Avocado Toast with Cashew Cheese & Radish (Vegan!)

Take your avocado toast game to a whole new level with this incredible Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast topped with beautiful Watermelon Radishes! This recipe features a creamy, tangy homemade cashew "cheese" spread as the base, layered with perfectly mashed avocado, crisp and peppery watermelon radish slices, and fresh sprouts or microgreens. I absolutely adore this version because it's super wholesome, nutritious, plant-based, and feels incredibly gourmet despite being so simple. This Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast is the perfect thing for a healthy breakfast, a satisfying brunch (perfect for this lovely spring weekend!), or a light lunch.

Why You'll Love This Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast

• Elevated Avocado Toast: A sophisticated and flavorful upgrade to the everyday classic.
• Creamy Cashew Cheese: The homemade vegan cashew cheese is tangy, savory, and incredibly creamy.
• Healthy & Plant-Based: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and entirely vegan/dairy-free.
• Beautiful Presentation: Watermelon radishes and microgreens make this toast look stunning.
• Filling & Satisfying: A truly substantial toast that works perfectly as a light meal.

Ingredients for Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast

Here's what you'll need to create this vibrant and healthy toast. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Cashew Cheese

• Raw cashews, soaked* (Nuts) (Essential for creaminess)
• Garlic clove, chopped (Aromatic)
• Lemon zest (Flavoring)
• Lemon juice (Acid)
• Nutritional yeast (Flavoring/Cheesy element)
• Water (Liquid)
• Salt (Seasoning)
• Pepper (Spice)
• Cayenne pepper (pinch) (Spice)

Avocado Toast Assembly

• Avocado, pitted (Fruit)
• Lemon juice (squeeze) (Acid)
• Salt (plus extra for topping) (Seasoning)
• Slices of your favorite multigrain bread, toasted (or other crusty bread) (Bread)
• Watermelon radishes, thinly sliced (Vegetable) (Or substitute other radishes)
• Microgreens or sprouts (for topping) (Greens)
• Olive oil (for drizzling) (Oil)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (for serving) (Spice)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the combination of flavors and textures here, but feel free to customize your Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast:

• Different Nut/Seed Cheese: Try making the base with soaked almonds or sunflower seeds (for nut-free).
• Add Herbs to Cheese: Blend fresh dill, chives, or parsley into the cashew cheese.
• Spicy Avocado: Mash some red pepper flakes or finely minced jalapeño into the avocado.
• Different Radish: If you can't find watermelon radishes, use regular red radishes or daikon radish, sliced very thin.
• Add Protein: Top with smoked salmon (not vegan), chickpeas, or a sprinkle of hemp seeds.
• Everything Bagel Spice: Finish with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning instead of just salt and pepper.

How to Make Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast

Making this beautiful Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast involves two main parts: the cashew cheese and the assembly.

Make the Cashew Cheese (Requires Soaking Time!)

1. Prep Step: First, I make sure my raw cashews are soaked. I cover them with water and let them soak for at least 4 hours at room temperature, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Once soaked, I drain the cashews thoroughly and rinse them well.
3. I place the soaked, drained cashews in my food processor (a high-speed blender also works well).
4. I add the chopped garlic clove, lemon zest, lemon juice, nutritional yeast (for that cheesy flavor!), water (starting with ¼ cup), salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
5. I blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the processor bowl as needed. This might take a few minutes depending on my processor. If the mixture seems too thick to blend smoothly, I add the remaining water (up to another ¼ cup), one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
6. I taste the cashew cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary. This cashew cheese can be made ahead and stored!

Prep Avocado and Toast

1. While the cashew cheese chills slightly (or just before assembling), I prepare the avocado. I add the pitted avocado flesh to a small bowl.
2. I add a pinch of salt and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Using a fork, I mash the avocado until it reaches my desired consistency (I like mine a bit chunky!).
4. I toast my slices of favorite multigrain or crusty bread until golden brown and crisp.

Assemble the Toast

1. Now for the delicious assembly! I spread a generous layer of the prepared cashew cheese onto each slice of warm toast.
2. I top the cashew cheese layer with my desired amount of the smashed avocado mixture.
3. Next, I arrange a few thin slices of the beautiful watermelon radish over the avocado.
4. I finish with a sprinkle of fresh microgreens or sprouts, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil, and a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Serve immediately!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Avocado Toast

Here are my secrets for making this Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast truly exceptional:

• Soak Cashews Properly: Don't skip soaking! It's essential for achieving that ultra-creamy cashew cheese texture. Overnight soaking is best if you can plan ahead.
• Use Ripe Avocados: Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the best flavor and creamy mash.
• Good Quality Bread: Start with sturdy slices of a flavorful bread like sourdough or a hearty multigrain. Toast it well!
• Thinly Slice Radishes: Use a mandoline slicer if you have one for paper-thin radish slices that are easy to eat and look beautiful. Watermelon radishes are stunning but regular radishes work too!
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides essential brightness to both the cashew cheese and the avocado mash, and helps prevent browning.
• Season Each Layer: Lightly season the avocado mash and finish the assembled toast with flaky salt and pepper for balanced flavor.

How to Serve

This Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast is perfect served immediately after assembly! Enjoy it for:

• A Healthy Breakfast: A filling and nutritious start to your day.
• A Vibrant Brunch: An impressive and delicious addition to any brunch spread.
• A Satisfying Lunch: Pair a slice with a small soup or salad for a complete meal.
• An Elegant Appetizer: Cut slices into smaller portions for easy party bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

This toast is best assembled just before serving. However, components can be prepped:

• Cashew Cheese: Make the cashew cheese up to 4-5 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Veggies: Slice radishes and store in cold water in the fridge.
• Assembly: Toast bread and mash avocado just before assembling and serving for the best texture and to prevent browning/sogginess.

FAQs about Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast

• What is nutritional yeast? Can I skip it?
  • Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast product often used in vegan cooking for its savory, cheesy, nutty flavor. It adds depth to the cashew cheese. You can omit it, but the "cheese" flavor will be less pronounced. You might add a little extra salt or garlic powder.
• What are watermelon radishes? What if I can't find them?
  • Watermelon radishes are an heirloom variety of daikon radish with a pale green exterior and a bright pink/magenta interior, resembling a watermelon! They have a mild peppery flavor. If you can't find them, substitute with regular red radishes or daikon, sliced very thinly.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  • Yes, if you serve it on certified gluten-free bread. The cashew cheese and toppings are naturally gluten-free.

Enjoy this vibrant, healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Cashew Cheese Avocado Toast with Watermelon Radishes! It's a fantastic plant-based meal.

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