About corn zucchini & black bean tacos

Corn, zucchini, and black bean tacos are a delightful and flavorful vegetarian or vegan dish that features a savory filling of sautéed or grilled zucchini, roasted corn kernels, and black beans, wrapped in soft tortillas.

Recipe highlights –

Mexican-style tacos
Spicy, crunchy, juicy roasted vegetables filling
Rich, creamy black beans and avocados
Topped with tangy green salsa
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Healthy, protein-rich, and high in fiber
Perfect for summer meals or parties
Vegan & gluten-free

This flavorful Mexican recipe combines the sweetness of corn, the subtle crunch of zucchini, and the richness of black beans into a wholesome recipe. A smear of tangy green salsa along with sliced avocados rounds up all the flavors deliciously.

Main ingredients for the filling

The following are the main ingredients for the filling of corn, zucchini & black bean tacos –

Corn – Roasted corn kernels are a key ingredient for these tacos and add a subtle smokiness, sweetness and crunch to the recipe. You can use fresh or frozen corn kernels for this recipe. The corn can be roasted in the oven or in the pan. You can also roast it on open flames/grill if using fresh corn.
Zucchini – Sliced zucchini adds slight crispiness and body to the filling. You can saute or grill the zucchini as per your preference.
Black beans – Canned or boiled black beans make the filling hearty & satisfying and are also a great source of plant based protein. You can also use kidney beans instead.
Homemade taco seasoning – Really adds a depth of flavor to the filling. While it can be easily found in store, I prefer to use homemade seasoning especially since it can be made with very simple & readily available ingredients like cumin powder, red chilli powder, black pepper powder, garlic powder, oregano and salt.

Toppings for the tacos

Other than the main ingredients mentioned above, you can add various toppings to your tacos to enhance their flavor. You can vary the toppings based on your preferences, I have used the following –

Salsa Verde (green salsa) – although technically not a core component necessary for these tacos, I recommend not skipping it. The tangy salsa made with green tomatillos, green chillies, garlic, lime juice and some spices, is super easy to make and adds a delicious vibrant flavor and spice to the recipe.
Avocado – sliced avocado adds a delicious creaminess and richness to the tacos and make it more healthy & filling. However, you can skip them if you want.
Diced onions & tomatoes & coriander leaves – I like to add freshly chopped onions, tomatoes and coriander leaves on top of the tacos for added freshness, crunch and color. You can also dress them with some lemon juice, salt & pepper for extra flavor.
Cotija cheese – for some texture, saltiness and taste. You can also use queso fresco, feta or skip it altogether for a vegan version.

How to choose tortillas for the tacos?

Soft tortilla shells make the base of the tacos to hold the filling and the choice of tortilla will affect the overall taste & texture of your tacos.

My favorite option is the traditional Mexican-style corn tortillas, as they work the best with the flavor of these tacos and provide a more authentic experience. They offer a slightly chewy texture and a distinct corn flavor that pairs well with the smoky roasted vegetables and rich black beans. They are also naturally gluten-free.

For a healthier option, choose whole wheat tortillas. They add a slightly nutty flavor and are higher in fiber and nutrients compared to regular flour tortillas.

Just warm the tortillas on a griddle for about 30 seconds to a minute on each side, until they are warm and slightly charred.

Health & nutrition benefits

Corn, zucchini and black bean tacos are a nutritious and well balanced dish –

The black beans and vegetables in this recipe provide a good amount of dietary fiber.
The beans are also a great source of protein for vegetarian diets.
Vegetables like zucchini and corn provide antioxidants and essential vitamins & minerals like vitamins C, potassium etc.
They are also relatively low on saturated fats and are good for heart health.

To enhance the nutrition of the dish, use healthier corn or whole wheat tortillas compared to refined flour tortillas.

Also, avoid loading your tacos with high-calorie toppings like cheese and sour cream and let the natural flavors of the vegetables shine through.

Serving suggestions

These tacos not only offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors but are also colorful and visually appealing. You can customize them to suit your preferences by adding or omitting ingredients & toppings as you like.

While these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the filling & salsas in advance and refrigerate them. For small gatherings, the toppings can be laid out for your guests to assemble their own tacos, to create a fun enjoyable experience.

The tacos can be had as a snack or as a complete meal. You can serve them along with a side of simple green salad or fruit salsa. You can also serve additional roasted veggies or potatoes along with it.

To make corn, zucchini and black bean tacos at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with photos posted below.

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