Summer Tacos: 3 Fresh & Easy Recipes to Try
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors, and nothing captures the essence of the season quite like delicious homemade tacos. Whether firing up the grill for a backyard cookout or preparing a quick meal for the family, these three easy taco recipes bring bold flavors with minimal effort. Using seasonal ingredients and simple techniques, these tacos are sure to be a hit all summer long.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Light, flavorful, and packed with a tropical twist, grilled shrimp tacos pair perfectly with a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
For the shrimp:
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
For the mango salsa:
1 ripe mango, diced
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 small jalapeño, minced
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste
Other:
8 small corn tortillas
Avocado slices for garnish
Instructions:
In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Grill shrimp over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Combine all mango salsa ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Warm tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side.
Assemble tacos by placing shrimp on each tortilla and topping with mango salsa and avocado slices.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Shrimp grills quickly, making this a fast and easy meal.
- Mango salsa adds a refreshing sweetness that balances the smoky spice.
- Perfect for summer gatherings or a light weeknight dinner.
Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema
Juicy grilled chicken with a creamy, citrusy avocado sauce makes these tacos both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
For the avocado crema:
1 ripe avocado
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Juice of 1 lime
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Other:
8 small flour tortillas
Shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for topping
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly and let marinate for 30 minutes.
Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing into thin strips.
Blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
Warm tortillas on the grill.
Fill each tortilla with sliced chicken, a drizzle of avocado crema, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Avocado crema adds a creamy, tangy contrast to smoky grilled chicken.
- A simple marinade keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Great for meal prep—the chicken can be grilled ahead of time.
Veggie Tacos with Roasted Corn and Black Beans
For a healthy and hearty meatless option, these veggie tacos feature charred corn, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients:
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas
Queso fresco or feta cheese for topping
Instructions:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add corn kernels. Cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred.
Add black beans, red bell pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
Warm tortillas and fill them with the corn and bean mixture.
Top with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Roasting the corn adds a sweet, smoky flavor.
- Black beans provide a hearty protein boost.
- Perfect for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
Enjoy Fresh Summer Tacos at Rosita’s
Nothing captures the taste of summer like fresh, flavorful tacos. Whether craving grilled shrimp with mango salsa, savory chicken with avocado crema, or a veggie-packed option, these recipes bring out the best of seasonal ingredients.
For those looking to enjoy authentic Mexican tacos without the prep, Rosita’s in Seattle offers a variety of handcrafted tacos made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Visit Rosita’s or call 206-523-3031 to order today!