Mexican Tostada Salad

Step 1: Dressing ... Add everything to a large bowl; and whisk until combined.

Step 2: Salad ... In the same bowl with the dressing - add the peppers, tomatoes, radishes, corn, and scallions; and toss. Cover with plastic wrap; and chill 30 minutes.

Step 3: Avocados ... Add the diced avocados to a small bowl; and, squeeze another half of lime over the avocado and gently toss. This will prevent the avocado from browning. Then, add the avocado, arugula, cilantro, and mint to the chilled vegetable salad; and, gently toss, trying to NOT break up the avocado.

Step 4: Tortillas ... You can either bake or pan fry your tortillas; and, you can use flour or corn tortillas. I actually prefer corn for this recipe; and, I do prefer to pan fry them. Usually I don't pan fry; but, in this case, I do. I use a non stick pan and; a thin layer of oil (canola or vegetable) in the pan. Bring the pan to medium high to high heat; and, add the oil. Add the tortilla; and, fry 15-30 seconds per side, until lightly golden brown. But, KEEP an eye on them; they do NOT take long. Transfer the crispy tortillas to a plate lined with a paper towel; and, lightly season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Bake - yes, you can bake them too. Spray them with a non-stick spray; or, brush lightly with a neutral oil (vegetable or canola). Then, put them either on a grill, an open gas flame; or, directly on the oven racks, in a 400 degree oven. Honestly, I love to deep fry them; however, I rarely do that. So, I do break down and do the shallow pan fry. But, if you want to be more conscious of fats and frying - the baking/grill method is fine.

Step 6: Finish, Serve, and ENJOY! ... Plate your warm tortilla; then, add 2 tablespoons of the cotija cheese to each tortilla. Top with the chilled salad; and, use a slotted spoon - you don't want a WET or SOGGY salad. Then, finish each tortilla with the remaining cheese. It's that easy. Dig In! It's fresh - light - and full of flavor. A fresh fruit salad on the side is perfect. And, obviously ... you can always add some shredded chicken, shrimp, beef, beans; or even grilled fish. So, have fun; and, make it your own.