Summer Calabacitas Tacos

During the summer I probably make these calabacitas tacos once or twice a week. (Every mom in Mexico makes calabacitas, it is one of the most common side dishes.) They are super easy to make and they utilize all the wonderful summer produce available at the local farmer’s market. Tender zucchini, ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, and garlic stew together to make a satisfying, finger licking taco.

Traditionally calabacitas tacos are topped with crema and cheese. However, this time I have chosen to use avocado instead, but feel free to use my recipe for almond crema and macadamia nut cheese, or top with your favorite vegan cheese. If you would like to make this a heartier meal you can add baked tofu or your favorite beans.

Calabacitas tacos on a parchment lined dinner plate.

This week we went back to the Dole pineapple plantation to ride the train. The plantation has a little train that takes you on a tour of the plantation fields. The kids were more than happy to ride around on the train and spend time with their dad, and the view was amazingly beautiful. While at the plantation my husband and I were commenting that we were so ready for the summer to be over. There are so many tourists, everywhere, all the time. More than 8 million people visit Hawaii every year! It can get kind of crowded. I expect that around September or October things will slow down a bit, and we can enjoy some quiet time at the beach. Look at me sounding like a local!

Family on a trolley car.
Red dirt and trees in front of a lake and mountains in the background.
Calabacitas tacos in corn tortillas on a parchment lined dinner plate.

I am in the process of planning the recipes for the next couple of months, and I want to know what YOU would like to see on the blog. There are many wonderful Mexican recipes that still need to be veganized, so tell me about your favorite Mexican dish or food memory and I will try my best to make it vegan and healthy-ish.

The Recipe: Summer Calabacitas Tacos

This has always been one of my favorite recipes and it is great in tacos, or served over rice with lentil picadillo. Enjoy!

A hand picking up a calabacitas taco in a corn tortilla.

More Summer Recipes

Summer Calabacitas Tacos

I make these tacos once a week in summer. They are super easy to make and they utilize all the wonderful summer produce available at the local farmer's market. 
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Vegan
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 331kcal
Author: Dora R.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil
  • 1 cup Diced white onion
  • 1 Serrano pepper, minced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Diced tomato (fresh or canned)
  • 2 Large zucchini, cut into dice (4 cups)
  • 2 ears Corn, cut into kernels (1 1/2 cups)
  • 10 Corn tortillas
  • ½ cup Almond crema
  • ½ cup Vegan Cotija cheese
  • 1 cup Favorite Salsa
  • 1 tbsp Fresh epazote, chopped

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large saute pan set to medium-low heat. Add onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until onion is translucent.
  • Add serrano pepper and garlic, and cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Stir in tomato and cook until the tomato breaks down and softens, about 6 minutes. If the tomato begins to stick to the pan add 1/4 cup of broth or water.
  • Stir in zucchini and corn and cover. Cook unitl the zucchini is tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in epazote and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve on warm corn tortillas topped with almond crema and vegan cotija cheese.

Notes

If you would like to make this a heartier meal you can add baked tofu or your favorite beans. If you can’t find epazote you can use oregano or cilantro instead. 

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 688mg | Potassium: 1171mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1382IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @dorastable or tag #mexicangonevegan!

Although dorastable.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates.

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12 Comments

  1. Hi. I am glad I found this website. I can’t can wait to try all your recipes. Most of them are dishes that I remember eating growing up in Mexico City like Habas, lentejas , sopa de fideo etc. I wish I could find the ingredients to make mole de Romeritos y Guazontles. Muchicimas gracias!

    1. 5 stars
      Yum! Perfect for all that zucchini right now. Love The sweetness of the corn with it. Combination made in heaven! Added it to a burrito bowl with with and beans and guacamole.

  2. 5 stars
    Hi! I love your site, thank you so much for your recipes. They all look so delicious! I just made these calabacitas and they are fantastic! I added pinto beans, cumin and oregano. They are amazing in tacos, on a salad, I even put them on grits for breakfast. Yum! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes. Take care!

  3. 5 stars
    So I have missed traditional dishes like this since having to quit dairy. I was delicious with the almond sauce.

  4. 4 stars
    This was good, but I think it lacked some flavor. I added ground cumin, cilantro, and some Herdez salsa to add more flavor. I also ate it with Mexican rice.

  5. We tried this last night and it was amazing. Added a can of black beans to make it go farther for a large family. Thank you for sharing this!

  6. Do you not add any herbs/spices? (I hope this question does not come off as rude, but rather as curiosity and my ignorance.)

    1. Hi Ohayou. It’s not rude at all. I like it simple without any herbs or spices, but a good herb to add is oregano.

4.67 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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