It’s coming. The zucchini is coming. Empty your refrigerator, clear your kitchen counter, and figure out which neighbors are least likely to suspect you of leaving an anonymous bag of squash on their doorsteps, because summer squash is prepping to take over. These Blackened Zucchini Tacos are one tasty way I plan to survive the influx of summer’s most prolific vegetable in the next few months.

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Like a rainstorm that starts with a roll of thunder or a chick flick’s happy ending, zucchini is predictable. From late July through September, it dominates backyard gardens and farm stands, and my freezer slowly fills with loaf after loaf of zucchini bread.
Since a gal can only eat so many zucchini muffins (and zucchini brownies and zucchini waffles), I’m stockpiling my collection of easy zucchini dinner recipes, including today’s Blackened Zucchini Tacos. This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes, healthy, and packs a sassy southwest kick.

How to Make These Blackened Zucchini Tacos
This zucchini taco recipe begins with summer produce staples: zucchini, red onion, and fresh corn for the taco filling, along with radishes for a cooling crunch on top.
The zucchini tacos are made in two phases, both of which are quick and easy to complete. Start by sprinkling thick rounds of zucchini with a zesty mix of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne, then cook the slices in olive oil until golden on each side. The spices will darken (a.k.a. “blacken”) and the zucchini.

If you sneak an early taste of the zucchini slices, you’ll notice they are pretty spicy. Fear not for your taste buds—once the zucchini mixes with the other ingredients, the heat mellows and balances.

Next up, filling part two: in the same skillet, quickly cook the corn, onion, garlic, and black beans. EASY.

Now we build! We wrapped up our zucchini tacos in soft flour tortillas. The tortillas stay nice and fluffy but are sturdy enough to handle a heaping helping of zucchini taco filling.
For a gluten free option, simply swap in corn tortillas or serve a little of each. You can do no wrong.
More Vegetarian Tex-Mex Recipes

Tools Used to Make This Recipe
- Cast Iron Skillet. Another good quality, more affordable option here.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife. Your new favorite kitchen tool.
The zucchini is coming. Fire up your stove and let’s embrace it one zucchini taco at a time.
Blackened Zucchini Tacos
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 medium zucchini cut into 1/2-inch round disks
- 1 medium red onion diced
- 3/4 cup corn cut from the cob (about 1 ear—or substitute frozen, thawed corn)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 can low sodium black beans rinsed and drained
- 8 flour tortillas Fajita/Taco Size (to make gluten free, swap corn tortillas)
- Toppings: Sliced radishes cilantro, sour cream, feta, lime wedges
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium high. While the oil heats, combine the chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Once the oil is hot and shiny, add the zucchini rounds in a single layer, then sprinkle with half the spice mixture. Let cook until the first side is golden, about 4 minutes, then flip, sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture, and cook on the other side until it is golden as well, 3-4 additional minutes. Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Reduce the skillet heat to medium low. Add the onion and corn and let cook until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and beans, then cook until the garlic is fragrant and the beans are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- If desired, toast the tortillas over a gas burner or cover with a lightly damp paper or kitchen towel and warm in the microwave. Fill tortillas with the bean mixture and reserved zucchini slices, then add any desired toppings. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Oh I’m so ready for it. Bring on ALL the zucchini!! These look amazing, I absolutely love the blackened flavor in veggies. Definitely won’t miss the meat in this one!
What a great way to switch up taco night and use up all of the zucchini that will soon be overtaking my kitchen!
THESE TACOS LOOK AMAZING. Like seriously, you are a food whiz.
I am BLUSHING! Thank you Anne!
Beautiful, I really love how your to afraid to really char that zucchini.
These look so delicious! What a great Meatless Monday dinner, or Taco Tuesday! I love all the bold flavors!
Guess I know what I’m doing with the farm market zucchini this week! Thanks for sharing!
These were so delicious that I made them two nights in a row. The first time, we had grilled corn the night before but then the second time I roasted frozen corn in the oven. Both times absolutely fantastic! Love this new way to use zucchini. I also did not use oil, forgot to be honest, used a nonstick skillet. I will definitely be making these again. Thanks Erin!
TinaLouise, I am so excited to hear this!! Two nights in a row is the highest praise I could ask for :) Thanks for sharing this kind review!
The local market had in a batch of organic zucchini and I was itching for something tasty, savory and that would be easy on the pantry. This was a delicious blend of flavors that I would return to again, if there was any left!
No feta or black beans, so I used kidneys and added avocado with a generous squeeze of lime. This is the first time visiting your site, Erin, and I thank you for your creative generosity. Happy New Year!
Thank you for leaving this kind review, Laura! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the tacos. Happy New Year to you as well! I’m so glad you’re here. :)
Easy to make and wonderful tasting.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the tacos, Maria! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave this review!
Amazing, made these tonight & they will be my new go-to taco recipe!
Rose, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the tacos! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this great review!
These are so good! I swapped cayenne for chipotle powder and added a little smoked paprika. Served with the radishes, guac, and cotija cheese. I’ll definitely be making these again!
That sounds delicious, Laura! Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try and reporting back with your tweaks!
My husband and I love making tacos (who doesn’t?!) and this is quickly turning into our go recipe! The combination of flavors is delicious and they are also easy to make. Thanks again for another 5 star recipe Erin! ?
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this awesome review, Tracy! I’m glad to hear the recipe was a hit in your house!
Oh Erin, I just made these and we had them for dinner. So freaking gooodddd!!!!! I followed your recipe exactly and they were awesome! Thank you!

Pat, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the tacos! Thanks so much for taking the time to report back and leave this wonderful review!
I am obsessed with this recipe and so is my family. We have had it 5 times in 2 weeks. It’s cozy and healthy.
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed it, Sasha! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Fantastic! So full of flavor and so simple. You were right on about the balance between the salty zucchini and the beans and corn. Will definitely be adding this to my rotation.
Hi Tyler! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Oh my gosh!! So very good! I had the stuff for tacos but also a zucchini that needed to be eaten and this recipe was the perfect remedy. Delicious and easy! Will definitely make again!
Hi Leila! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!