15 Tastiest Taco Toppings: From the Classics to the Most Unusual

From ripe, red sliced tomatoes and grated cheese to… olives and fried eggs? We've built our best 15 taco topping list filled with Mexican condiments and a few unique options that work surprisingly well. 

When we think of tacos, all of the classic taco fixings come to mind, like ground beef, shredded cheese, and hot sauce. And while there's no denying that these traditional taco condiments make a fantastic meal, there are plenty of out-of-the-box Mexican taco toppings that can breathe new life into taco night. 

What goes on a taco?

Trick question - you can put whatever you want on a taco, and it'll generally taste pretty great! 

Think of tacos as the Mexican equivalent of a sandwich. There is a much more extensive range of ingredients for great taco fixings than just the tried and true traditional taco toppings like shredded cheese. 

Whether you're looking for some ideas for your next party's taco bar toppings or just trying to switch up the flavor on taco night, we've got you covered with this list of taco topping ideas with both classic and unusual options. Enjoy!

15 delicious taco fillings for taco night

#1: Homemade guacamole

We had to start at our absolute favorite item on our taco toppings list - guacamole! Store-bought versions are decent but generally relatively expensive and not anywhere near as delicious as homemade. 

Make this creamy topping for Mexican food with freshly mashed avocados, chopped onions, fresh garlic, lime juice, and seasonings of choice. We also add diced cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro, but some take their guacamole game very seriously, adding only traditional ingredients. 

Make your guac a creamy puree, a little chunky, or somewhere in between - you seriously can't go wrong!

#2: Fresh greens

Traditionally, many taco makers use shredded lettuce in their toppings mix, though now many people use whichever greens they have on hand - baby greens, spinach, romaine, and more. 

The greens add some freshness and light texture, so we prefer something with a bit of crunch like iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, or even cabbage. If you go the cabbage route, be sure to dice it small, as big pieces can be too tough to chew through. Try some purple lettuce or cabbage for a fun pop of color in your soft tortillas!

Baby greens and spinach can work, but their lower water content doesn't give the same delightful crunch that some lettuces do. 

#3: Fresh, Herbal Cilantro

Alright, we know that every person on earth falls into two different categories: those that lovingly obsess over fresh cilantro and those that find it to be the vilest, soapy-tasting food on the planet. (It's science.)

We fall into the former category, so we say bring on the fresh cilantro! This lime-flavored fresh herb adds a fabulous tang to plenty of Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes. The fresh flavor breaks up and balances the heavy chili spices and perfectly complements fresh lime. 

If you're serving tacos to people whose tastes you don't know thoroughly, maybe leave it on the side, just in case you run into some cilantro haters!

#4: Diced red tomatoes

Another classic taco topping for your flour tortillas! Diced up fresh vine or cherry tomatoes - they're all going to add a little sweetness, balanced with some tart flavor. 

Plus, tomatoes are fantastic for your health - they're chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 

#5: Fresh lime wedges

When it comes to using lime juice in your cooking, freshly-squeezed is always the way to go! If you make homemade guac, you likely already have a few fresh limes on hand.

Add some delicious acidity to your corn tortillas by slicing a fresh lime or two and serving wedges to guests that can add more lime as they please. 

#6: Hot sauce

Phew, Mexican hot sauce is not something to mess around with - this culture knows its way around using spices perfectly in their cooking. 

People are so fiercely loyal to their favorite hot sauce, so choosing the best hot sauce for your tacos is mainly individual.

We prefer a lightly-spiced and flavorful Valentina or Cholula classic, but if you have another that's favorite or prefer a spicier taco, add something with more heat to it. 

#7: Fresh pico de gallo

Pico de gallo is considered a fresh salsa, of sorts, made with chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, lime, and hot serrano peppers, along with some salt and pepper. Pico tastes delicious on tacos, meat, eggs, and even on top of some crackers.

#8: All sorts of salsa

Salsa adds some sweet zest to all different types of tacos, and the sky's the limit when it comes to salsa varieties available. 

Try sweet fruit salsa, sweet red tomato sauce, tangy and bitter tomatillo salsa, and so much more! We make our own salsa in the summer when garden veggies are in full swing, and the flavor is undeniably better than the store-bought stuff. If you know some simple canning techniques, you can make one big batch to enjoy all winter long on taco night!

#9: Refried beans

If you or anyone you're serving is a vegetarian, refried black beans make the best plant-based protein for tacos. 

They're sweet, earthy, and taste delicious as a taco base or as an addition to other taco proteins like beef or chicken. 

#10: Mango & pineapple

Adding sweet fruit to your savory taco may sound strange, but it's a combo that just works. You can make a sweet salsa with chopped fruit or simply thinly slice your fruit of choice. 

For an altogether different experience, try a dessert taco! Thinly slice fruit, then add some fresh whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Enjoy your sweet treat, Mexican-style!

#11: Potatoes & sweet potatoes

Potatoes might not seem like the obvious choice for taco toppings ideas, but trust us, they're good! Chop your potatoes small and roast them, then add them into your tacos as a delicious hunger killer. This method works exceptionally well for any leftover potatoes kicking around the fridge from last night's dinner.

Add sweet potatoes instead for a sweeter flavor and a nice pop of color!

#12: Black and green olives

Olives are salty, savory, and pair well with most taco toppings like cheese, veggies, and meat. Make sure you use the pitless kind to avoid any taco-related broken teeth. 

#13: Grilled veggies

Grilled veggies add delicious flavor, extra fiber, and plenty of nutrients to your tacos. Almost every vegetable works well, from zucchini and sweet peppers to fennel and carrots. The smoky grilled taste pairs perfectly with corn tacos. This is another fantastic way to breathe fresh life into your fridge full of leftovers. 

#14: Fried eggs

Toss a fried egg on top of your tacos for a little extra protein and some delicious flavor. We love some scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, and fresh guacamole in our favorite brunch corn tacos. 

#15: Sour cream or Greek yogurt

This deliciously creamy, slightly sour, and tangy cream adds a richness that makes tacos irresistible. If you added some seriously spicy sauce to your taco, sour cream also helps cool your mouth down before it starts a 5-alarm fire. 

Sour cream can be pretty high in calories and fat, so a healthier alternative is Greek yogurt, which offers a little less fat, a bit more protein, and a very similar taste. 

Final notes for taco night

Now that you've got a few fresh taco ideas for classic and unique taco toppings, it's time to get your Mexican fiesta started! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your taco toppings!

Grab a few accessories like this taco holder to keep things organized as you and your family build your own tacos! Also, check out our article for the best sides for tacos.