Pickled Onion Avocado Tacos

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This dish features quick-pickled red onions paired with a creamy, crispy avocado crema, layered onto warm corn or flour tortillas. The vibrant textures and fresh citrus notes create a bright, satisfying meal perfect for easy weeknight dining. Garnished with shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, and fresh cilantro, these tacos bring together balanced flavors and a delightful interplay of creamy and crunchy components.

Updated on Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:26:00 GMT
Vibrant 5-minute pickled red onion tacos, bursting with color and delicious crispy avocado crema. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant 5-minute pickled red onion tacos, bursting with color and delicious crispy avocado crema. | yummywithmia.com

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

I first served these tacos at a busy weeknight dinner and everyone loved how fast yet delicious they were. The pickled onions and crisp avocado crema truly make them special.

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 (optional); lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Pickled Red Onions:
In a small bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add the 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&3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool. Gently fold the 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 spoonful of pickled onions (drained), cotija or feta cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
Fresh, flavorful 5-minute pickled red onion tacos, featuring creamy avocado crema and crunchy toppings. Save to Pinterest
Fresh, flavorful 5-minute pickled red onion tacos, featuring creamy avocado crema and crunchy toppings. | yummywithmia.com

My family loves when we top these tacos together at the counter & everyone gets creative with the toppings. It is a fun way to turn dinner into a memorable moment.

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). Use alternatives if needed and always check the labels.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 tacos): 320 calories, 17 g total fat, 37 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein

These quick 5-minute pickled red onion tacos offer a satisfying mix of textures with the crispy crema. Save to Pinterest
These quick 5-minute pickled red onion tacos offer a satisfying mix of textures with the crispy crema. | yummywithmia.com

Enjoy these tacos right away for the freshest, crispiest experience. They're perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I make pickled red onions quickly?

Slice the onions thinly and soak them in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt for at least 5 minutes to achieve tangy, flavorful pickled onions.

What adds the crispy texture to the avocado crema?

Toasted panko breadcrumbs folded into mashed avocado crema provide a delightful crispy contrast to the creamy base.

Can I substitute the cheese in this dish?

Yes, cotija can be swapped with feta for a similar tangy crumbly texture, or omitted for a dairy-free version.

How should tortillas be warmed for best results?

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in the oven until soft and pliable to enhance texture and flavor.

What are some good additions to enhance these tacos?

Black beans, grilled corn, or roasted sweet potatoes add heartiness and complement the fresh, tangy flavors.

Pickled Onion Avocado Tacos

Tangy pickled onions and crispy avocado crema combine for fresh and flavorful tacos.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin Mexican-Inspired

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Pickled Red Onions

01 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
02 120 ml apple cider vinegar
03 120 ml water
04 12.5 ml sugar
05 5 ml salt

Crispy Avocado Crema

01 2 ripe avocados
02 80 ml sour cream or Greek yogurt
03 30 ml lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 2.5 ml salt
05 1.25 ml ground cumin
06 60 ml panko breadcrumbs
07 30 ml olive oil

Tacos

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas
02 60 g shredded lettuce
03 60 g crumbled cotija or feta cheese
04 15 ml 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.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add panko and toast, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat and cool.

Step 04

Combine Crema and Panko: Gently fold toasted panko into avocado crema to create a crispy texture.

Step 05

Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in the oven until pliable.

Step 06

Assemble Tacos: Spread crispy avocado crema on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, pickled onions (drained), crumbled cotija or feta cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if using. Serve with lime wedges.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains milk from sour cream or Greek yogurt and cotija/feta cheese.
  • Contains wheat from panko breadcrumbs; substitute gluten-free panko for gluten-free diets.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 320
  • Fats: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Proteins: 7 grams