Flavorful Southwestern Black Bean Tacos with Fresh Corn Salsa & Zesty Guacamole
Embark on a culinary journey with these incredibly easy and vibrant vegetarian black bean tacos, perfectly crowned with a bright, fresh corn salsa, creamy guacamole, and a sprinkle of salty crumbled cotija cheese. This recipe offers a delightful explosion of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
This post is brought to you in collaboration with Sabra.
Embrace Summer Flavors: Why Tacos Are Always a Good Idea
My devotion to tacos knows no seasonal bounds, but there’s something truly magical about enjoying them during the warm embrace of summer. The abundance of fresh, seasonal vegetables transforms a simple taco into a vibrant, flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or hosting a lively crowd, tacos are the ultimate versatile and satisfying meal. Their customizable nature means everyone can build their perfect bite, making them a perennial favorite in any household.
As we near the height of summer, it’s the perfect time to capitalize on the incredible bounty of produce available. High on my list are those sweet, juicy ears of summer corn, which play a starring role in these irresistible Southwestern black bean tacos. These vegetarian tacos are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of fresh ingredients, bursting with color and taste. The combination of savory black beans, crisp corn salsa, and rich guacamole creates a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched patio.
Honestly, if someone could just give me the new avocado and taco emojis, I think I’d be perfectly content for life. It’s a simple pleasure, but it speaks volumes about my love for these incredible culinary creations.
The Secret Ingredient: Sabra’s Veggie Fusions Guacamole
The inspiration for these accidentally vegetarian black bean tacos sprang from a delightful collaboration with my friends at Sabra. They’re celebrating the launch of their innovative new Veggie Fusions Guacamole dips, and I couldn’t be more excited to toast to this fantastic addition to their product line. These dips are more than just a convenience; they are hearty, wonderfully filling, and packed with wholesome nutrition, including a significant boost of fiber and protein. They truly elevate these tacos from good to absolutely outstanding, offering a delightful and effortless way to enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of guacamole.
While I cherish the process of preparing food and cooking everything from scratch, I am also a firm believer in embracing healthy shortcuts, particularly when those shortcuts involve creamy, delicious avocados. Much like their popular line of hummus dips, Sabra’s new Veggie Fusions Guacamole dips are crafted with only the finest whole ingredients. This commitment to quality means you can enjoy the convenience of a ready-made dip without compromising on health or taste. It’s about making nutritious eating accessible and enjoyable, even on the busiest of days.
Imagine fresh, ripe Hass avocados meeting a medley of vibrant vegetables – that’s the essence of Sabra’s Veggie Fusions. Each dip is a harmonious blend of crisp, fresh vegetables, featuring seven different varieties! This ingenious combination results in a lightened-up guacamole that boasts approximately 30% less fat and a mere 40 calories per two-tablespoon serving. For someone like me, who has a delightful tendency to consume her own weight in guacamole, this lightened-up option is an absolute game-changer, perfect for generous topping or guilt-free dipping. It brings all the creamy texture and rich flavor you love, with added nutritional benefits from the hidden veggies, making it a smart choice for any meal or snack.
Crafting the Perfect Taco: Components & Flavors
The Hearty Black Bean Filling
These Southwestern black bean tacos are a direct homage to the bold and zesty “Southwestern” flavor profile found in Sabra’s new Veggie Fusions Guacamole. This particular blend is infused with a delicious mix of onion, corn, black beans, tomato, red bell pepper, poblano, lime juice, chipotle pepper, garlic, and cilantro. While I didn’t incorporate every single one of these ingredients into the taco filling itself, I came remarkably close, capturing the essence of that vibrant Southwestern taste with a simple yet incredibly flavorful vegetarian approach.
The star of our taco filling is the humble black bean, transformed into a rich and savory mixture. We start with readily available canned black beans, which are sautéed with aromatic poblano pepper and onion. These vegetables provide a crucial foundation of flavor and a slight smoky heat, adding depth to the filling. Ground cumin and chili powder are then added, infusing the beans with a warm, earthy depth that is characteristic of Southwestern cuisine. The mixture is then finished with a splash of fresh lime juice for brightness and a generous handful of chopped cilantro, which adds a burst of herbaceous freshness. What makes this filling particularly special is my preference for using undrained cooked beans rather than draining them completely. I’ve found that leaving some of the canning liquid allows the beans to absorb the spices more effectively, resulting in a creamier texture and a much more flavorful, cohesive filling that clings perfectly to the tortillas.
