10 Authentic Taco Toppings to Enjoy
Quick & Easy Pickled Red Onions
Pickled red onions are a zesty and colorful addition to any dish, instantly elevating meals with their tangy flavor and vibrant hue.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of hot water
- 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

Cooking method:
Slice the Red Onion: Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the red onion into rings and set them aside in a medium-sized bowl or a glass jar.
Prepare the Pickling Solution: In a separate container, combine 1 cup of hot water, 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Combine and Soak: Pour the pickling solution over the sliced onions, ensuring they are fully submerged for even pickling.
Let It Pickle: Allow the onions to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight.
Storage: Once the onions are sufficiently pickled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for up to two weeks.
Enjoy your tangy pickled red onions as a topping on burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or salads for an extra burst of flavor!
Spicy Mango Pico de Gallo
Add a tropical twist to your traditional salsa with this vibrant Spicy Mango Pico de Gallo.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Cooking method:
- In a medium bowl, combine mango, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Add cilantro and lime juice, then toss well.
- Season with salt to taste and mix again.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.
Chipotle Lime Crema
This creamy, tangy topping adds a rich layer of flavor to any taco.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- Salt to taste
Cooking method:
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle powder.
- Add salt to taste and mix well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pickled Red Onions
These tangy pickled red onions provide a zesty crunch to counterbalance savory taco fillings.
Ingredients:
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Cooking method:
- In a jar, dissolve sugar and salt in apple cider vinegar.
- Add black peppercorns and sliced red onions to the jar.
- Seal and shake well, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Avocado Radish Salad
This refreshing salad brings a crisp, creamy texture to complement your favorite taco fillings.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 5 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking method:
- In a bowl, combine diced avocados and sliced radishes.
- Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then toss gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa
A sweet and spicy salsa that adds a burst of flavor and heat to your taco spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1 habanero pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Cooking method:
- In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple, habanero, red onion, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice and mix well.
- Season with salt to taste, then let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
Roasted Poblano Corn Relish
A smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy relish to enhance the depth of your taco toppings.
Ingredients:
- 2 poblano peppers
- 2 ears of corn, kernels removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking method:
- Roast poblano peppers over an open flame until charred, then peel and dice.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté corn kernels until golden brown.
- Combine corn with diced poblano peppers and season with salt and pepper.
Queso Fresco Crumble
Light and milky, this queso fresco topping is a must-have to add richness to any taco.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz queso fresco, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Cooking method:
- Crumble queso fresco in a small bowl.
- Mix in lime zest and gently toss to combine.
Jalapeño Cilantro Slaw
A crunchy, herbaceous slaw that adds a refreshing contrast to rich taco fillings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking method:
- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with apple cider vinegar and olive oil.
- Toss well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This hearty and colorful salsa is the perfect topping to add texture and protein to your tacos.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Cooking method:
- In a bowl, mix black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Add lime juice and salt, then toss to combine.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
These authentic toppings will not only elevate your Mexican fiesta but will also bring a variety of flavors and textures to please every palate.