Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these tacos because they’re colorful, quick to make, and packed with garden-fresh flavors. The combination of juicy corn and zucchini with the zesty lime crema makes for a refreshing and satisfying vegetarian meal, perfect for summer evenings or a light lunch.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small zucchini, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 small corn or flour tortillas
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Lime Crema:
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Salt, to taste
directions
I begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I sauté the red onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Next, I add the zucchini, corn, and red bell pepper. I sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
While the veggies cook, I whisk together the sour cream, lime zest and juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth to make the lime crema.
I warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or the microwave until they’re soft and pliable.
To assemble, I fill each tortilla with a generous scoop of the corn–zucchini mixture, drizzle with lime crema, and top with chopped cilantro.
I serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to cook, and 20 minutes total. Each taco is approximately 150 kcal.
Variations
Sometimes I add black beans for extra protein or top with avocado slices for creaminess. Crumbled queso fresco or feta also adds a delicious salty touch. For more heat, I sprinkle on sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
storage/reheating
I store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I sauté it briefly in a skillet. I keep tortillas separate and reheat them fresh when I’m ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, I drain and rinse canned corn before using. It works well when fresh corn isn’t available.
Are these tacos vegan?
They can be. I use a plant-based yogurt for the crema and make sure the tortillas don’t contain animal products.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. I prep it up to a day ahead and reheat it when assembling the tacos.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
I warm them in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a bit of char. A microwave also works if I’m short on time.
Can I grill the vegetables instead?
Yes, grilled corn and zucchini add a smoky depth. I chop them after grilling and use them in the same way.
Conclusion
Summer Corn & Zucchini Tacos are my go-to for an easy, breezy, and flavor-packed seasonal meal. They’re light yet satisfying, full of texture, and completely customizable for whatever fresh produce I have on hand.
Print
Summer Corn & Zucchini Tacos
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Fresh, flavorful veggie tacos packed with sautéed corn, zucchini, and bell pepper, topped with zesty lime crema—perfect for light summer meals.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small zucchini, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
½ red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 small corn or flour tortillas
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Lime Crema:
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Zest and juice of 1 lime
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté red onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add zucchini, corn, and bell pepper. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
Meanwhile, whisk together sour cream, lime zest and juice, and salt to make the crema.
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
Fill each tortilla with the veggie mixture, drizzle with lime crema, and top with cilantro.
Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
Add black beans for protein or top with avocado slices.
Crumbled queso fresco or feta adds salty richness.
Use vegan yogurt and check tortillas for a fully plant-based version.
Grilled vegetables work great for smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired