I once went camping in the far north of Greece close to a place called Edessa. It’s a beautiful spot with rich green countryside and waterfalls and hot springs, but let me tell you that it isn’t the greatest plan to go camping in Greece smack bang in the middle of summer. No prizes for guessing why. Yup, it’s HOT. Even nights are usually sticky and if you don’t get up and out of your tent very soon after dawn, I’m quite convinced you could boil alive in there by about 8am.
But back then, young and naïve as I was, I arrived late-ish one afternoon at the campsite and my two friends and I proceeded to start putting up our tent. Tired after our long journey, we collapsed on our blow-up beds and had a little sweaty doze. Waking up an hour or so later, I groggily looked up at the top of the tent and through the netting to the outer cover and as my eyes began to focus I nearly jumped out of my skin. There at the very top of the tent just minding its own business (thankfully) was a little grey scorpion. After screaming suitably loudly and alerting my friends (and the rest of the campsite no doubt) to our uninvited guest, the brave one of us (not me, as you can probably guess) leapt out of the tent and started madly attacking the thing, as I remember with the hammer we’d used to knock in the tent pegs. Sorry, vegetarians, but unfortunately that little creature didn’t live to see another day … but at least we lived to tell the tale …
Now don’t misunderstand me, I do love summer, but I definitely don’t like the insects and critters (I’m looking at you scary grey killer campsite scorpion!) that come along with it. Summer seems to have suddenly sprung up here in Western Australia this week, but sit outside and within minutes I’ve got ants crawling up my trouser leg and mosquitoes biting me through my socks. Go for a walk and swarms of annoying little flies come with me because obviously harassing me is their idea of a fun time.
Problem number two is that no one told me that Perth September days could be just like the hottest UK summer day and thus I packed a distinct lack of shorts, flip flops and sun cream to bring with me on this trip i.e. I didn’t bring any at all. I’m breaking out into a sweaty mess just thinking about wearing my jeans this weekend in the forecast 32 degrees (centigrade, that is, not fahrenheit).
But lest you think I’m moaning about a bit of early summer sun (would I??!) I think I’d better change tack here and say that despite the creepy crawlies and inappropriate clothes, it has been wonderful to be able to sit outside for lunch over the last few days and taste test this little bit of luxury aka smoked salmon bruschetta with avocado & feta mash. OK, so it isn’t the cheapest of lunches, but then again a little of each of the ingredients goes a pretty long way. For lunch for two I used one avocado, only about 50 grams of crumbled feta cheese and a few thin slices of smoked salmon. Oh, and a few green leaves mostly for decoration and a little squeeze of lemon juice. I used a thin pre-packaged ‘bruschetta’ bread but really you can use any kind of toasted flat bread you like.
Anyway, we aren’t going to worry about the cost because this was a lovely treat – let’s say to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Perhaps the only thing that was missing was a nice cool glass of champagne and some strawberries for dessert!
Oh, and before I leave you with the ‘recipe’ (it’s hardly a recipe really, but still …) don’t forget to enter the draw to win a $250 Amazon gift card. The giveaway runs until Monday 29th September! Good luck!
smoked salmon bruschetta with smashed avocado & feta
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1 lemon
- black pepper
- 4 slices of flat fresh Italian or similar bread e.g. bruschettini
- 2.5 ounces thin slices of smoked salmon
- a few fresh salad leaves I used a mix of rocket/arugula & baby spinach
Instructions
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In a medium dish, mash up the avocado then crumble in the feta and grind in some freshly ground black pepper and a squeeze or two of lemon juice to taste. Give it all a final mash and mix.
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Toast your bread in a toaster, then top with the avocado-feta mixture, a slice of salmon (fold it a little if necessary), a few salad leaves and a small slice of lemon.
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Squeeze another bit of lemon over the top if you like and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
You can easily replace the salmon with prosciutto ... mmmm!
Laura @ Raise Your Garden says
For such an elegant dish Helen, this looks so easy, although I confess might be doing the salmon/prosciutto substitution. And you used an avocado…..trying to eat those more….so stinking healthy!!!
Camping in Greece when it’s hot, ha, that reminds me when my husband and I camped i n St. John, Virgin Islands in August!! 90 degrees at night! On blow up mattresses like yourself. Talk about bugs. Frogs and other scary infestations. But right on the beach? The view was amazing and we couldn’t have gone any other way.
