Dinner

Avocado, Tuna & Pickled Red Onion Toast

This isn’t just another avocado toast situation – this is the kind of sophisticated open-faced sandwich that makes you feel like you should be sitting at a sidewalk café in Paris, even if you’re just standing in your kitchen in your pajamas.

The tangy bite of those quick-pickled red onions cuts through the creamy avocado like a flavor revelation, while that high-quality tuna in olive oil brings a richness that transforms this from basic breakfast to gourmet lunch territory.

What makes this recipe absolutely genius is how those toasted almonds add the perfect crunch factor, and those buttery Castelvetrano olives bring a Mediterranean flair that elevates every single bite.

The best part is that most of the work happens while you’re doing other things – those onions pickle themselves while you’re getting everything else ready, and the whole thing comes together in about fifteen minutes.

This is the kind of recipe that makes people ask for the “secret,” when really the secret is just layering good ingredients thoughtfully and not overthinking the process.

Warning: making this will likely result in you becoming the designated brunch host in your friend group, because once people taste this combination, they’re going to want it again.

Ingredients

For the pickled onions

½ large red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup red wine vinegar
⅛ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of allspice
Pinch of red pepper flakes

For the avocado toast

1 large ripe avocado, sliced
2 large pieces country sourdough bread or 4 pieces whole wheat bread
1 tablespoon Vegenaise (or regular mayonnaise)
Maldon sea salt or other flaky salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (4 ounce) can tuna in olive oil (Ortiz recommended)
1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley, torn into pieces
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons pitted Castelvetrano olives, coarsely chopped

Instructions

Prepare the pickled onions

1 Place the thinly sliced red onions in a small heat-proof bowl, spreading them out so the pickling liquid can penetrate evenly. Using a mandoline slicer ensures perfectly uniform slices that pickle consistently.
2 In a small saucepan, bring both vinegars, sugar, and kosher salt to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar completely. This should take about 2-3 minutes – you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is completely clear and no sugar granules remain visible.
3 Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the allspice and red pepper flakes, swirling to distribute the spices evenly. The residual heat will bloom the spices and release their essential oils.
4 Pour the hot vinegar mixture directly over the sliced onions, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Let cool completely to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes. The onions will turn a beautiful bright pink color as they cool and absorb the pickling liquid.

Assemble the toast

5 Toast the bread slices until they’re nicely browned and crispy on both sides. For sourdough, aim for a deep golden color that provides structural integrity to support all the toppings. A cast iron skillet or toaster oven works perfectly for achieving even browning.
6 Spread the Vegenaise evenly over each toast slice, creating a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy. This step is crucial for maintaining the perfect texture contrast.
7 Divide the avocado slices between the toasts and gently mash with a fork, leaving some texture rather than creating a completely smooth paste. Season immediately with flaky salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the avocado’s natural flavor.
8 Top each toast evenly with the tuna, breaking it into bite-sized chunks that distribute well across the surface. Drain the pickled onions briefly and arrange them over the tuna, followed by the torn parsley, toasted almonds, and chopped olives.
9 Finish with another light sprinkle of flaky salt and black pepper, then serve immediately while the toast is still crispy and the flavors are at their peak.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Sharp chef’s knife – Critical for cleanly slicing the avocado and onions without crushing delicate textures
Mandoline slicer – Creates perfectly uniform onion slices that pickle evenly and look professionally elegant
Small saucepan – For heating the pickling liquid to the right temperature without scorching
Heat-proof mixing bowls – Essential for safely combining hot pickling liquid with onions

Helpful Upgrades

Kitchen scale – Ensures precise measurements for the pickling liquid ratios, especially important for achieving the perfect sweet-tart balance
Microplane grater – Perfect for zesting citrus if you want to add lemon zest for extra brightness
Cast iron skillet – Provides superior heat retention for achieving perfectly golden, evenly toasted bread
Silicone spatula – Ideal for gently mashing avocado without over-working it

Nice-to-Have Options

Immersion blender – Useful if you prefer a smoother avocado base, though hand-mashing gives better texture control
Digital scale – Professional-level precision for scaling the recipe up for entertaining
Storage containers – Glass jars are perfect for storing leftover pickled onions, which keep for weeks refrigerated

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Substitute with gluten-free sourdough or seed-based crackers for the bread base
Cassava flour tortillas make an excellent wrap-style alternative
Large portobello mushroom caps, grilled until tender, create a hearty low-carb base
Expect slightly different textures but equally satisfying flavor combinations

Dairy-Free Modifications

The recipe is naturally dairy-free when using Vegenaise instead of traditional mayonnaise
Tahini mixed with lemon juice creates a creamy, nutty spread alternative
Hummus provides protein and creaminess while maintaining the Mediterranean flavor profile

Vegan Modifications

Replace tuna with marinated white beans or chickpea salad seasoned with kelp flakes for oceanic flavor
Hearts of palm, flaked and seasoned, mimics the texture of tuna surprisingly well
Smoked tofu, crumbled and mixed with capers, provides protein and umami depth

Low-Carb/Keto Version

Use cucumber rounds or jicama slices as the base instead of bread
Grilled eggplant slices provide a substantial, low-carb foundation
Large lettuce cups create a fresh, crunchy wrap-style presentation
Increases healthy fats while reducing carbs to under 5g per serving

Flavor Variations

Mediterranean twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil
Mexican-inspired: Include jalapeños and cilantro with lime zest
Asian fusion: Incorporate sesame oil, nori flakes, and wasabi mayo

