Herbed Avocado & Salmon Crostini with Lemon Zest
Elevate your appetizer game with these elegant and heart-healthy crostini. A vibrant, herb-infused avocado spread on a crisp whole-grain base is the perfect stage for delicate smoked salmon, all brought together with a hint of lemon and a final, peppery kiss of extra virgin olive oil.
Servings 10
Calories 110kcal
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Medium bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Fine-mesh sieve
Ingredients
- 20 thin 1/4-inch slices from a whole-grain baguette low-sodium variety preferred
- 2 ripe avocados halved and pitted
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill plus extra sprigs for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon packed lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 ounces cold-smoked salmon
- 2 teaspoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon capers rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Toast the Foundation: Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Arrange the 20 whole-grain baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil for 1-2 minutes per side, watching carefully, until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the smoked salmon slices in a fine-mesh sieve. Gently rinse under cold running water for 10-15 seconds. Carefully pat the slices completely dry with paper towels. Cut the salmon into 20 bite-sized pieces.
- Create the Avocado Schmear: Scoop the flesh of the two avocados into a medium bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice and mash with a fork to your desired consistency, leaving some small chunks for texture.
- Infuse the Flavor: Fold the chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and freshly cracked black pepper into the mashed avocado. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread a layer of the herbed avocado mixture evenly over each toasted baguette slice, covering it from edge to edge.
- Adorn and Finish: Top each avocado-covered crostini with one piece of the prepared smoked salmon. If using, sprinkle a few rinsed capers over the toasts. Arrange the finished crostini on a serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over all the crostini and garnish with fresh dill sprigs.
Notes
- The Salmon Rinse: Rinsing the smoked salmon is a simple but important technique to reduce its surface salt content, making for a more balanced bite.
- Bread Choice: The fiber and texture of a good quality whole-grain baguette make a wonderful base. Look for a low-sodium option when possible.
- Serve Immediately: For the best color and texture, assemble these crostini just before serving, as the avocado is best when freshly prepared.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (2 crostini)- Calories: 110 kcal
Total Fat: 6.2 g
Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
Sodium: 141 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 10.2 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g
Total Sugars: 0.7 g
Protein: 4.0 g