Helen says
Now there’s the trade off … that view sounds incredible. The trade off on the campsite we stayed on was hot springs, although many many of us in the group I was with got really sick from dirty water … ugh, not so good.
Definitely try this with the prosciutto, Laura – it’s cheaper for a start. Have a great weekend!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I’m with you on the insects, Helen!The mosquitoes always seem to find me, no matter where I go! Bruschetta is my favorite appetizer, so I absolutely love this recipe. Salmon is also my favorite fish, so I will definitely have to try this out. Thanks for sharing!
Helen says
Oh, you’re very welcome, Gayle! This is such a lovely treat of a lunch so I hope you do try it out. 🙂
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
I was full of anxiety reading the camping story for I thought you were going to say a gigantic spider was in your tent! Giant spiders freak me out to the point I almost have a panic attack! Glad it wasn’t a spider and glad you were able to get ride of that creature!
On to the Bruschetta. It looks amazing! And healthy, too!
Helen says
Oh my goodness – I think I agree that would have been worse! They do actually have those giant tarantulas in Greece … although I don’t think they’re dangerous. I don’t think … ?? Anyway, I think I’ll be well and truly keeping away from camping over there in the future!
Glad you like the bruschetta. Yes, I felt very smug while eating it as it was not only healthy but super tasty, too. 🙂
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Oh my goodness – that scorpion didn’t stand a chance with that hammer – though, I would not have thought of grabbing a hammer to beat it with but might have stomped on it – if I had some thick boots on! Another thing I have never thought to do is combine avocado and feta and salmon – all togther – Helen – this sounds like one heck of an awesome “Recipe” to me! 😉
Hope you have a wonderful weekend and stay cool!
Helen says
To be honest, Shashi, I’m not sure I could stamp on an ant … I always feel sorry for little creatures and I couldn’t even stomp on a cockroach (not because I wouldn’t want to kill it but because I’m scared of the horrid things).
Glad you like the idea of the bruschetta combo. It’s pretty rich but in a very satisfying way. The little sour feta hit really lifts it up to a different level in my opinion. Hope you and your daughter enjoy your weekend! 🙂
cheri says
Hi Helen, I was bite by a scorpion last winter in Phoenix, AZ. That was the worst thing that ever happened to me, I could not walk for almost 3 days, so I am very careful now. Anyway, love your bruschetta, the combination is perfect.
Helen says
Seriously? Wow, that makes my story pale in comparison. How awful! No camping for you in northern Greece, then!
So glad you like the bruschetta … I’ve just wolfed some down again … for breakfast (don’t tell anyone).
[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says
The bruschetta looks delicious.. smoked salmon is a great addition.. I love salmon but my hubbs is not a fan of salmon.. so I have to look for an alternative.. smashed avocado looks incredible!! Yumm!!
Helen says
Prosciutto goes really well, Arpita! Or any kind of sliced meat, really 🙂
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
Avocado and smoked salmon.. yummy.. it has to be delicious!
Helen says
Thanks, Ilona, and welcome! 🙂
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
I love bruschetta… it’s such a fun party food and the toppings are endless! Love your flavor combo here Helen!
Helen says
Thanks, Chris! It’s my fave, too. I’ve even some version of this almost every day for a week!
Eva says
Je bien rigolé avec ton histoire du camping. Quand j’étais jeune je fait le même erreur que toi. Je suis allée au camping de La Alberca, un petit village en Salamanque, très mignon. Je suis arrivée comme toi le soir très contente d’être avec mes amis en liberté! A 8 heure du matin on étais réveillé pour la chaleur intenable, c’était un vrai four! Depuis je ne suis pas très fan de camping 😉
Tes toast me pareil idéal pour ce moment, ici en France c’est l’été indien! Il fait tous le jours 30°! c’est pour ça que j’ai le partagé en Facebook! et la bas, il fait froid?
