Loaded Hummus Toast

Don’t feel like cooking? “Assembled” meals solve that problem. Hummus toast happens to be one of the easiest, plus it’s filling, flavorful, and loaded with options!

People occasionally ask me if I ever get sick of cooking. The answer is an unequivocal yes!

There’s also a difference between cooking because you have the time and energy to enjoy the creative process and cooking because you have to do it, perhaps at the end of a long day.

Sometimes, it feels like a lot. (Laundry can feel that way, too!)

Ultimately, my desire to enjoy what I eat keeps me in the kitchen. Sometimes, however, an “assembled” meal is every bit as deliciously satisfying as a cooked one–and with none of the hassle!

Avocado toast is one such example. Top it with an egg or smoked salmon–even some roasted turkey or black beans–and it becomes a light yet filling meal.

Speaking of avocado toast, would you believe I have three variations on the traditional offering? I’ve made all of these many, many times:

But as much as I enjoy avocado, it isn’t the only toast topper in town. Hummus offers the same creamy consistency with the added benefit of filling protein and fiber. And at the end of the day, it’s all about variety.

On that note, the hummus itself affords us lots of variety. We can rely on a very good store-bought spread or make it ourselves. We can opt for the traditional flavor or enjoy one of the many flavored options.

Crunchy, creamy, cool, crisp, and incredibly versatile, hummus toast offers a quick, protein-rich meal that tastes great any time of day — Crunchy toast, creamy hummus, crisp cucumber, sweet tomato, creamy avocado, all topped off with crunchy, salty seeds…it’s one of many possible combinations for a plant-based meal that really satisfies.

How to make it a meal…

The toppings are where things get fun and how the toast can satisfy as a complete meal. A range of vegetables (think tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado) will add appealing color and a range of nutrients.

Extra protein can be found in the form of eggs, salmon, even leftover chicken or turkey. Crunchy toppings and flavor boosters–from nuts, seeds, and crumbled feta to sliced olives and herbs–allow you to build flavor and texture with what you have on hand.

Hummus toast is economical, too. Beans are inexpensive, and so is bread. If you, like me, have kids in college or starting a new job who are looking for ways to eat quickly and cheaply, this handheld meal is a worthy suggestion.

The meal can also be free of gluten, dairy, nuts, sesame, and other common allergens by making easy modifications. For those with sesame allergies (tahini is an ingredient in most hummuses), Cool Hummus offers a delicious, sesame-free, store-bought choice. (Locally, I’ve found it at Whole Foods.) I’ve also noted an adaption to the following recipe.

Hummus toast is also ideal when the weather is hot and you prefer to keep the heat out of the kitchen. What’s more, it can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner–or as a hearty snack.

More hummus recipes you may enjoy:

Would you enjoy more no-cook meals?

I have a few other assembled meals that I reach for when not in the cooking mood and am happy to share if there’s interest. And if you have a favorite meal that involves little to no cooking or relies on grocery store shortcuts (think bagged slaw mix, canned beans, cooked rice, etc.) feel free to share. I once shared a long list of dorm room meals (i.e., meals that could be made in a microwave or on a hot plate) on Facebook. I’d be happy to put a similar list of assembled or quick meal together if there’s enough reader interest and participation!