Mediterranean Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Poached Egg and Cream Cheese
This Mediterranean Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Poached Egg and Cream Cheese is the ultimate balance of creamy, smoky, and fresh. Layered on crisp sourdough, it combines velvety cream cheese, buttery avocado, savory smoked salmon, and a perfectly poached egg. The briny capers, red onion, and fresh herbs give it that bright Mediterranean finish. It’s a quick, elegant meal that works for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch — nutritious, beautiful, and satisfying.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
For the Toast
1 thick slice of sourdough bread (or your favorite crusty bread)
2 tbsp cream cheese (whipped or regular)
½ avocado, diced or sliced
2 oz smoked salmon
1 poached egg
A few thin slices of red onion
½ tsp capers (optional but recommended)
Fresh chives or dill, for garnish
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Toast the Bread:
Toast the sourdough slice until golden and crisp. A light drizzle of olive oil before toasting adds flavor and crunch.
Poach the Egg:
Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer. Add a splash of vinegar (optional). Crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the water. Poach for 3–4 minutes until the white is set but the yolk remains soft. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel.
Assemble the Base:
Spread cream cheese evenly over the toasted bread while it’s still warm.
Add the Avocado and Salmon:
Layer the sliced or diced avocado on top of the cream cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the smoked salmon slices over the avocado.
Finish with Toppings:
Place the poached egg on top, followed by red onion slices, capers, and a sprinkle of fresh chives or dill. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Serve:
Serve immediately, ideally with a side of mixed greens or a small salad for a complete meal.
Tips
Use high-quality smoked salmon: It makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t over-toast: You want a crisp base, not one that’s too hard to cut through.
Perfect poach: Crack the egg into a fine mesh sieve first to remove loose whites for a neater poach.
Cream cheese temperature: Let it soften slightly before spreading to avoid tearing the bread.
Ripe avocado: Use one that yields slightly to pressure for the best creamy texture.
Balance flavors: The lemon or olive oil drizzle ties together the richness of the salmon and avocado.
Add crunch: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios adds nice contrast.
Keep it cool: If serving for brunch, you can skip the egg and serve it cold for a lighter, no-cook version.
Variations
Mediterranean Herb Cream Cheese: Mix cream cheese with chopped dill, parsley, or basil before spreading.
Greek Yogurt Base: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter spread.
Caprese Style: Add tomato slices and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a Mediterranean twist.
No-Egg Version: Skip the poached egg and top with extra avocado or feta crumbles.
Spicy Touch: Add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of harissa oil for heat.
Whole-Grain Upgrade: Use multigrain or rye bread for extra fiber and a nutty flavor.
Cucumber Crunch: Add thin cucumber slices under the salmon for extra freshness.
Breakfast Bowl Style: Turn it into a bowl with diced bread cubes, salmon, avocado, and poached egg layered in a dish.
Q&A
Q: Can I use another type of bread?
A: Yes, multigrain, rye, or ciabatta all work well — just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
Q: How do I make it dairy-free?
A: Use a plant-based cream cheese or mashed avocado as the base.
Q: Can I use hard-boiled eggs instead of poached?
A: Absolutely. Soft-boiled eggs with a runny center also work beautifully.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: This is best made fresh, but you can prep the avocado and toppings ahead and assemble right before eating.
Q: Can I substitute the salmon?
A: Yes, use smoked trout, canned tuna, or grilled halloumi for a different twist.
Q: What goes well with it on the side?
A: A fresh arugula salad, roasted tomatoes, or a citrus fruit bowl pairs perfectly.
Q: Can I meal-prep this?
A: You can prep all components separately — toast, poach eggs, slice avocado — and assemble in minutes when ready.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast with Poached Egg and Cream Cheese is a simple yet refined dish that delivers both elegance and nourishment. The layers of creamy, smoky, and tangy flavors make each bite irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal, it’s the kind of wholesome indulgence that leaves you energized and satisfied — Mediterranean simplicity at its best.