Helen says
Merci beaucoup de l’avoir partage en Facebook, Eva!! Je suis ravie que tu aimes ces petits toasts. Il fait chaud ici aussi … 32C aujourd’hui! (c’est pas normal pour le septembre, on nous dit)
J’aime bien aller au camping, mais oui, la chaleur est un vrai probleme en ete. Une autre fois, je suis allee au camping au nord de l’Angleterre en juin et j’avais les pieds geles! Mieux de rester dans un hotel, je crois … 😉
marcie says
When we were in Arizona my sons and husband walked right past a scorpion and didn’t even see it. I was the last one and I freaked out! I don’t like critters either — none of them! On a happier note, this bruschetta looks SO delicious and fresh, Helen. This I would be glad to see! 🙂
Helen says
The worst is cockroaches, which I also have a yucky story about, but I thought I’d better draw the line at talking about cockroaches on a food blog 😉
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
I just love this combination of ingredients. I don’t enjoy smoked salmon often enough and I really need to change that. Just as you’re entering into summer we’re gearing up for Fall/Winter here in Canada. But I think I might have a few weeks left to enjoy lovely light suppers like this one!
Helen says
Hi, Amanda! Exactly! I’m taking advantage of the crossing of the seasons to make things that are good in either spring or autumn! So glad you like this recipe. 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Salmon, avocado and feta is one of the best food combinations. This looks delicious!
Helen says
Totally agree, Dannii … I could eat it every day. 🙂
ATasteOfMadness says
I just bought a whole bunch of feta, and didn’t know what to do with it. This looks like the perfect solution!
Helen says
Hi, Kathleen! So glad you like this … and hope you give it a go with that feta of yours!
Mary Frances says
You had me at smashed avocado! That combined with the creamy feta has got to make the BEST bruschetta.
Are you kidding, I would’ve had a nervous breakdown if I had woken up to a scorpion. I can’t even do spiders 🙂
Helen says
I’m actually OK with spiders, although there are some scary ones over here in Oz.
Glad you like the bruschetta, Mary Frances! It’s certainly a winner with me!
Judit + Corina @ Glamorous Bite says
Bruschetta is a must on our table, and your combination of avocado with feta sounds super delicious, Helen! We are both mosquito magnets and no matter where we are or how many other succulent temptations are around, the little annoying pests seem to find us 🙂
Enjoy your weekend!
J+C
Helen says
Hello, Judit and Corina! I’m glad I’m not the only one that is a critter magnet! Enjoy your weekend, too!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
This is just the perfect brunching dish and one that I always order at restaurants! Looks delicious Helen, thanks for the great recipe. You can consider that I definitely will be recreating the recipe and adding a poached egg ontop!
Helen says
Oooh, adding a poached egg sounds like a fabulous idea – protein city! I’m really keen to try that now! Thanks, Thalia!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Helen, if a scorpion had found its way inside my tent, I would have screamed so loud that the noise alone might have done it in! Ick.I’m LOVING everything about this recipe. I have a serious thing for smoked salmon, and you can’t go wrong with avocado and feta (and carby delicious bread). Pinned! Hope you get some relief from the heat soon!
Helen says
Aw, sooo glad you like the bruschetta, Alyssa! I am totally addicted to this for lunch at the moment. Thanks so much for pinning! (and glad I would have had a ‘screaming partner’ if you’d been in that tent with me!!)
Lilli @ Sugar and Cinnamon says
I would completely flip if I found a scorpion in my tent! That sounds terrifying! This looks like the best combo on toast ever however 🙂
Helen says
Glad you like it, Lilli! I definitely did freak when I saw that scorpion. Makes me shudder to think about it even now 😉
Chrissy says
Ha- I would have been your friend with the hammer. I was that one in my college dorm room! I love smoked salmon and luckily have a place around here to get it quite cheap. I actually made a smoked salmon soup yesterday so it seems we’re on the same wavelength!
Helen says
Wow, smoked salmon soup! How interesting, Chrissy. I hope you’re putting it on your blog! 🙂 Oh, and I’m very impressed that you would have been the one with the hammer. Sounds like you are the kind of friend to take camping!
Bri | Bites of Bri says
eeeek! That’s freaky! Glad you make it out alive! I love this bruschetta because I am such a sucker for smoked salmon!
Helen says
Yeah, me too … I love that stuff! Thanks for passing by, Bri, and so glad you like the bruschetta!
lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
You always do such great combos, Helen! I love smoked salmon and this looks beautiful. I think it would be lovely to serve these for so many occasions and as a mini appetizer too. Great job! And, the camping in Greece in summer. You are brave, my friend, It really is hot there!
