Tostadas are a beloved Mexican dish known for their crispy tortilla base topped with layers of flavorful ingredients. While traditional tostadas often feature meat or seafood, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy this tasty treat in a plant-based form. In fact, plant-based tostadas offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vibrant flavors and textures of vegetables, beans, and other wholesome ingredients.
Gluten-Free, Allergy Friendly Tostadas
I rediscovered the Tostada when we learned my son had a wheat/gluten allergy. Tostadas are made with corn tortillas, so they were safe for him. Always read the ingredient label though!
Plant-based tostadas are incredibly versatile and adaptable to various dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or following a specific eating plan, you can easily customize your tostadas to suit your needs. With a wide array of colorful vegetables, flavorful spices, and protein-rich beans at your disposal, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating plant-based tostadas that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Customization and Variations
- Get creative with your toppings by incorporating different vegetables, such as grilled corn, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Add protein-rich ingredients like tofu, tempeh, or seitan for added satiety and flavor.
- Experiment with different salsas, guacamole recipes, or homemade cashew cream for a personalized touch.
We are always changing up our Plant-Based Tostadas! Sure we need a crispy tortilla and beans but sometimes we used Instant Pot Refried Beans and other times we use Refried Black Beans. Lettuce and tomatoes are usual staples but sometimes we add Pico de Gallo, when the garden is growing we will make Oven Roasted Salsa. Another fun addition is Mango Salsa!
Anything goes! Just use what you have.
Plant-Based Tostadas
Ingredients
- Soft Corn Tortillas (or buy the crispy tostada tortillas)
- Unfried Pinto or Unfried Black Beans (store-bought refried beans can be used but read the label)
- Shredded Lettuce
- Dice Tomato
- Salsa (optional)
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven
If using soft corn tortillas, preheat oven to 350° and place tortillas on cookie sheet (I use parchment paper on my cookie sheet).
Step 2 – Bake Tortillas
Bake tortillas for 15 minutes then remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes until you can handle them. They may not feel crisp but they will get crispier as they cool. Leftover tortillas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Step 3 – Add Toppings
Spread beans onto tortillas. Top with lettuce, tomato and any other toppings you prefer.
Step 4 – Serve
These are great as an afternoon snack but also good for lunch or dinner. If serving as a meal I highly recommend making Mexican Rice to go with them. Tostadas are so simple that many kids could assemble them without much help, and they would also be a fun party food.
More Easy Plant Based Meal Ideas
If you like this recipe, you’ll love these plant based meals too:
- Sheet Pan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Tacos
- Vegan Pad Thai in Less Than 30 Minutes
- Vegetable Spaghetti
- Vegan Sushi Bowl
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl
Plant-Based Tostadas
Plant-Based Tostadas are an easy and family-friendly recipe to add to your plant-based meal plan! They can be customized to meet any allergy-friendly needs too.
Ingredients
- Soft Corn Tortillas (or buy the crispy tostada tortillas)
- Oil-Free Refried Beans
- Shredded Lettuce
- Diced Tomato
- Salsa, peppers, your favorite toppings (optional)
Instructions
- If using soft corn tortillas, preheat oven to 350° and place tortillas on cookie sheet (I use parchment paper on my cookie sheet).
- Bake tortillas for 15 minutes then remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes until you can handle them. They may not feel crisp but they will get crispier as they cool. Leftover tortillas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Spread beans onto tortillas in a thick layer.
- Add lettuce, tomato, and any other topping you will enjoy.
Notes
You can use canned beans to save time. One 15 ounce can of fat free refried beans is enough for about 4 people or 8 tostadas. You may need to add some water to the canned beans to get them smooth enough to spread.
Rita says
We love tostadas. We just started eating plant based and this is one food that we can still eat. The more toppings the better.
Holly says
Agreed Rita! Tostadas are the same and we love them. Sometimes I just like food with a little crunch!
Kim says
mmmm… gotta have some avocado on there! PS – love your new website design! 😉
Holly says
You know I love avocado. I wont but it specifically for toastadas though unless it is on sale.
Thanks, I’m still tweaking the site here and there. I wish I had more time for design.
The Healthy Flavor says
Love tostadas and love the crunch and simplicity of them!
Holly says
I agree Brandi! Tostadas are super simple, I love how quick they are to throw together. Washing and cutting the lettuce is the “hardest” part. 🙂
Maya says
I recently decided to switch my family to whole foods plant based protein diet after reading The China Study. Looking forward to trying your recipes on my 2 year old twins. Thanks!
Holly says
Congrats on making the switch! We just celebrated birthday’s so mine are now 3 and 5 but I know what its like trying to get kids to eat healthy. I’m so impressed with the changes my kids have made since we changed our diet. They went from burgers and nuggets to broccoli and beans.