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The Recipe · No.438 · Calabacitas

Calabacitas, and where to source it

Calabacitas — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Calabacitas Mexican 5best2buy.com

This is a summer-vegetable dish, which means it lives on peak zucchini and corn cut fresh from the cob. The whole trick is restraint with the squash. Keep the heat high and the pan moving so the zucchini stays tender-crisp; cook it too long and it slumps into a watery mush.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineMexican
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Zucchini
Diced, it is the base; peak-season squash holds its shape.
1.5 lb
Source it →
Corn
Fresh kernels off the cob add sweetness and pop.
2 ears
Local / market
Poblano pepper
Roasted and diced for a mild smoky heat.
1
Local / market
Tomato
Diced, it melts into a light sauce.
2
Local / market
Queso fresco
Crumbled over at the end so it softens without melting away.
3 oz
Source it →
White onion
Sauteed first to build the aromatic base.
1
Source it →
Oregano
A pinch of Mexican oregano ties the vegetables together.
1 tsp
Source it →
Lime
A squeeze at the end sharpens the sweet corn and squash.
1
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-potSheet pan
The Method
  1. Build the baseSaute diced onion in oil over medium-high heat until translucent, about 3 min, then add roasted poblano.
  2. Add squash and cornAdd the zucchini and corn and cook over high heat, stirring, until the squash is just tender, 6 to 8 min.
  3. Add tomatoStir in the diced tomato and cook 3 min more until it breaks down into a light sauce.
  4. FinishOff the heat, crumble queso fresco over the top and season with salt.
The Toolkit

Skillet · Chef knife · Wooden spoon · Cutting board

Straight Answers
Can you make Calabacitas in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Calabacitas? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Calabacitas ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Calabacitas gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Calabacitas vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.438

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