Helen says
I really appreciate your lovely compliments, Lori … thank you! 🙂 That’s a great idea to serve these as a mini appetizer … I’m going to try that!
[email protected] Olives & Garlic says
One of the main reasons why I look forwards to cooler fall weather is actually reclaiming my back yard. We have woods behind us and the mosquitos are unbearable.
This smashed avocado and smoked salmon bruschetta is genius. It has my favorite ingredients. How have I not tried this yet. Making this for snack tomorrow. 🙂
Helen says
So happy that you’re going to try this, Kathy! I really hope it lives up to your expectations … I love it and I’m pretty sure you will, too 😉
Apart from the mosquito problem, those woods behind your house sound wonderful!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Oh you have my sympathies, Helen! I had an outdoor job when I lived in Australia and the summer was nearly the end of my poor Canadian skin! I am not built for heat! This bruschetta looks absolutely amazing, and you have included two of my favorite ingredients: smoked salmon and avocado! Amazing 🙂
Helen says
Hi, Denise! Yes, the sun is sooo strong here, isn’t it? Even in the winter! I put sunscreen on all the time, even when it feels cool, and always seem to ‘miss a bit’ and end up scorched there!
So happy you like the bruschetta! It’s my fave lunch at the moment!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Oh my goodness a scorpion? That is terrifying indeed! I can’t imagine that anyone could have slept well with knowing that one was nearby!
Helen says
I’m not quite sure how I did sleep after that … 😉
Cailee says
This looks AMAZING!! …and it’s so funny because I was just thinking about how I want to have a salad with smoked salmon, avocado and feta!! YUM! 🙂 Great recipe!!
Helen says
Oh wow, I must have known that about you, Cailee! Well, I really hope you try this some time and enjoy it! It’s my current favourite!
Annie @Maebells says
What a perfect appetizer! I love feta and avocado together!
Helen says
🙂
Ashley says
Ahhhh scorpions freak me out!! I’ve never actually seen one in person and seriously hope to keep it that way!! lol
And smashed avocado? I’m all over it! Sounds delicious!
Helen says
I was very freaked out and hope never to see a scorpion again!
Glad you like the bruschetta! Avocado & feta are two of my fave foods, so this was right up my street!
Meggan | Culinary Hill says
What a fabulous appetizer or light lunch idea! And never mind the cost, you chose delicious, fantastic ingredients that go well together and didn’t waste money on frivolous junk. This is just so fabulous, posh even. As you celebrate an early start to summer, I’m loathing the last few weeks of SoCal heat.. UGH. And as much as I dance in the streets to the rain gods hoping for el Nino, I realize that if we get it, you guys will get a pretty awful drought. I think. But hopefully you’ll be back in the UK by then. 🙂 Stay cool, my friend! Cut off some of those jeans!
Helen says
Ooh, what a great idea to cut off the jeans! I actually ‘found’ a skirt today that I’d forgotten I’d packed, so that’s a bit of a relief … although as it’s so early in the spring the weather is pretty up and down. I need to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts though because I’m pretty sure that when we get back to the UK in a couple of weeks it will be very autumnal indeed! Keep on doing that el nino rain dance and hopefully we’ll get some sunshine over there!
Oh, and so glad you like the bruschetta. You make me blush with your beautiful comments!
Isadora says
That is so scary, Helen!! I love camping, but I’m really not a fan of all the scary bugs out there! These toasts look like the perfect snack and I’m a huge snacker! I don’t think I’ve ever had feta and avocado together, but now I can’t stop thinking about the combo!
Helen says
Well, I consider that to be a result if you can’t stop thinking about it! 😉 Do try it, Isadora … I love it and am a little addicted at the moment!
Louisa [Living Lou] says
This sounds heavenly! I love feta and avocado and smoked salmon is one of my favourites. I totally get you with the hot summers in Greece, I can’t believe you went camping! There are some days in summers when I can’t even go outside it’s too hot.
Helen says
Glad you like this, Louisa! I can’t believe I went camping in such hot weather either – don’t think I’ll be doing that again!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I don’t mind the heat during the day, but when the nights are over 30 I cannot sleep! Lovely lunch to celebrate summer 🙂
Helen says
Thanks, Tandy! I definitely need my air-con when nights are over 30! I’m back into a northern autumn now, but I could still happily eat this for lunch!