Bagels with Smoked Salmon and Herbed Avocado Spread

Bagels, smoked salmon (or lox!) and cream cheese are a classic combination perfect for Sunday brunch or a special breakfast occasion. The next time you want to indulge, try swapping out the simple cream cheese for this Herbed Avocado Spread. Smooth and rich, the spread is mainly made of nutrient-dense California Avocado along with just a bit of soft cream cheese. 

Adding part avocado to the mix infuses the spread with good fats and fiber. Lemon juice is added to perk up flavors while chopped chives and dill add grassy, herbaceous notes that pair beautifully with the avocado and salmon. Schmear this spread on a toasted bagel (plain, everything or sesame), then finish with traditional toppings like red onion and capers. You’re going to love this fresh take on a brunch classic!

Start by pulsing a sliced California Avocado in a small food processor along with cream cheese, lemon juice and salt. I like to use the food processor attachment on my immersion blender. It’s convenient to use and clean up is just as easy!

Having the avocado and cream cheese at room temperature will ensure that the final spread is free of lumps.

Next, add chopped chives, dill and black pepper, processing to combine.

Finish by seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. The spread will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week!

Bagels with Smoked Salmon and Herbed Avocado Spread

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients
For the spread:

1 Ripe California Avocado, seeded, peeled, sliced and at room temperature
3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons finely sliced chives
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped dill
Freshly ground black pepper

For the bagels:
Plain and/or everything bagels, cut in half and toasted
Smoked salmon (or lox)
Thinly sliced red onion
Capers
Fresh dill
Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. To make the Herbed Avocado Spread, add sliced avocado, cream cheese, lemon juice and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a small food processor, pulsing several times to combine. Add chives, dill and several turns of black pepper, then blitz until well-combined. The mixture won’t be completely smooth. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
2. To serve, schmear bagels with Herbed Avocado Spread. Top will smoked salmon, sliced red onion, capers and dill to taste. Serve lemon wedges on the side.