Save There's something about a lettuce boat that makes eating feel a little less ordinary. I was standing in my kitchen on a random Tuesday, staring at half an avocado that was perfectly ripe, when it hit me—why not skip the bread altogether and let crisp lettuce do the heavy lifting? That afternoon, I boiled some eggs, grabbed my favorite bagel seasoning from the pantry, and suddenly I had something that tasted indulgent while fitting perfectly into how I wanted to eat. It became the kind of meal I now crave.
I made this for my sister when she was visiting, and she kept sneaking bites before I'd even finished plating. She's not usually one for low-carb cooking, but the combination of soft avocado, tender eggs, and that salty-savory bagel crunch completely won her over. By the end of lunch, she was asking if I could teach her how to make it for her own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Eggs (4 large): The foundation of everything here—boiling them just right means they're tender inside with that bright yellow yolk, not that gray-green ring that comes from overcooking.
- Ripe avocado (1 large): Pick one that yields slightly to thumb pressure; if it's too firm, it won't mash smoothly, and if it's mushy, the whole dish falls apart texturally.
- Mayonnaise (2 tbsp, sugar-free): This is what binds the salad and makes it creamy—regular mayo works just fine if you're not strictly tracking carbs.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): A small amount adds tang and sophistication without overpowering the delicate avocado flavor.
- Fresh chives (1 tbsp, finely chopped): They bring a gentle onion note and a hint of color; dried chives lose their charm here, so fresh really matters.
- Fresh dill (1 tbsp, chopped, optional): If you have it on hand, dill lifts the whole dish into something that feels restaurant-quality.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): This keeps the avocado from browning and adds brightness that makes all the other flavors pop.
- Salt and black pepper (1/4 tsp each): Season to your taste—you can always add more, but you can't take it back.
- Butter lettuce or romaine (8 large leaves): Butter lettuce is more delicate and forgiving, while romaine gives you sturdier boats that hold up better to a generous spoonful of filling.
- Everything bagel seasoning (2 tbsp): This is the secret weapon—sprinkle it right before serving so it stays crispy and doesn't get soggy from the moisture in the salad.
Instructions
- Boil the eggs to golden perfection:
- Bring eggs to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let them sit in gentle bubbling water for 9 to 10 minutes—listen for that quiet, steady simmer. The moment the timer goes off, plunge them into an ice bath so they stop cooking and the yolk stays that perfect sunshine yellow.
- Build the creamy base:
- In a medium bowl, take your lemon juice and pour it over the avocado halves right away, then mash with the back of a fork until you've got something between smooth and chunky. Add the mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper, and fold gently until everything comes together without overworking it.
- Bring the salad together:
- Peel and chop your cooled eggs into bite-sized pieces, then fold them into the avocado mixture along with the chives and dill. Be gentle here—you want distinct bites of egg, not a mushy paste.
- Prepare your lettuce boats:
- Carefully peel lettuce leaves away from the head, rinse them under cool water, and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Wet lettuce wilts fast, so this step matters more than it sounds.
- Fill and finish:
- Spoon the salad into the center of each leaf, dividing it evenly, then sprinkle that everything bagel seasoning right over the top just before anyone takes a bite. This timing keeps the seasoning crunchy and prevents it from dissolving into the filling.
Save The first time I served this to someone eating low-carb, they teared up a little when they bit into it. They'd been missing bread, missing crunch, missing that feeling of sitting down to something hearty and real. This dish gave them all of that back, and it made me realize that eating differently doesn't mean eating less deliciously.
The Magic of Everything Bagel Seasoning
I used to think everything bagel seasoning was just a trendy sprinkle, something that looked good on avocado toast for Instagram. Then I realized how much it actually elevates simple food—that mix of poppy seeds, sesame, garlic, onion, and salt creates a salty-savory complexity that makes you wonder what's in there. It transforms a quiet avocado salad into something with depth and character, which is why it belongs on this dish.
Variations That Work
Once you nail the basic formula, you can play around without losing the essence of what makes this work. Add diced radish or celery for extra crunch, swap in Greek yogurt if mayo feels too heavy to you, or pile on some smoked salmon if you want to turn lunch into something fancier. Even cooked bacon crumbles scattered on top create a completely different moment, and every version still takes under twenty minutes.
Serving and Storage
These boats are best assembled close to when you're going to eat them, since the lettuce wilts and the seasoning softens over time. The egg and avocado filling keeps in the fridge for about two days in an airtight container, which means you can meal-prep the filling and just assemble fresh boats whenever you need them.
- If you're making ahead, keep the filling separate from the lettuce leaves and combine them right before eating.
- You can use any type of sturdy lettuce that speaks to you—butterhead, romaine, iceberg—just avoid anything too delicate like arugula.
- Pair this with a crisp dry white wine or a sparkling water with lemon for a meal that feels complete.
Save This recipe proved to me that the best meals aren't always the most complicated ones—sometimes it's just about choosing fresh, quality ingredients and letting them speak for themselves. Make this when you want something fast and real and deeply satisfying.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of lettuce works best for this dish?
Butter lettuce or romaine are ideal as their large, sturdy leaves create perfect boats to hold the filling without tearing.
- → Can I add extra crunch to the filling?
Yes, finely diced celery or radish can be mixed into the avocado and egg blend for extra texture.
- → Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the mixture?
Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier flavor while maintaining creaminess.
- → How is the everything bagel seasoning used here?
It’s sprinkled just before serving on top of the filling inside the lettuce boats to add a savory crunch and burst of flavor.
- → Can I include proteins like smoked salmon or bacon?
Yes, adding smoked salmon or cooked bacon can boost protein and add depth to the flavors.