The Refreshing Fresh Corn Salsa
To complement the robust black bean filling, we create a bright and crisp raw corn salsa. This simple yet impactful topping is a delicious meld of freshly shucked sweet corn kernels, finely diced red bell pepper for a pop of color and subtle crunch, fragrant cilantro, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. The natural sweetness of the corn, particularly when it’s just in season, is truly unparalleled and shines beautifully in this salsa. It provides a delightful crisp texture and a burst of refreshing sweetness and tang in every single bite. This salsa isn’t just a garnish; it’s an essential component that adds a vital layer of freshness and balances the richer, savory flavors of the beans and guacamole, making each taco a perfectly harmonious experience.
Perfecting the Assembly
Each soft corn tortilla serves as the perfect pliable vessel for this symphony of flavors. We start with a generous spoonful of our seasoned black bean filling, ensuring a hearty base for each taco. This is then followed by a dollop of the creamy Sabra Veggie Fusions Guacamole, adding a layer of rich, avocado goodness and extra veggies. A spoonful of the vibrant fresh corn salsa is then added, providing that crucial textural contrast and a refreshing burst of summer sweetness. Finally, a sprinkle of crumbled, salty cotija cheese ties all the elements together, offering a savory, authentic Mexican finish that elevates the entire taco experience. All these carefully chosen flavors and textures come together harmoniously, ensuring a truly satisfying and memorable bite every time you sink your teeth into one of these delicious vegetarian creations.
Southwestern Black Bean Tacos
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Ingredients
Fresh Corn Salsa:
- 2 ears of corn shucked (about 1½ to 2 cups corn kernels)
- 1 small red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and finely diced
- ¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- juice of 1 lime
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Black Beans:
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ large white or yellow onion finely diced
- 1 poblano pepper seeded, stemmed, and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon ground chili powder
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans undrained
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ – 1 teaspoon jalapeño hot sauce optional, to taste
- small handful chopped cilantro for stirring in
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepperto taste
Assembly:
- 8 to 12 small soft corn tortillas
- 1 (7-ounce) package Sabra Southwestern Veggie Fusions Guacamole or your favorite homemade guacamole
- crumbled cotija cheese
- fresh cilantro for garnish
- jalapeño hot sauce optional, for serving
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Corn Salsa: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the freshly shucked corn kernels, finely diced red bell pepper, and chopped fresh cilantro. Drizzle with the juice of one lime, then toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Season the salsa generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well and set this vibrant salsa aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the black beans.
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2. Prepare the Black Beans: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and poblano pepper. Sauté these aromatics, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions become beautifully translucent. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base. Next, stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, continuing to sauté and stir constantly for an additional 30 to 45 seconds until the spices are fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Pour in the two cans of black beans, *including their liquid*. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook, uncovered, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the liquid has slightly thickened and the flavors have deepened. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice, the optional jalapeño hot sauce (if desired for an extra kick), and a small handful of fresh chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Keep the black bean mixture warm until you are ready to assemble the tacos.
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3. Char and Warm the Tortillas: Prepare a large plate or bowl by lining it with a clean kitchen linen or towel. This will help keep the tortillas warm and pliable. If you have a gas stovetop, turn one or two burners to medium heat. Place one corn tortilla directly over the flame at a time, heating for 15 to 25 seconds per side, using tongs to flip them. You’re looking for them to be lightly charred and softened. As each tortilla is warmed, transfer it to the lined plate or bowl and cover it immediately with the linen to retain heat and moisture. If you don’t have a gas stovetop, you can warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds per side, or follow the package instructions for oven or microwave warming. Charring adds a wonderful smoky flavor that enhances the tacos.
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4. Assemble Your Tacos: Now for the best part! Take a warm corn tortilla and, using a slotted spoon (to avoid excess liquid), fill it with a generous spoonful of the savory cooked black beans. Next, add a dollop of Sabra Southwestern Veggie Fusions Guacamole (or your preferred homemade version) on top of the beans. Follow this with a spoonful of the refreshing fresh corn salsa. Finish each taco with a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese and a few fresh cilantro leaves for garnish. For those who love extra heat, a dash of jalapeño hot sauce can be added. Serve your delicious Southwestern black bean tacos immediately and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures!
