How to Make a Tostada in Easy Taco Salad Cups
April 28, 2021
Tostada salad in torilla cup

How to Make a Tostada in Easy Taco Salad Cups

If you've ever wondered how to make a tostada this is a great and EASY way to get that done! It's not a 100% authentic Mexican tostada but with a few exceptions, it's pretty close. Either way these are a delicious side dish or serve up several for a healthy main dish.

Tostada salad in torilla cup

Make Your Own Tortilla Bowls

Small circles cut from raw tortillas for making tostada bowls

Traditional tostadas are made with a fried corn tortilla, but my family prefers flour, AND the raw flour tortillas are pliable enough to make into a bowl. So it's a win-win for me.

I purchased raw “ready-to-cook” tortillas and cut them down to fit my darling new mini waffle bowl maker.

Dash Mini Waffle Makers…..my new obsession!

Raw tortilla circles on mini waffle cup maker

So I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I have now purchased FOUR mini waffle makers. I know. I have a problem. But they are SO. DANG. FUN! Just place the small circle on top and gently let the top come down as it heats. If you do it too quickly it will just cut your tortilla. Let it cook until the light turns on and check for doneness. It's super easy and since we aren't frying the tortilla it's healthier for you too.

You absolutely do not need to buy this little contraption, if you'd like to create a bowl without the maker, simply drape the raw tortilla over a properly sized bowl, place on a cookie sheet, and bake in the oven.

And in case you're wondering what other Dash waffle makers I just had to have….cause I know you're gonna ask! They make holiday breakfasts so much fun!

How to Make Your Tostada

Homemade Tortilla bowls for serving Tostadas

Now that the bowls are done {aren't they darling!?} it's time to make your tostadas.

Traditional Tostadas have beans

Black bean tostadas in tortilla bowls

Heat your refried black beans and spread on the bottom of each bowl. Then top as desired. Your toppings will determine if you're making yourself a tostada or a taco salad.

What's The Difference Between a Tostada and a Taco Salad?

The difference between a tostada and a taco salad starts with the tortilla. Authentic tostadas are simple, typically flat, with a fried corn tortilla. They have beans, might have meat like seasoned ground beef, and definitely are topped with shredded lettuce, tomato and drizzled with your choice of salsa , cheese, and/or crema.

Taco salads are NOT authentic Mexican fare. They were introduced at Disneyland's Casa de Fritos in the 1950's with a salad served in a Frito bowl! Sadly the Frito bowl is no longer and taco salads often come with a fried flour tortilla bowl. Your lettuce to bean and meat ratio is also higher with additional veggies taking the stage. They are also served with salad dressing like Ranch.

How to Serve Your Tostadas

Tostada salad in torilla cup

We served up our tostada bowls with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados. Then topped it with a little salsa, crema, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Now you know how to make a tostada to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day, or just enjoy a nice dinner at home. Whether you make tortilla bowls or serve them flat, either way they'll be delicious!

If you try these yummy tostadas, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below. And if you share photos, I want to see it too! Please tag us @partieswithacause on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We love celebrating all your hard work! 

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Healthy Black Bean Tostada Bowls by Salt Lake Party Stylist

Black Bean Mexican Tostada

Traditional Mexican Tostadas are served on a fried tortilla, this healthier version uses baked tortilla in an optional bowl for a fun and easy Mexican side dish.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Fiesta, healthy

Equipment

  • Mini Waffle bowl maker {optional}

Ingredients

  • 1 package Raw tortillas
  • 1 can Refried black beans
  • 1 head Romaine lettuce
  • 1 Tomato diced
  • 1 Avocado sliced

Instructions

DIY Tortilla Bowls

  • Cut your raw tortillas into a 4" circle for mini bowls
  • Add the raw tortilla to the mini waffle bowl maker being careful to press the tortilla softly down as to not break it
  • Close the lid and let cook until the light turns on and carefully remove

Optional Oven baked tortilla bowl method

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Brush raw tortillas with oil and lay over properly sized bowls.
  • Place in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned

Tostada Filling

  • Spread warm refried beans onto bottom of bowl with the backside of a spoon
  • Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocados
  • Serve with salsa, cheese, and drizzle with crema

Notes

For a full meal add seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken

Explore Mexico From Home

I have been fortunate enough to travel to 28+ countries in my life thus far. Exploring the world, learning about other people, food, and cultures gives give me so much joy. Through my travel experiences my heart has grown with more compassion and empathy toward humankind.

In an effort to instill this kind of cultural appreciation and understanding in our children, we've been virtually traveling around the world for years. Someday I hope to have these adventures with my family in person, on location. Until then, these lessons have been a wonderful primer that I hope will only deepen their appreciation of each culture if and when we do arrive.

In an effort to help more families enjoy these adventures, we've gathered up our favorite videos, books, recipes, crafts, and activities from each country to share them with YOU.

I hope that your family will come to enjoy your virtual travel adventures through these magic doorways into other lands as much as we have. You can find out more about the Virtual Family Adventure Guides HERE. And don't forget to start your adventure off on the right foot with your FREE printable passport! Come Celebrate the Globe® with me!

Plan Your Next Cultural Celebration

Missing your travels? Grab this Passport to Adventure and Celebrate the Globe with your family!

Follow along in your passport as you virtually explore different countries on your own or with our Virtual Family Adventure Guides.

Keep the kids busy while having lots of fun and learning important lessons about cultures and people different from you.


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    Gingerbread houses in a row as table runner centerpiece for a Christmas Cookie Exchange Party I’m Bri of Parties With A Cause. I’m a mother to three crazy awesome kids, interior designer, & party planning junky. I love reading, globe trotting, and frozen yogurt. And I’m elevating the party experience one cause at a time! Read More

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