Healthy Toasts with Avocado and Ham Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 slices whole grain or multigrain bread
• 2 tbsp almond petals with skins
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
• Zest and juice of half an orange
• 2 avocados, cut in half and scooped out
• 150 g small arugula (about 8 cups)
• 60 g aged cheddar, crumbled
• 60 g thin slices of ham, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 5 radishes, very thinly sliced

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread and almonds on a baking sheet and bake, turning the bread once, until golden and crisp and the almonds are toasted, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
2. Meanwhile, combine the olive oil, vinegar, orange zest and juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a jar or other container with a lid. Close the lid and shake until thoroughly combined. The vinaigrette can be made a day ahead; shake well before serving.
3. Place half an avocado on each slice of toast, mash and spread the avocado with a fork to coat the bread, and season with salt to taste. Cut each piece of toast diagonally into 4 pieces and arrange the pieces, sharp corners facing out, to form squares on 4 plates.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the arugula, cheddar, ham, radishes, toasted almonds, and vinaigrette. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Place a mound of arugula in the center of each avocado toast. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.