Tips for Success & Variations:
- Cotija Cheese Substitute: If you can’t easily find cotija cheese at your local grocery store, don’t fret! Crumbled feta cheese makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar salty tang and creamy texture that beautifully complements the other flavors.
- Warming Tortillas Without a Gas Stove: For those without a gas stovetop, there are several great ways to warm your tortillas. You can use a dry non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, heating each side for about 30 seconds until pliable. Alternatively, wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or wrap them in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. While charring adds a unique smoky note, these methods will still ensure soft, warm tortillas.
- Make Ahead Tips: Both the black bean filling and the corn salsa can be prepared a day in advance, making these tacos perfect for meal prepping. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the black beans on the stovetop and bring the salsa to room temperature.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to customize your tacos! Roasted sweet potatoes, grilled bell peppers, or sautéed zucchini would make fantastic additions to the filling, boosting flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of jalapeño hot sauce in the black beans and as a topping to suit your heat preference. For a milder flavor, omit it entirely. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bean mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: These tacos are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, a light quinoa salad, or a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Why You’ll Love These Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos
These Southwestern Black Bean Tacos aren’t just delicious; they’re also a fantastic choice for a healthy, satisfying, and easy meal that fits beautifully into any lifestyle. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your regular rotation:
- Packed with Flavor: From the smoky, richly spiced black beans to the sweet and tangy fresh corn salsa and the creamy, zesty Sabra Veggie Fusions Guacamole, every component bursts with incredible taste. The combination is a vibrant fiesta in your mouth, designed to excite your palate with every bite!
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Black beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making these tacos incredibly filling and beneficial for your digestive health. Coupled with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from avocado, and wholesome corn tortillas, they offer a well-rounded and nutritious meal that supports a balanced diet.
- Quick & Easy: With the convenience of canned black beans and a ready-to-use, vegetable-packed guacamole option, this recipe comes together relatively quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Enjoy more time relaxing and less time cooking!
- Vegetarian & Customizable: A delightfully meatless option that appeals to everyone, not just vegetarians. These tacos are naturally plant-forward and can be easily adjusted to suit various dietary preferences. You can effortlessly tweak the spice levels, add extra vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed bell peppers, or even swap out the cotija cheese for a vegan alternative if desired.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a lively gathering with friends, a relaxed barbecue, or even a simple yet satisfying lunch, these easy vegetarian tacos are always a hit. Their vibrant appearance and customizable nature make them perfect for sharing and enjoying good company, fostering a fun and interactive dining experience.
More Ways to Enjoy Southwestern Flavors
The beauty of Southwestern cuisine lies in its bold flavors and versatile ingredients, which means the components of these delicious tacos can inspire many other incredible culinary creations. Don’t limit these fantastic elements to just taco night; let your creativity flow!
- Black Bean Bowls: Transform the savory black bean filling and vibrant corn salsa into a hearty and satisfying bowl. Serve them over a base of fluffy rice or protein-rich quinoa, then top with a generous scoop of guacamole, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and any other fresh veggies like sliced radishes or pickled onions for an amazing meal prep option.
- Guacamole Beyond Tacos: Sabra’s Veggie Fusions Guacamole is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic served simply with your favorite tortilla chips, but also shines as a creamy spread on sandwiches or wraps, a zesty topping for baked potatoes, or even whisked into a creamy dressing for fresh salads. Its lightened-up profile makes it a guilt-free addition to a myriad of meals and snacks.
- Salsa Versatility: The refreshing fresh corn salsa isn’t just for tacos! Enjoy it as a vibrant side dish alongside any grilled meal, scoop it up with crisp tortilla chips for a light snack, or use it to top grilled fish, chicken, or even a veggie burger for a burst of summery freshness and texture.
I am thrilled to be part of the Sabra Tastemaker program! This recipe post is sponsored by Sabra. Thank you for supporting brands that allow me to get in the kitchen, be creative, and share my passion for great food!