Post-Hike Italian Salad – Fast, Fresh, and Family-Friendly
This Post-Hike Italian Salad is crisp, cool, and loaded with fresh flavor—perfect after a long day of travel. Quick to make, kid-approved, and ideal for balancing out a hearty pasta dinner.
The Best Starting Point: Avocado Toast with Egg
Prep time: 5 min | Cook time: 5 min | Kid-approved
Some mornings just call for something simple, satisfying, and unfussy. This is that. It hits all the marks—crunchy, creamy, savory, and ready in minutes.
Start with a slice of good bread. Rub it with a clove of garlic while it's still hot.
Spread on some mashed avocado.
Top it with a perfectly fried egg—yolk jammy, edges just crisp.
Finish with cracked black pepper. That’s the base.
Simple Avocado Toast with Egg
Total Time: 10 minutes
Kid Approved: Yes
Ingredients
- 1 slice of sourdough, toasted
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove (not optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil, or garlic powder if you want to play
Instructions
- Toast your bread until golden. While it’s still hot, rub the surface with a peeled garlic clove. Don’t skip this—it’s what makes it taste like more than the sum of its parts.
- Mash the avocado with a pinch of salt. Add a drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes if you're in the mood.
- Fry an egg in a nonstick skillet until the white is just set and the yolk is still soft.
- Spread the avocado on the garlicky toast. Top with the egg. Finish with cracked black pepper and whatever else you like.
This is your base camp. From here, you can go anywhere.
Want to Build on It? Try This:
Total Time: 10–15 minutes (depending on toppings)
Kid Approved: Yes
Flavor Boosters
- Za’atar, everything bagel seasoning, or smoked paprika
- Lemon zest or balsamic glaze
- Hot honey or chili crisp for a kick
Veggie Add-ons
- Blistered cherry tomatoes
- Sautéed kale or spinach
- Pickled red onions or thin radish slices
Protein Upgrades
- Crispy prosciutto, pancetta, or bacon
- Black beans or chickpeas mashed into the avocado
- Smoked salmon or leftover roast chicken
Cheese & Crunch
- Feta, cotija, or goat cheese
- Toasted seeds or chopped almonds
- Microgreens, arugula, or fresh herbs on top
Bread Swaps
- Rye, multigrain, or even grilled cornbread
- Polenta rounds or pita if that’s what you’ve got
This is the kind of meal that doesn’t need a recipe—but sometimes it helps to be reminded how good simple can be.
What’s your go-to twist on this? Drop it in the comments or tag it #EmbracingEnough.
"Know what’s enough. Build what matters.”
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