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This recipe provides approximately 380 calories per serving, with a well-balanced macronutrient profile featuring 18g healthy fats, 22g complex carbohydrates, and 16g high-quality protein. The combination creates sustained energy without blood sugar spikes, making it ideal for lunch or a substantial snack.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The avocado contributes monounsaturated fats that support heart health and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Tuna provides omega-3 fatty acids essential for brain function and anti-inflammatory benefits, plus complete proteins containing all essential amino acids. The pickled red onions offer quercetin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, while the vinegar may help with blood sugar regulation. Almonds add vitamin E and magnesium, supporting immune function and muscle health.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when served on appropriate bread alternatives and dairy-free when using Vegenaise. It’s rich in fiber from the avocado and almonds, promoting digestive health and satiety. The high healthy fat content makes it suitable for Mediterranean and anti-inflammatory dietary patterns. Contains fish and tree nuts, so consider allergen sensitivities when serving to others.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Tuna in olive oil → Salmon, sardines, or mackerel for different omega-3 profiles
Castelvetrano olives → Kalamata or green olives chopped, adjusting salt accordingly
Sliced almonds → Pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for different textures
Fresh parsley → Cilantro, dill, or chives to match your flavor preferences

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Country sourdough → Whole grain bread or English muffins for more affordable options
Maldon sea salt → Regular kosher salt works perfectly, just use slightly less
Vegenaise → Regular mayonnaise or mashed white beans for creaminess
Castelvetrano olives → Any green olives chopped, or even capers for briny flavor

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Apple cider vinegar → White wine vinegar or rice vinegar in equal amounts
Fresh parsley → Dried herbs using 1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon fresh
Red onion → Shallots or white onion with slightly adjusted pickling time

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

Store leftover pickled onions in glass jars for up to 3 weeks refrigerated
Toast nuts and seeds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance flavor when substituting

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace bread with cucumber rounds or bell pepper halves to reduce carbs from 22g to 8g per serving
Use jicama slices for a crunchy, low-carb base with only 2g net carbs per serving
Portobello mushroom caps provide substantial texture with 3g carbs per large cap

Sugar Modifications:

Replace granulated sugar in pickling liquid with stevia or erythritol using 2 tablespoons instead of ⅛ cup
Sugar-free sweetener reduces total carbs by 6g per serving
The natural sweetness from onions and vinegar still provides balanced flavor

Portion & Timing Tips:

Serve as half portions with a side salad to maintain satisfaction while reducing carb load
Total carbs per modified serving: approximately 12g when using low-carb bread alternatives
Pair with protein-rich sides like hard-boiled eggs to slow glucose absorption
The healthy fats from avocado and tuna help stabilize blood sugar naturally

Blood Sugar Benefits:

Fiber content from avocado slows carbohydrate absorption
Vinegar in pickled onions may help improve insulin sensitivity
Omega-3 fatty acids support overall metabolic health

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the bright acidity of the pickled onions while harmonizing with the rich avocado and tuna. For beer lovers, a Belgian wheat beer or light pilsner provides refreshing contrast without overwhelming the delicate flavors. Sparkling water with lemon or iced green tea offer excellent non-alcoholic options that cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations

Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette echoes the peppery notes while adding fresh greens. Roasted cherry tomatoes bring sweetness that balances the tangy pickled onions. Cucumber ribbons with fresh dill provide cooling contrast to the rich avocado. Sweet potato chips offer satisfying crunch and natural sweetness that complements the savory elements.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with hummus and vegetables as an appetizer, then serve the toast alongside gazpacho for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch. For brunch, pair with Greek yogurt parfait and fresh fruit to create a balanced, satisfying meal. The toast works beautifully as part of a mezze platter with additional olives, cheese, and crackers for entertaining.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for weekend brunch when you want something special but not complicated. Ideal for casual entertaining since components can be prepped ahead. Excellent lunch option for work-from-home days when you want restaurant-quality food at home. Great for spring and summer gatherings when fresh, light flavors are most appealing.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Salt the sliced avocado immediately after mashing to prevent browning and enhance flavor absorption. Make pickled onions up to 3 days ahead – they actually improve with time as flavors meld. Toast almonds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant for maximum flavor impact. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure pickling liquid reaches 180°F (82°C) for proper preservation.

Common Mistake Prevention

Don’t over-mash the avocado – leaving some texture creates better mouthfeel and prevents mushiness. Drain pickled onions before adding to prevent soggy toast. Choose bread thick enough to support toppings without breaking – ¾-inch thick slices work perfectly. Avoid storing assembled toast – components stay fresh separately and can be assembled fresh each time.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Pickled onions keep refrigerated for 3 weeks in sealed containers. Prep all components separately and store in airtight containers. Toast bread fresh each time for best texture. Avocado can be prepared 2 hours ahead if covered tightly with plastic wrap directly touching the surface.

Scaling for Entertaining

Double or triple the pickled onion recipe – they’re excellent on other dishes too. Use a large cast iron skillet to toast multiple bread slices simultaneously. Set up a DIY toast bar with components in separate bowls for interactive entertaining.

This recipe proves that sometimes the most impressive dishes are just high-quality ingredients treated with respect and combined thoughtfully. The beauty lies in how each component maintains its distinct character while contributing to a harmonious whole that’s somehow much greater than the sum of its parts.