Vegan Tostadas: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Read time: 7 mins.

Introduction

Hello level 5 vegans! Practicing plant-based life is so much fun, isn’t it? You get to explore new dishes, ignite your creativity, and experience a world of flavors while staying true to your values.

This spirit of exploration and creativity led me to craft the perfect vegan tostada recipe, inspired by a backpacking adventure through Central America.  Every place I went there had its own unique take on tostadas. Some from street food vendors and others from fancy restaurants.

The incredible flavors and inventive twists I tried inspired me so much that I couldn’t wait to bring that excitement back home. This recipe is a love letter to those travels, combining the best of what I tasted into a simple, vegan-friendly dish that I think you’ll love.

What is Tostada?

When I first encountered tostadas in America, I thought they were just tacos in disguise.

I mean, they’re both flat and round, right?

My taco-loving brain didn’t see the difference at first. But as I wandered through local markets and food stalls, I soon realized that tostadas are like tacos’ cooler cousins, similar, but with their own unique twist.

The word “tostada” means “toasted” in Spanish, and it refers to a traditional Mexican dish with deep cultural roots.

These toasted tortillas, crispy and flat, offer a delightful change from the traditional taco. They’re less likely to crumble, which means you can pile them high with all your favorite toppings without worrying about a messy taco disaster. Big relief for moms like me!

Now, whenever I whip up a batch of vegan tostadas, it feels like a delicious nod to my culinary journey, a reminder that sometimes, even familiar shapes can hold wonderful surprises.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With It?

Being a vegan mom myself I’m always on the lookout for meals that are both healthy and easy to make, bonus points if the kids can get involved. These vegan tostadas check all the boxes. Here’s why:

• They turn dinnertime into a mini adventure for the kids. They can pick and add their own toppings, making each tostada their own creation.
• If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies to dairy or meat, vegan tostadas are a fantastic choice.
• They’re budget-friendly too, thanks to veggies and tortillas being both affordable and delicious.
• The cleanup? It’s a breeze. There are hardly any dishes to wash, so you get more time to relax and enjoy with your family.
• These tostadas are packed with fresh ingredients, giving you a boost of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find, making them a quick and satisfying meal option.
• They come together in just 10-15 minutes, and you can mix and match toppings to suit everyone’s mood.

How to Serve the Vegan Tostadas?

Vegan tostadas are not only a breeze to make but also a lot of fun to serve. With so many tasty options, you can really make them the star of your meal. Here are few good choices to enjoy your vegan tostadas with:

• Charred Corn Salad
• Coconut Lime Rice
• Roasted Veggie Medley
• Vegan Cilantro Lime Rice
• Avocado Lime Dip
• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
• Mango Salsa

Topping Options for Vegan Tostadas

This is where you can get really creative with your tostadas.

For me, I love to load mine up with a zesty combination of fresh avocado slices, tangy salsa, and a sprinkle of vegan cheese. Mark, on the other hand, pile on some spiced black beans, grilled veggies, and a dollop of cashew sour cream. Whereas Emma enjoys with a mix of crunchy shredded lettuce, sweet corn, and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette. And Charlie? Well, he’s all about the basics.

But these are just our favorites. Here are some more ideas to jazz things up:

• Roasted Veggies: Think bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
• Spicy Salsa: Add a kick with a spicy homemade salsa.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who like a bit of heat.
• Fresh Cilantro: To brighten up the flavors.
• Sliced Radishes: For a crunchy, peppery bite.
• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Nutty and crunchy.
• Vegan Yogurt: For a cool, creamy topping.

How to Make Vegan Tostadas?

Here’s my original vegan tostada recipe, ready to become your next favorite meal.

Ingredients

• For Base:
  • 12 tostadas (try the Mission brand)
  • 2 cups vegan refried beans (Eden Foods Refried Black Beans with Jalapeno are a great choice)
    
• For Salsa:
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Pink sea salt, to taste

• For Topping:
  • 1 ½ avocados, sliced
  • 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 6 tablespoons crumbled vegan feta (Violife brand works well)
  • Hot sauce, to taste (try Tapatío for a bit of heat)
  • Extra cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

• Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sweet corn
  • Sliced olives
  • Cashew sour cream
  • Salsa verde
  • Vegan cheese shreds
  • Sliced jalapeños

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Let’s start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pop those tostadas onto a baking sheet and let them toast for about 4-5 minutes. They should come out hot and crispy, ready for all those tasty toppings!
2. Heat Up the Beans: While your tostadas are getting their crisp, heat vegan refried beans on the stove in a small pot. Just warm them through, stirring occasionally
3. Mix Up the Salsa: In a bowl, mix together the chopped cherry tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of pink sea salt. I go for a little extra lime juice if I’m craving more zing. Set this aside so the flavors can meld together.
4. Assemble the Tostadas: Once your tostadas are crispy, carefully spread a layer of the warm refried beans on each one. Top with your homemade salsa, then add slices of creamy avocado, a generous amount of shredded cabbage, and crumbled vegan feta. If you like a bit of heat, drizzle on some Hot Sauce.
5. Optional Additions: Add any of the optional toppings like shredded lettuce, sweet corn, sliced olives, cashew sour cream, salsa verde, vegan cheese shreds, or sliced jalapeños for extra flair and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with more cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. I find a squeeze of lime just before eating adds a burst of brightness.

 I know what you’re thinking can something this simple really be that good?

Trust me, I had the same doubts at first. But after the first bite, I was hooked.

The crispy tortilla, the zesty salsa, the fresh burst of tomatoes, each ingredient plays its part perfectly. And the best part? You really can’t mess this up. Even if you’re not a confident cook, this recipe is practically foolproof. So go ahead, give it a try. I promise, you’re going to love it!

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the toppings ahead?

Yes, you can prepare toppings like spiced beans, grilled veggies, and cashew sour cream in advance and store them for up to 3 days. Just keep fresh ingredients like avocado and lettuce separate until serving.

2. Which tortillas should I use?

Use sturdy corn tortillas for authentic tostadas. Brands like Mission or Siete Foods offer great options. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.

3. Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Definitely! Bake the tortillas instead of frying and sauté veggies in broth or water. This keeps the tostadas crispy and healthy without added oil.

4. How do you reheat tostadas?

Reheat tostadas on a baking sheet at 400°F for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

5. Are vegan tostadas healthy?

Yes, they can be! Homemade tostadas and fillings are often healthier than store-bought, with lower oil, salt, and fat content.