Pickled Red Onion Tacos

Featured in: Quick Meals

These vibrant tacos showcase tangy pickled red onions combined with a creamy avocado crema that’s made crispy with toasted panko breadcrumbs. The quick pickling method infuses bright flavor, while the avocado crema adds a smooth yet crunchy texture. Warm tortillas hold a fresh layer of shredded lettuce, cheese, and optional jalapeño slices, balanced with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for brightness. Ready in just 20 minutes, this Mexican-inspired dish offers satisfying flavors perfect for a simple, fresh meal any day.

Updated on Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:21:00 GMT
A close-up of 5-Minute Pickled Red Onion Tacos overflowing with creamy avocado crema and fresh toppings. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of 5-Minute Pickled Red Onion Tacos overflowing with creamy avocado crema and fresh toppings. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Vibrant tangy pickled red onions and creamy crispy avocado crema elevate these quick tacos to a fresh irresistible weeknight meal.

When I first made these tacos the crispy avocado paired perfectly with tangy pickled onions - everyone asked for seconds and now they've become a favorite dinner when we need something fresh and satisfying fast.

Ingredients

  • Pickled Red Onions: 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced) 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt
  • Crispy Avocado Crema: 2 ripe avocados 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Tacos: 8 small corn or flour tortillas 1 cup shredded lettuce 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced) lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Pickled Red Onions:
In a small bowl combine apple cider vinegar water sugar and salt. Add sliced red onion toss to coat and let sit at room temperature for at least 5 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor) stirring occasionally.
Make the Avocado Crema:
In a bowl mash avocados until mostly smooth. Stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) lime juice salt and cumin until creamy.
Crisp the Avocado Crema:
Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add panko and toast for 2 minutes stirring constantly until golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool. Gently fold toasted panko into the avocado crema for a crispy texture.
Warm the Tortillas:
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in the oven until pliable.
Assemble the Tacos:
Spread crispy avocado crema onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce a generous spoon of pickled onions (drained) cotija or feta cheese cilantro and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
Bright, colorful image of assembled 5-Minute Pickled Red Onion Tacos ready to eat with a squeeze of lime. Save to Pinterest
Bright, colorful image of assembled 5-Minute Pickled Red Onion Tacos ready to eat with a squeeze of lime. | buddybiteskitchen.com

We love piling the tacos high and gathering around the kitchen island everyone getting creative with the toppings making each taco a little different. The bright colors always make dinner feel festive.

Required Tools

Sharp knife mixing bowls small nonstick skillet spoon or spatula citrus juicer (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains milk (sour cream or Greek yogurt cotija/feta cheese) and wheat (panko). For gluten-free tacos use corn tortillas and gluten-free panko. Always check labels for allergies or dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 tacos): Calories 320 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 37 g Protein 7 g

Golden, crispy avocado crema topping warm 5-Minute Pickled Red Onion Tacos for a flavorful bite. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy avocado crema topping warm 5-Minute Pickled Red Onion Tacos for a flavorful bite. | buddybiteskitchen.com

These tacos are perfect for a colorful weeknight meal and leftovers make a tasty lunch the next day.

Common Recipe Questions

How long should I pickle the red onions for best flavor?

Allow the sliced red onions to sit in the vinegar mixture at room temperature for at least 5 minutes, but up to an hour to deepen the tangy flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream in the avocado crema?

Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that adds creaminess, or use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan-friendly option.

How do I make the avocado crema crispy?

Toast panko breadcrumbs in olive oil until golden, then gently fold them into the avocado mixture to add a delightful crunch.

Can I use gluten-free ingredients in this dish?

Yes, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko and use corn tortillas to keep the dish gluten-free.

What toppings complement these tacos well?

Shredded lettuce, crumbled cotija or feta cheese, fresh cilantro, and thin jalapeño slices add texture and fresh flavors to these tacos.

How should I warm the tortillas for the best texture?

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and warm briefly in the oven until pliable and soft.

Pickled Red Onion Tacos

Tangy pickled red onions and creamy avocado crema brighten these quick, fresh tacos for an easy weeknight meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Quick Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican-Inspired

Recipe Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Pickled Red Onions

01 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
02 ½ cup apple cider vinegar
03 ½ cup water
04 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 1 teaspoon salt

Crispy Avocado Crema

01 2 ripe avocados
02 ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
03 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 ½ teaspoon salt
05 ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
06 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
07 2 tablespoons olive oil

Tacos

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas
02 1 cup shredded lettuce
03 ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
04 ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
05 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
06 Lime wedges, for serving

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare Pickled Red Onions: Combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Add sliced red onion, toss to coat, and let sit at room temperature for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally for even pickling.

Step 02

Prepare Avocado Crema Base: In a bowl, mash avocados until mostly smooth. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and ground cumin until creamy and well combined.

Step 03

Toast Panko and Combine: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden brown. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then fold toasted panko into the avocado mixture to create a crispy texture.

Step 04

Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in the oven until pliable, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 05

Assemble Tacos: Spread a generous layer of crispy avocado crema on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, a spoonful of drained pickled onions, crumbled cotija or feta cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small nonstick skillet
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Citrus juicer

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (sour cream, Greek yogurt, cotija or feta cheese) and wheat (panko breadcrumbs).
  • Use corn tortillas and gluten-free panko for gluten-free version.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 320
  • Fat Content: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Protein Content: 7 grams