Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

Why Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas Are a Summer Favorite

Summer squash and sweet corn are a match made in a skillet, especially when they meet smoky cumin, tangy salsa verde, and gooey Monterey Jack. These corn and zucchini enchiladas turn that combo into a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a treat. The filling comes together in one pan, and the salsa verde dip keeps corn tortillas pliable and packed with flavor.

Reasons to Love These Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

• The filling comes together in one skillet while you dip tortillas in salsa verde, fewer dishes, more flavor.
• This recipe uses fresh summer produce, but frozen corn and store-bought salsa verde work just as well year-round.
• The tortilla-dipping trick keeps them from cracking and adds an extra layer of tangy flavor.

Key Ingredients for the Best Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

• Zucchini: Use small to medium zucchini for the best texture. Large ones can be watery and seedy. No need to peel, the skin adds color and nutrients.
• Salsa verde: Look for a tomatillo-based salsa. The acidity brightens the filling and keeps the tortillas moist. If you prefer a milder sauce, use a mild jarred version or make your own.
• Black beans: Canned black beans are convenient. Rinse and drain them well to reduce sodium and avoid a mushy filling.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for These Enchiladas

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet (a 12-inch works well)
• Pie plate or shallow dish for dipping tortillas
• Microwave (or a frying pan with oil if you prefer frying tortillas first)

Tips for Rolling Corn Tortillas Without Breaking

Corn tortillas can crack if you roll them cold. Wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30 seconds on each side makes them pliable. Dipping each tortilla in salsa verde before filling adds moisture and flavor, it’s the same trick that keeps them from getting soggy. If you prefer a firmer texture, briefly fry each tortilla in hot oil before dipping, though the microwave method works well for most.

Another tip: use a pie plate for the salsa verde dip, it’s the perfect size for coating one tortilla at a time. And resist overfilling; about 1/4 cup of filling per tortilla gives you neat, tight rolls.

Easy Variations for Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

If you want to switch things up, try using Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy kick, or swap the black beans for pinto beans. To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese and skip the queso fresco topping. For a gluten-free option, corn tortillas already work, just double-check your salsa verde label. You can also add shredded chicken or ground beef if you want to stretch the filling further.

The recipe is flexible: replace salsa verde with red enchilada sauce, or use cheddar or Pepper Jack in place of Monterey Jack. Add shredded chicken or ground beef for a meaty version. For a low-carb option, serve the filling over lettuce or in a bowl instead of rolling enchiladas.

What to Serve with Vegetarian Enchiladas

These enchiladas pair well with cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice on the side. A bowl of refried beans or a simple fruit salad balances the richness. Don’t forget the toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, radish slices, and crumbled queso fresco add color and crunch. Guacamole and chips make a natural starter.

How to Store Leftover Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

Let leftover enchiladas cool completely, then cover the baking dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas for Later

These enchiladas freeze beautifully. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 5-10 more minutes until bubbly. No need to thaw first.

Best Ways to Reheat Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

To reheat a single serving, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. For the whole pan, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly. If the top is drying out, spritz with a little water before reheating.

Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas: Your Questions Answered

Equipment

• large skillet
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• microwave
• pie plate
• cutting board

Recipe

Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

Print recipe Pin recipe

Prep

20 min

Cook

35 min

Total

55 min

Servings

6 servings

Cuisine

Mexican

Course

Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 small zucchini (diced)
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 oz green chilies
• 15 oz black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp chili powder
• 0.25 cup chopped cilantro
• to taste kosher salt and black pepper
• 16 oz salsa verde (divided)
• 2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (divided)
• 12 corn tortillas
• fresh cilantro, avocado, radish slices, queso fresco (garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and zucchini and cook until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the corn and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Stir in the green chiles, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in 1/2 cup of the salsa verde and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese.
4. Spread about 1/2 cup of the salsa verde onto the bottom of the greased baking dish.
5. Wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave on high for 30-seconds and then flip and heat for 30 more seconds. OR you can briefly fry the tortillas in hot oil.
6. Pour about 1 cup of the salsa verde into a pie plate. Take a tortilla and dip it into the salsa verde, coating both sides. Transfer to a plate or cutting board and add about 1/4 cup of the filling into the center.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Calories

420 kcal21% DV

Protein

18 g36% DV

Fat

18 g23% DV

Carbs

45 g16% DV

Fiber

10 g36% DV

Sodium

920 mg40% DV

% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA). Values are estimates — see our nutrition data sources.

complete the meal

Pairs Well With

DinnerButternut Squash Enchiladas