Vegetarian Tostadas

This easy Vegetarian Tostada Recipe starts with a crisp corn tortilla. Then, we add all the best toppings. Ready in ten minutes, it’s a crisp, filling meal so good even meat eaters ask for seconds! 

Looking for more vegetarian meals? Try our one-pot Moroccan chickpea stew and savory vegetarian crepes, too. 

Tostadas with refried beans and fresh vegetables piled high and topped with cilantro.

It’s no secret that we’re big meat eaters around here. However, every once in a while, we switch things up with a hearty vegetarian option, like this vegetarian tostada recipe! They’re crisp. They’re creamy. They’re savory, and perfectly spiced. Basically, they’re pure perfection in every bite. 

Even better, they come together in minutes with zero cooking required, and we can easily find all the ingredients at our local grocery store! Readers love it, too, saying: 

“Great recipe thank you for sharing! I followed the instructions as stated and it turned out great for me. I definitely recommend!” – Bon

Ingredients and Notes

Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details! 

Labeled ingredients in bowls for vegetarian tostadas on a white marble countertop.
  • Tostada Shells – If you can’t find tostada shells, corn tortillas also work. Just bake or fry them before assembling in order to achieve the crisp texture we want. 
  • Refried Beans – We use plain beans. Make sure to double-check the ingredient list as many are made with lard, which is not vegetarian-friendly! 
  • Spices – Chili powder and ground cumin infuse the beans with a warm, savory taste. 
  • Toppings – We go with pico de gallo, sliced avocado, queso fresco or cotija cheese, black olives, and lime juice. However, guacamole, pickled red onions, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, hot sauce, cilantro, and sour cream make great additions, too! 

How to Make a Quick Vegetarian Tostada Recipe

Cumin and chili powder sitting atop refried beans in a bowl.
  1. Prep the beans. Heat the beans in the microwave, and stir in the seasonings, making sure they’re distributed evenly. 
Refried beans spread thinly onto a corn tostada shell.

2. Layer. Spoon an even layer of beans on each tostada shell. Then, add all your favorite toppings, and finish with a generous squeeze of lime. 

Sliced black olives, queso fresco, sliced avocado, pico de gallo, and refried beans on a tostada.

3. Enjoy! 

Common Questions 

Can I make vegetarian tostadas ahead of time? 

We don’t recommend storing assembled tostadas, as they’re likely to become soggy. However, you can store all the components in separate airtight containers. Then, just warm the beans, layer, and serve as usual. 

What should I serve with vegetarian tostada? 

This recipe makes for a complete meal on its own or with easy Mexican rice. However, it’s also great as an appetizer with main courses like our blackened cod, beef enchiladas, and walking tacos

Four tostadas with refried beans, sliced avocado and black olives on a sheet pan.
A lime wedge being squeezed over a vegetarian tostada.

Vegetarian Tostadas Recipe

Sammi Ricke
A crispy shell is topped with spiced beans, pico de gallo, avocado, cheese, and more in this ten-minute, no-cook vegetarian tostadas recipe!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 5 servings
Calories 425 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 10 tostada shells or corn tortillas (see notes)
  • 15 ounce can refried beans
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 10 ounce container pico de gallo
  • 2 avocados, sliced thinly
  • 4 ounce container queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • 4 ounce can sliced black olives
  • 1 lime

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the refried beans. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm. Stir in the chili powder and ground cumin.
    15 ounce can refried beans, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Assemble the tostadas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans over the tostada shell. Top with a spoonful of of pico de gallo, a few slices of avocado, then queso fresco or cotija cheese, black olives and a squeeze of lime juice on top.
    10 tostada shells, 10 ounce container pico de gallo, 2 avocados, sliced thinly, 4 ounce container queso fresco or cotija cheese, 4 ounce can sliced black olives, 1 lime
  • Serve immediately. Store ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Meal Prep Tips – Have everything prepped and stored separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, rewarm the beans and assemble the tostadas.
Tostada Shell Substitute – If using corn tortillas as tostada shells, bake or fry them before assembling. These instructions are helpful!

Nutrition

Serving: 2tostadasCalories: 425kcalCarbohydrates: 36.2gProtein: 5.9gFat: 27.4gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 553.2mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 5.5gSugar: 2.3gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Did you enjoy this Vegetarian Tostadas Recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram

Similar Posts

  • Easy Pasta All’Amatriciana Recipe

  • Easy Valentine Cookies (Under 30 Minutes!)

  • Easy Cheeseburger Soup

  • Ham & Black Bean Salad

  • Turkey Sausage Egg Casserole with Veggies

  • Snickerdoodle Hummus

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




18 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    These easy tostadas are such a great dinner option when we are rushed! They come together in a matter of minutes. I either have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go when we get home or grab everything from the store already sliced and diced on the way home. Easy peasy and so yummy!

  2. Great recipe thank you for sharing! I followed the instructions as stated and it turned out great for me. I definitely recommend!

  3. I’ve got a few corn tortilla left over and was wondering what to do with them.Tostadas its going to be 🙂 Love the toppings and what a light and refreshing meal.

  4. I’m always looking for new veggie meals to try, Sammi and this looks so good! Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of Hearth and Soul. Pinning and tweeting. Hope you are having a lovely Sunday.

    1. Hi April! Yes, I love to have vegetarian meals a couple times a week and these are definitely my favorite lately. The topping possibilities are endless, which I love! Blessings to you. 🙂