A Lighter Tostada. A complete Mexican inspired meal made healthy! So easy, so delicious!

First off, I have to say, is it just me or has this been a yummy week already?!?!? I just want to thank Natalie again for her fantastic post! SO…..In an effort to cook healthier meals more often I created this lightened up version of a Mexican favorite, the Tostada!

Yes, that dish with the crispy fried tortilla topped with greasy beef, a mound of cheese with a sprinkle of vegetable on top… not my Tostada!! With a few changes in technique and ingredients this becomes a fantastic and healthy meal!!

1/2 cup diced red onion

4 whole wheat tortillas

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 zucchini, small dice

3 cloves garlic, sliced

3 Tbsp my southwest seasoning (recipe below)

4 1/2 oz can chopped green chiles

1 cup shredded cheddar

3 plum tomatoes, small dice

1 cucumber, small dice

1/2 head romaine lettuce, sliced

1 avocado, diced and tossed in lime juice

sliced black olives

reduced fat sour cream

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp paprika

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 Tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

Go ahead and make the southwest seasoning by mixing all the ingredients together. Its delicious on shrimp and chicken as well so you may want to double, triple, whatever the recipe and keep it in a jar.

For the tortillas, no frying here! In a large pan with the heat on medium high add the tortilla and crisp up on both sides…. notice no oil just a dry pan.  While those are working, in a saute pan over medium heat, add a few Tbsp of olive oil. Sauté the onion, garlic and zucchini until softened. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add in the ground turkey, green chilies and 3 Tbsp of the southwest seasoning. Break up the turkey well and cook through. Set this mixture aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. While its warming go ahead and get to chopping… Slice your romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado and olives.  Be sure to toss the avocado in fresh squeezed lime juice to prevent oxidation (turning that icky brown color).

On a sheet pan lined with parchment place the crispy tortilla and top with the turkey mixture and sprinkle with a little bit of the cheese. Bake it for about 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Plate it up and top with all those wonderfully flavorful and colorful veggies!!

HAPPY EATS!!!


*these are my original recipes*