Introduction
Discover the delightful flavors of Tostada Salad, a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines crisp tostada shells with a medley of fresh ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, bringing together the zesty tastes of cilantro lime rice, savory shredded chicken, and a refreshing salsa verde ranch dressing.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Tostada Shells:
– Store-bought or homemade by frying corn tortillas
Shredded Chicken:
– 2 cups pre-cooked and shredded
Cilantro Lime Rice:
– 2 cups prepared with fresh cilantro and lime juice
Black Beans:
– 1 cup cooked and seasoned
Cheddar Cheese:
– 1 cup shredded
Romaine Lettuce:
– 2 cups chopped
Pico de Gallo:
– 1 cup freshly made or store-bought
Cotija Cheese:
– ½ cup crumbled
Tortilla Strips:
– 1 cup crispy
Sour Cream:
– For topping
Cilantro:
– Fresh, chopped (for garnish)
Lime Wedges:
– For serving
Prep Time
– 20 minutes
Cook Time
– 15 minutes
Total Time
– 35 minutes
Yield
– Serves 4
Salsa Verde Ranch Dressing
Cilantro:
– ¼ cup fresh
Mayonnaise:
– ½ cup base ingredient
Sour Cream:
– ½ cup adds creaminess
Salsa Verde:
– ½ cup for flavor
Ranch Seasoning Mix:
– To taste
Directions
Prepare the Dressing:
– In a blender, combine fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa verde, and ranch seasoning mix. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Tostadas:
– Place tostada shells on serving plates.
– Spread a layer of cilantro lime rice over each shell.
– Add a portion of shredded chicken on top of the rice.
– Sprinkle black beans and shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
– Top with chopped romaine lettuce and a spoonful of pico de gallo.
– Drizzle the prepared salsa verde ranch dressing over the assembled tostadas.
– Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro.
– Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your Tostada Salad!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
In a blender, combine fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa verde, and ranch seasoning mix. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble the Tostadas
Place tostada shells on serving plates. Spread a layer of cilantro lime rice over each shell. Add a portion of shredded chicken on top of the rice. Sprinkle black beans and shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Top with chopped romaine lettuce and a spoonful of pico de gallo. Drizzle the prepared salsa verde ranch dressing over the assembled tostadas. Garnish with crumbled cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Tostada salads can be customized with additional toppings such as avocado, jalapeños, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Storage Tips
If preparing in advance, store individual components separately to maintain the tostada shell’s crispness. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.
Homemade Tostada Shells
To make homemade tostada shells, fry corn tortillas in oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels before using.
Cook techniques
Frying Corn Tortillas
To make homemade tostada shells, heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add corn tortillas one at a time, frying until golden and crispy on both sides. Remove them and drain on paper towels.
Preparing Cilantro Lime Rice
Cook rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and mix in freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice to taste for a bright flavor.
Shredding Chicken
For shredded chicken, use cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Once cooled, use two forks to pull apart the meat into shreds. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for quick shredding.
Seasoning Black Beans
If using canned black beans, rinse and drain them. In a saucepan, heat the beans and season with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor.
Making Salsa Verde Ranch Dressing
Combine fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa verde, and ranch seasoning mix in a blender. Blend until completely smooth and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Assembling Tostadas
Layer each ingredient thoughtfully on a tostada shell, starting with the rice, followed by chicken, black beans, and cheese. Add fresh vegetables last for a crunchy texture.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought tostada shells?
Yes, store-bought tostada shells are a convenient option and save time in preparation.
How do I store leftovers?
Assembled tostadas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator but are best enjoyed fresh. Store components separately to maintain crispness.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute ingredients such as avocado, jalapeños, or different types of cheese based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time and assemble the tostadas right before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I serve with tostadas?
Tostadas pair well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Tostada Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines a medley of textures and tastes, from the crunchy tostada shell to the creamy salsa verde ranch dressing. It is a versatile meal that can be easily customized by adjusting toppings and ingredients to suit personal preferences. This dish delivers a fresh and satisfying experience, perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Combine grilled corn, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder for a delicious side salad that complements the tostadas.
Chicken Enchiladas
Use shredded chicken wrapped in tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and cheese, and baked until bubbly for a comforting dish.
Pico de Gallo Quinoa Bowl
Mix cooked quinoa with pico de gallo, black beans, avocado, and fresh cilantro for a nutritious meal option.
Avocado Toast with Salsa Verde
Spread mashed avocado on toasted bread and drizzle with salsa verde for a quick and flavorful breakfast or snack.
Grilled Veggie Tacos
Fill corn tortillas with grilled seasonal vegetables, topped with cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime for a light and tasty option.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers
Marinate chicken pieces in lime juice and cilantro, then grill on skewers for a flavorful dish that pairs well with any sides.
