Blue Corn Tostadas with Smoky Roasted Corn Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp blue corn tostadas topped with a vibrant salsa of roasted corn, black beans, and fresh cilantro, featuring Midwest-inspired ingredients. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes blends (6-inch) blue corn tortillas, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, (fresh or frozen, thawed) corn kernels into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place 6 blue corn tortillas on a baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes, flipping once at 3 minutes, until crisp and golden.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 2 cups corn kernels, 1/2 chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Spread drained black beans in a single layer on a separate baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes at 375°F until slightly browned and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Place a tostada on each plate, top with roasted black beans, then spoon 1/4 cup corn salsa over the beans. Add 1 slice of avocado per serving and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Blue Corn Tostadas with Smoky Roasted Corn Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Blue Corn Tostadas with Smoky Roasted Corn Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Blue Corn Tostadas with Smoky Roasted Corn Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Blue Corn Tostadas with Smoky Roasted Corn Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Blue Corn Tostadas with Smoky Roasted Corn Salsa?

American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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