Dinner

Cauliflower Black Bean Tostadas with Queso and Pickled Onion Recipe

ByElara Stone February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Introduction

Cauliflower Black Bean Tostadas with Queso and Pickled Onion offer a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors. This vegetarian dish is easy to prepare and packed with delicious, comforting textures. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat.

The image shows six small tostadas on a white marbled surface, each with a golden brown crispy base. On top of each base is a layer of dark refried beans, followed by golden roasted cauliflower florets that have a slightly crispy texture. Thin slices of bright pink pickled onions are scattered over the cauliflower, adding a pop of color. The dish is finished with a green herb garnish and drizzled with a creamy white sauce that has specks of green herbs, creating a contrast of textures and colors. To the side, there are two lime wedges adding a fresh green touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
Salt and olive oil
1 package taco seasoning (recommended: Siete brand)
One 14-ounce can refried black beans (recommended: Amy’s brand)
8-10 small corn tortillas (recommended: Mission street tacos tortillas)
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
Cilantro, for garnish
Pickled red onion
Queso (recommended: Queso Mama brand, green chile variety)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 25-30 minutes until browned and tender.
Step 2: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the roasted cauliflower. Toss with tongs to coat evenly. Return the cauliflower to the oven for another 5-10 minutes to become soft and infused with seasoning.
Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping a small speck of water—it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Fry the tortillas in batches, cooking each for a few minutes on both sides until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Warm the refried black beans and queso. Assemble the tostadas by spreading a layer of black beans on each crispy tortilla, then topping with the roasted cauliflower, cilantro, pickled onion, and queso.
Step 6: Finish with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately for the best crunchy and creamy combination.

Tips & Variations

Adjust taco seasoning quantity to taste to avoid overpowering the cauliflower flavor.
Try adding sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if preferred, but fry until crispy for the ideal tostada texture.
Use pickled red onions from your favorite store or make your own by soaking thinly sliced onions in vinegar and a pinch of sugar for at least an hour.

Storage

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the roasted cauliflower and black beans in the oven or microwave, and crisp the tortillas again in a hot skillet before assembling to maintain their crunch.

How to Serve

A small round base layer of crispy golden tostada topped with a thick spread of dark brown refried beans, then covered with fried cauliflower pieces that are golden and slightly crispy on edges. On top of the cauliflower, there are thin, curled ribbons of bright pink and white pickled onions, with fresh green chopped cilantro scattered around. The entire stack is topped with a pale creamy sauce drizzled generously, with small specks of herbs visible in it. The food sits on a white marbled textured surface with some scattered cilantro leaves around and two halves of lime nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the tortillas instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the tortillas at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes on each side until crispy. They may be lighter but won’t have the same richness as fried tortillas.

Is this recipe vegan?

This recipe can be made vegan by substituting the queso with a plant-based cheese or avocado. Make sure the refried beans and other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.