Zesty Tomato-Avocado Delight Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with these Zesty Tomato-Avocado Delight Crostini! This refreshing dish combines the vibrant flavors of ripe plum tomatoes and creamy avocado, all brought together with the fresh kick of cilantro and the brightness of lime juice. Served atop crispy, toasted baguette slices that have been delicately infused with garlic, these crostini make for the perfect light snack or starter for any gathering. Their simple yet sophisticated flavor profile strikes a wonderful balance reminiscent of bruschetta and salsa, ensuring they will be a hit at your next event.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
plum tomato
1 cup (seeded and diced)
avocado
1/2 cup (pitted and diced)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (fresh chopped)
lime
1/2 (juiced)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon
garlic clove
1
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
baguette
1 (sliced and toasted)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the baguette into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
2
While the baguette slices are toasting, take the garlic clove and, once the bread is out of the oven, gently rub each slice with the garlic. This will impart a subtle garlic flavor to the crostini without overwhelming the other ingredients.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the diced plum tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Gently toss until everything is well mixed and season to taste with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
4
Once the toasted baguette slices have cooled slightly, generously scoop spoonfuls of the tomato-avocado mixture onto each slice.
5
Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Tomato-Avocado Delight Crostini?
It is a refreshing appetizer that combines ripe plum tomatoes, creamy avocado, cilantro, and lime juice on garlic-infused toasted baguette slices.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include plum tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and a baguette.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
How thick should I slice the baguette?
The baguette should be sliced into pieces approximately 1/2-inch thick.
What temperature should the oven be for toasting the bread?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
How long does it take to toast the baguette slices?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes or until the slices are golden and crispy.
Why do you rub a garlic clove on the bread?
Rubbing the garlic on toasted bread imparts a subtle garlic flavor without the intensity of raw chopped garlic.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The plum tomatoes should be seeded and diced into small pieces.
What is the best way to prep the avocado?
The avocado should be pitted and diced into small chunks to match the size of the tomatoes.
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, while a baguette is traditional, you can use ciabatta or sourdough slices as alternatives.
Is fresh lime juice necessary?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best brightness and flavor, though bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What kind of olive oil is best for this topping?
Extra virgin olive oil is best for its rich flavor in raw preparations like this.
Can this crostini be made ahead of time?
It is best served immediately so the bread stays crunchy, but you can prepare the topping up to an hour in advance.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
The lime juice in the recipe acts as an acid to help slow down the oxidation of the avocado.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the tomato-avocado mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and keep the bread separately.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, feta, goat cheese, or fresh mozzarella would make excellent additions to these crostini.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Plum or Roma tomatoes are ideal because they have more flesh and fewer seeds than other varieties.
Is this a healthy snack option?
Yes, it is packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil.
How many servings does one baguette provide?
One standard baguette typically provides enough slices for 4 to 6 people as an appetizer.
Can I substitute lemon for lime?
Yes, lemon juice can be used, though it will give the dish a slightly different citrus profile.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you do not like cilantro, fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley are great substitutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is fresh and zesty. To make it spicy, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I grill the bread instead of toasting it?
Yes, grilling the bread on a stovetop grill pan or outdoor grill adds a nice smoky flavor.
Should I peel the tomatoes?
Peeling is not necessary for this recipe as the skin adds texture and holds the dice together.
Can I add red onion to the mixture?
Yes, finely diced red onion would add a sharp, savory crunch to the topping.
What does the term 'crostini' mean?
'Crostini' is Italian for 'little crusts' and refers to small slices of toasted or grilled bread.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free baguette or gluten-free crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.
Would balsamic glaze go well with this?
Yes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top would add a delicious sweetness.
How do I garnish this dish for a party?
Arrange them on a platter and sprinkle with extra fresh cilantro or a light dusting of cracked black pepper.
Can I use dried cilantro?
Fresh cilantro is highly recommended for this recipe as dried cilantro loses much of its vibrant flavor.