Name: Easy Tostada Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 to 10 tostada shells; 3 cups homemade refried beans or 2 (16-ounce) cans refried beans, warmed; 2 avocados, pitted and thinly sliced; 3 cups mixed shredded iceberg lettuce and red cabbage; 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese; Sea salt to taste; Lime wedges for serving; Chopped fresh tomatoes; Mexican crema or Cilantro Lime Crema; Pickled Jalapeños or Pickled Serrano Peppers; Fresh cilantro leaves

Description

This Easy Tostada Recipe is a quick and delicious Mexican-inspired dish perfect for a light lunch or snack. Crispy tostada shells are layered with creamy refried beans, fresh sliced avocado, crunchy shredded lettuce and cabbage, and tangy crumbled Cotija cheese. Customize with pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and crema to add bursts of flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, these tostadas offer vibrant textures and flavors that celebrate simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Base

8 to 10 tostada shells
3 cups homemade refried beans or 2 (16-ounce) cans refried beans, warmed

Toppings

2 avocados, pitted and thinly sliced
3 cups mixed shredded iceberg lettuce and red cabbage
1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
Sea salt to taste

Optional Garnishes

Lime wedges for serving
Chopped fresh tomatoes
Mexican crema or Cilantro Lime Crema
Pickled Jalapeños or Pickled Serrano Peppers
Fresh cilantro leaves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the base: Spread each tostada shell with a layer of refried beans, using about ¼ to ⅓ cup per shell. This will create a creamy and flavorful foundation for the toppings.
Add fresh toppings: Arrange thinly sliced avocado, shredded lettuce and cabbage mixture, and crumbled Cotija cheese evenly over each bean-covered tostada shell to build fresh, crunchy layers.
Season and garnish: Add additional toppings as desired, such as chopped tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or fresh cilantro leaves. Season each tostada with sea salt to taste.
Serve with lime: Offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the tostadas for a bright, zesty finish. Optionally, drizzle Mexican crema or cilantro lime crema on top for added creaminess.

Notes

You can make refried beans from scratch or simply warm canned refried beans for convenience.
For extra protein, add cooked shredded chicken or grilled steak on top.
If tostada shells are not available, lightly toast corn tortillas in a dry skillet until crisp.
Customize toppings according to your taste preferences and availability of fresh produce.
This recipe is best served immediately to keep the shells crunchy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Lunch or Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mexican