended)
Toasted pine nuts add a bit of crunch and a buttery, nutty finish. A little goes a long way here.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Avocado Tomato Toast
This recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Toast Your Bread
Toast one slice of sourdough until golden and crisp. If you can, use a toaster oven or broiler for maximum crisp without drying out the bread.
Step 2: Make the Avocado Tomato Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together:
- ½ small avocado, cubed
- 1 Campari tomato, cubed
- 1 tsp chopped fresh basil
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Add a pinch of salt and mix gently. Don’t mash—you want texture!
Step 3: Rub the Toast with Garlic
Take a peeled garlic clove and gently rub it onto the hot toast. You don’t need to use the whole clove – just a few swipes will infuse it with garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Assemble
Spoon the avocado tomato mixture onto the garlic-rubbed toast. Top with ½ tsp toasted pine nuts, if using.
Step 5: Eat Immediately
This toast is best served fresh, while the bread is still warm and crisp and the avocado is creamy.
Tips & Variations
Want to Meal Prep?
While this toast is best fresh, you can prep the tomato and basil the night before. Keep them separate from the avocado to avoid browning, and mix everything in the morning.
No Pine Nuts?
Try toasted sunflower seeds, chopped pistachios, or even a sprinkle of dukkah.
Out of Basil?
Swap in dill, parsley, or even mint for a different flavor profile.
Craving More Protein?
Add a soft-boiled egg, crumble on some feta, or layer in a few chickpeas.
Make it Gluten-Free
Use your favorite GF bread or toast sweet potato slices instead.
Why This Vegetarian Breakfast Toast Works
Let’s talk food chemistry for a second.
This recipe works so well because it balances:
- Acidity (lemon + tomato)
- Creaminess (avocado + olive oil)
- Herbaceousness (basil)
- Umami (garlic + toasted nuts)
- Crunch (toasted bread)
Together, it hits every note your tastebuds crave, without requiring heat, meat, or more than 10 minutes of your time.
It’s a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create something far greater than the sum of their parts. And when your body wants something clean, fresh, and real, this is it.
Why You’ll Come Back to This Recipe Again and Again
It’s not just about how quick it is. It’s about how it feels to eat something that’s good for you, but also delicious, satisfying, and beautiful.
And the fact that it’s vegetarian? Just a bonus. Whether you eat plant-based all the time or just like incorporating more meatless meals into your week, this toast fits the bill. It’s perfect for:
- Quick breakfasts before work
- Light weekend brunches
- Easy summer snacks
- Lazy days when you just don’t want to cook
And let’s be honest – there’s something so joyful about the ritual of making this. Toasting your bread just right, rubbing it with garlic, and carefully spooning on the avocado-tomato mixture. It’s the kind of small moment that slows you down in the best way.
Make It Yours: 5 Fun Twists
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze – For a sweet-savory kick.
- Sprinkle with Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes – For subtle heat.
- Top with microgreens – For a fresh, peppery finish.
- Add crumbled goat cheese – For creaminess with tang.
- Use heirloom cherry tomatoes – For a burst of color and sweetness.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Breakfast (That’s Not Eggs)
If you’ve been stuck in a breakfast rut, consider this your delicious way out. This avocado and tomato toast is everything I want in a quick vegetarian breakfast: easy, flavorful, nourishing, and just special enough to feel like self-care.
Bookmark this post. Pin it. Print it. Whatever your system is – save this one! Because I promise, you’ll be reaching for it on those mornings when you want something fast, fresh, and satisfying.
Quick Avocado & Tomato Toast with Basil and Garlic
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the bread until golden and crisp.
- In a bowl, gently mix avocado, tomato, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Rub the toasted bread with the garlic clove.
- Top toast with avocado-tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using.
- Enjoy immediately!
