Avocado and Refried Bean Tostadas

These avocado refried bean tostadas are packed with veggies, super versatile, ready in under 20 minutes, and a delicious vegan appetizer, snack, or side! 

Vegetarian Tostadas with Refried Beans and Avocado

Tostadas are the flat and crispy open-faced (and messier) version of a taco, and I’m obsessed. I’ve already shared a recipe for jackfruit tostadas, but now it’s the turn of these easy avocado and refried bean tostadas. These vegan/vegetarian tostadas are easy to prepare and ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for impressing on busy evenings!

With just a handful of pantry-friendly and inexpensive ingredients, these healthy tostadas combine hearty refried beans (canned or homemade) with crisp shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes and onion, and creamy avocado—all topped off with cilantro and optionally vegan cheese. The combination is a delicious and nutritious balance of flavors and textures.

However, these vegetarian tostadas are also super versatile. While most options come with some form of beans, veggies, and vegan cheese, there are tons of additional (or substitute) ingredients you can play around with based on what’s in your kitchen. I’ve included some of my favorite options below. 

Plus, if you’re serving a crowd, you can lay out all the toppings in separate dishes and allow your family or guests to assemble their own perfect creations. So, let’s jump right into the easy tostadas recipe!

The Ingredients

This easy vegetarian tostadas recipe requires just 7 simple ingredients.

• Tostada shells: You can use regular tostada shells or street taco tortillas, which are extra small. Thinner varieties will become crispier, though I prefer thicker ones for these refried bean tostadas. I recommend using 100% corn tortillas whenever possible, as flour ones don’t crisp up as much.
• Refried beans: Store-bought or homemade will work perfectly as the ‘glue’ to stick all the remaining toppings to these vegetarian tostadas. 

To make chipotle bean tostadas, add a little cumin and chipotle Tabasco sauce to the refried beans, added to taste. 

• Lettuce: Shredded iceberg lettuce (pre-shredded or done at home) works great for a super crisp texture, though other types of lettuce will work. Finely shredded cabbage or baby greens will also work.
• Tomatoes & onion: I use diced fresh tomatoes and red onion, but a simple tomato salsa (like Pico de Gallo) would also work.
• Avocado: Use avocado slices, cream, or guacamole based on your desired texture.
• Vegan cheese: (optional) I used salty vegan parmesan, but a crumbly vegan feta alternative would also work on these bean avocado tostadas. 
• Cilantro leaves: Alternatively, green onions or parsley may work as substitutes. 

What Else Could I Use To Top Vegetable Tostadas?

Here are a few ways to adapt this recipe, whether you want a focus on creating vegetable tostadas, breakfast tostadas, or are simply looking for extra toppings.

• Finely sliced chili or jalapeños: Added to taste. Pickled jalapeño also works.
• Hot sauce: Drizzled over the bean and avocado tostadas for extra heat.
• Scrambled tofu: To transform these into brunch tostadas.
• Radish: Thinly sliced or julienned for crunch.
• A ‘slaw: For extra crunch.
• Pickled red onions: Instead of the fresh ones.
• Corn kernels: Roasted or grilled corn.
• Olives: Pitted and halved or sliced.
• Vegan sour cream: For extra creaminess and flavor.
• Sauteed veggies: Bell pepper, zucchini, & corn (with salt, cumin, paprika, + garlic powder).
• Sweet potato chunks: Roasted or pan-fried until tender and lightly browned. 
• Lemon/Lime wedges: To serve alongside the refried bean tostadas OR drizzle them with some lime juice. 

You could also add extra protein with shredded tofu, tempeh, soy protein, etc. 

How to Make Refried Bean Tostadas with Avocado?

Follow just three simple steps to pull together these easy bean and avocado tostadas.

If you’d like to make homemade tostada shells, refer to my jackfruit tostada recipe for an oven-baked and air fryer method. 

• 1) First, rinse and finely dice the tomatoes and red onion, shred the lettuce, and slice the avocado (or mash it/blend it, depending on your preference). 

• 2) In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. Mix and set it aside. 

• 3) To assemble the refried bean tostadas, first, slather on a layer of warm refried bean mixture. Then add the shredded lettuce, tomato-onion mixture, and avocado. Finally, sprinkle each with the vegan cheese (if using).

Enjoy these delicious avocado refried bean tostadas!

FAQs

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

• If you’re using pre-made tostada shells: I recommend placing them in the oven for 3-5 minutes at 350F until lightly toasted for the best texture and flavor. 
• Finely dice the veggies: This will help to make them easier to top the tostadas and eat with less mess. 
• Be gentle when spreading the beans: Otherwise, you might break the shell.
• Don’t overload with toppings: Otherwise, they are more likely to break while eating them. Also, hold them with both hands when eating to avoid cracking and mess. 
• If you have leftover toppings: They can be used to pull together a delicious rice bowl. 

What To Eat With Tostadas?

You can enjoy these vegetarian tostadas either alone as an appetizer or enjoy them as part of a larger meal alongside:

• Corn on the cob or Vegan Elote
• Mexican rice
• Mixed bean salad
• Fresh salsa

You might also be interested in learning the ‘proper’ way to eat a tostada!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make ahead: If you’re preparing homemade tostada shells, these can be done 2-3 days in advance. The various ‘chopped’ toppings for this easy tostadas recipe could also be prepared several hours in advance and stored in separate containers in the fridge until it comes time to assemble the refried bean tostadas. 

Store: Once assembled, enjoy the refried bean tostadas immediately before the shell becomes soggy. Leftover toppings will store in airtight containers in the fridge for a further day or two (except the avocado). 

More Vegan Snacks and Mains

• Air Fryer Nachos [Vegan Black Bean Nachos]
• Easy Vegan Jalapeno Poppers
• Crispy Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
• Air Fryer Tofu
• Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu
• Crispy Baked + Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

If you try this easy avocado and refried bean tostadas recipe (vegetarian tostadas), I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla