Tacos are my go-to when I want a fun, flexible, and flavor-packed meal—but when I threw grilled nectarines into the mix, everything changed.
The smoky-sweet fruit paired with a spicy, crunchy slaw is a game-changer. These Grilled Nectarine Tacos with Spicy Slaw are a vibrant fusion of bold heat and summer sweetness—and they’re surprisingly simple to make.
Topped with fresh lime juice, honey, and sriracha for a kick, these tacos are served on warm corn tortillas and finished with crumbled feta or cotija cheese and fresh chopped cilantro.
Recipe Highlights
These tacos are a flavor explosion in every bite—caramelized nectarines bring natural sweetness, balanced by the fiery kick of jalapeño and a crunchy slaw dressed in lime and sriracha.
You get soft, toasty tortillas, creamy avocado, and optional crumbled cheese to round out this summer-perfect dish.
They’re eye-catching, easy to prepare, and wildly unique.
- Sweet, smoky grilled nectarines
. - Spicy, crunchy cabbage slaw
. - Light and satisfying vegetarian-friendly meal
. - Ready in 25 minutes
. - A colorful, summery twist on taco night
Ingredient Notes
- Nectarines: Choose firm-ripe nectarines for easy slicing and grilling. Their sugars caramelize beautifully over heat.
. - Red & Green Cabbage: Adds bright color and crisp texture to the slaw.
. - Jalapeño: Brings heat to balance the sweet fruit. Remove seeds for less spice.
. - Carrot: Adds crunch and color to the slaw.
. - Lime Juice: Fresh acidity that brightens and balances the flavors.
. - Sriracha: Spicy, tangy chili sauce that adds depth to the slaw dressing.
. - Honey: Helps mellow the heat and gives the slaw a sweet edge.
. - Corn Tortillas: Soft and slightly charred—an ideal base for these tacos.
. - Avocado: Creamy and cooling contrast to the spice.
. - Crumbled Feta or Cotija (optional): Adds salty tang and richness.
. - Fresh Cilantro: Herbaceous garnish that ties it all together.
How to Make My Grilled Nectarine Tacos with Spicy Slaw
- Prep the Slaw
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded red and green cabbage, grated carrot, and finely diced jalapeño.
. - Make the Dressing
Whisk together lime juice, honey, sriracha, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Pour over the slaw and toss to combine. Chill while grilling.
. - Grill the Nectarines
Slice nectarines into wedges. Lightly brush with oil and grill for 2–3 minutes per side, until charred and tender.
. - Warm the Tortillas
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or directly on the grill until warm and lightly toasted.
. - Assemble the Tacos
Add grilled nectarines, a scoop of spicy slaw, avocado slices, and crumbled feta or cotija cheese. Top with fresh cilantro and an extra drizzle of lime juice if desired.
Vibrant Flavors of Grilled Nectarine Tacos
Grilled nectarine tacos bring a refreshing twist to summer meals.
Juicy nectarines sliced into wedges are the star of this dish, offering a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture of the spicy slaw.
This slaw, made with shredded red cabbage, shredded green cabbage, grated carrot, and finely diced jalapeno, adds a zesty kick that complements the nectarines perfectly.
Preparing the Spicy Slaw
The spicy slaw is a key component of these tacos.
Combining the vibrant colors of red and green cabbage with the crunch of grated carrot creates a visually appealing and tasty mixture.
Adding finely diced jalapeno introduces just the right amount of heat, making each bite exciting.
To dress the slaw, a simple mixture of fresh lime juice, honey, and sriracha is whisked together.
This dressing not only enhances the flavors but also adds a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the nectarines.
Grilling the Nectarines
Grilling nectarines is a straightforward process that elevates their flavor.
Start by preheating the grill to medium heat and tossing the nectarine wedges in olive oil.
Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop beautiful grill marks and soften slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Warming the Corn Tortillas
Warm corn tortillas are essential for a great taco experience.
Simply heat the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they are warm and pliable.
This step ensures that the tortillas can hold all the delicious fillings without tearing.
Assembling the Tacos
Assembling the tacos is where the fun begins.
On each warmed tortilla, layer the grilled nectarine wedges and a generous scoop of the spicy slaw.
Top it off with crumbled feta or cotija cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
For those who enjoy a bit of extra zest, serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side.
This allows everyone to customize their tacos to their liking, enhancing the overall experience.
Enjoying Your Grilled Nectarine Tacos
These grilled nectarine tacos are perfect for gatherings or a casual meal at home.
With their vibrant colors and bold flavors, they are sure to impress.
Enjoy them immediately while warm, and savor the delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite.
These tacos are perfect for:
- Pairing with grilled corn or elote dip
. - A side of black beans or Mexican-style rice
. - Serving alongside watermelon agua fresca or spicy margaritas
. - A colorful taco board with chips, guacamole, and pico de gallo
Tips for the Best Grilled Nectarine Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Make sure your nectarines are ripe but not overly soft—they should hold their shape on the grill.
Chill the slaw for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors blend and the cabbage soften slightly. Lightly char your tortillas for maximum flavor and texture.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha and jalapeño. These tacos are flexible, so customize them with beans, grilled chicken, or shrimp if you like.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Nectarine Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Course: MainCuisine: Fusion / Summer / VegetarianDifficulty: Easy2
tacos15
minutes10
minutes295
kcalThis recipe features grilled nectarines that add a sweet and smoky flavor to the tacos. The spicy slaw provides a crunchy texture and a zesty taste, making these tacos a delightful option for any occasion. The preparation time is about 30 minutes and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
2 nectarines, sliced into wedges
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded green cabbage
½ cup grated carrot
1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sriracha
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
4 corn tortillas
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
- Make the Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine shredded red cabbage, green cabbage, grated carrot, and jalapeño. In a separate bowl, whisk lime juice, honey, sriracha, olive oil, and salt. Pour over the slaw and toss to coat. Chill while you grill.
- Grill the Nectarines
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush nectarine wedges lightly with oil and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until charred and softened.
- Warm the Tortillas
- Heat tortillas in a dry pan or directly on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble the Tacos
- Layer grilled nectarines and slaw on each tortilla. Add sliced avocado, crumbled cheese (if using), and fresh cilantro.
- Serve Immediately
- Optional: Squeeze more lime juice over the top or add extra sriracha for a kick.
Notes
- These tacos are also great with grilled shrimp or tofu.
- Add pickled red onions or radishes for an extra tangy crunch.
- Double the slaw and serve as a side dish at your next BBQ.
Storage and Warming of Leftovers
Store leftover slaw and grilled nectarines in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat nectarines gently in a skillet or microwave.
Tortillas should be reheated fresh for the best texture. Avoid assembling tacos until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
