I’ve always believed that the true beauty of Navajo tacos lies in the endless possibilities of toppings. With each bite, you can create a flavor explosion that is uniquely yours. From classic ground beef to spicy pulled pork and grilled chicken, the options are as diverse as they are delicious.
And let’s not forget about the shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, salsa verde, sweet corn salsa, and chipotle mayo that take these tacos to a whole new level.
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with these 15 must-try toppings for Navajo tacos.

Classic Ground Beef
If you’re in the mood for a classic ground beef topping, you must try it on your Navajo tacos. Ground beef is my go-to choice when it comes to topping these delicious tacos.
The rich and savory flavor of the beef perfectly complements the soft and fluffy texture of the Navajo fry bread. I like to cook the ground beef with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices to enhance the taste. The beef becomes tender and flavorful, and it adds a satisfying meatiness to each bite.
I love how the juicy beef combines with the other toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this classic ground beef topping on your Navajo tacos.
Spicy Pulled Pork
The spicy pulled pork is a delicious option for adding a kick to your Navajo tacos. I absolutely love the combination of tender, juicy pork infused with bold spices. It adds a whole new level of flavor to the traditional Navajo taco.
The pork is slow-cooked until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and then it’s tossed in a spicy sauce that packs a punch. The heat from the spices adds a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors in the taco.
I find that the smoky, spicy flavor of the pulled pork pairs perfectly with the crispy fry bread and the fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. It’s a truly satisfying and mouthwatering option for any taco lover.
Grilled Chicken
To make the grilled chicken more flavorful, you’ll want to marinate it in a mixture of herbs and spices.
I usually start by combining olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a blend of my favorite herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
I add a splash of soy sauce for some umami flavor and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Then, I generously coat the chicken in this delicious marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken becomes.
Once it’s marinated, I grill it over medium-high heat until it’s nicely charred and cooked through.
The result is juicy, flavorful grilled chicken that’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, or just on its own.
Vegetarian Chili
When making vegetarian chili, don’t forget to add a variety of beans and vegetables for a hearty and flavorful dish.
I love vegetarian chili because it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
I start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant.
Then, I add a mix of kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, along with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
To enhance the flavors, I sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
I let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
The result is a thick and satisfying chili that can be topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for added indulgence.
It’s the perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
Shredded Lettuce
For a fresh and crunchy addition to your vegetarian chili, try adding some shredded lettuce. I love the way the cool and crisp lettuce contrasts with the warm and savory flavors of the chili. It adds a delightful texture and a burst of freshness to every bite.
The lettuce also provides a nice balance to the richness of the beans and spices in the chili. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens into your meal.
I usually pile a generous amount of shredded lettuce on top of my bowl of chili, along with some diced tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that never fails to satisfy.
So next time you make vegetarian chili, don’t forget to add some shredded lettuce for a tasty and nutritious twist.
Diced Tomatoes
The diced tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness to the vegetarian chili. They are the perfect complement to the hearty beans and spices. I love how their vibrant red color pops against the other toppings on my Navajo taco.
As I take a bite, the tomatoes burst in my mouth, releasing their tangy and slightly sweet flavor. They bring a refreshing element to the dish, balancing out the richness of the chili. The tomatoes also provide a nice contrast in texture, adding a juicy and slightly crunchy element to each bite.
Whether I’m enjoying a vegetarian taco or a meat-filled one, the diced tomatoes are a must-have topping that elevates the overall taste and experience.
Sliced Avocado
Now let’s move on to another delicious topping for Navajo tacos: sliced avocado. Avocado adds a creamy and buttery texture that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
As I scoop a generous amount of avocado onto my taco, I can’t help but savor the rich and velvety taste it brings. The coolness of the avocado provides a refreshing contrast to the warm and savory flavors of the meat and beans.
Plus, avocados are packed with healthy fats and nutrients, making them a guilt-free addition to my meal. Whether I’m enjoying Navajo tacos at home or at a restaurant, sliced avocado is a must-have topping that takes these tacos to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Pickled Jalapenos
When adding pickled jalapenos to my taco, I can’t resist the spicy kick they bring to the mix. The tangy and fiery flavor of pickled jalapenos takes my taste buds on a wild ride.
As I take a bite, the heat slowly builds up, leaving a tingling sensation on my tongue. The crunchiness of the jalapenos adds a delightful texture to each mouthful. It’s like a burst of flavor that elevates the overall experience of my taco.
The pickled jalapenos not only bring heat but also a hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. They add a zesty, bold punch that leaves me craving for more.
Whether I’m enjoying a traditional taco or a gourmet creation, pickled jalapenos are a must-have for me.
Tangy BBQ Sauce
Adding tangy BBQ sauce to my burger gives it a delicious smoky flavor that enhances every bite. The combination of the tanginess and the smokiness creates a mouthwatering experience that I can’t resist.
The sauce adds a zesty kick to the burger, making it burst with flavor. It complements the juicy patty perfectly, adding a rich and savory element that takes it to the next level.
The tangy BBQ sauce also adds a hint of sweetness, balancing out the smoky and savory notes. Every time I take a bite, the sauce coats my taste buds, leaving me craving for more.
Whether I’m enjoying a homemade burger or indulging in a juicy one from my favorite restaurant, adding tangy BBQ sauce is a must for me.
Creamy Ranch Dressing
Creamy ranch dressing is a versatile condiment that adds a cool and tangy flavor to salads, sandwiches, and even as a dip for vegetables. I absolutely love having ranch dressing on hand because it can elevate any dish to the next level.
Whether I’m drizzling it over a crispy chicken salad or using it as a spread on a turkey club sandwich, the creamy texture and zesty taste never fail to impress. It’s also the perfect accompaniment for a platter of fresh veggies, making it an ideal option for parties or gatherings.
The combination of herbs, spices, and buttermilk in ranch dressing creates a truly addictive flavor that keeps me coming back for more. I can’t imagine my kitchen without a bottle of creamy ranch dressing ready to go at all times.
Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds a burst of vibrant flavor to any dish, making it a must-have herb in my kitchen. I absolutely love the way it enhances the taste of my favorite foods. Whether I’m making tacos, salsa, or even a simple salad, cilantro always takes the flavors to a whole new level.
Its bright and citrusy notes bring a refreshing and zesty element to the dish. I can’t imagine cooking without it. The fragrance that fills the air when I chop fresh cilantro is intoxicating. It adds a pop of green color to the plate, making it visually appealing as well.
In my opinion, no dish is complete without the freshness and zing that cilantro brings.
Crumbled Queso Fresco
When crumbling queso fresco over your favorite dishes, the salty and crumbly texture adds a delightful contrast to the flavors. I absolutely love sprinkling this cheese on top of my homemade tacos. As I take a bite, the queso fresco crumbles in my mouth, releasing its salty goodness. The cheese’s mild flavor perfectly complements the bold and spicy flavors of the taco fillings. Whether it’s savory ground beef, tangy salsa, or creamy guacamole, the queso fresco adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
I also enjoy using this cheese on salads, soups, and even grilled vegetables. Its crumbly texture enhances the overall eating experience, providing a satisfying crunch that elevates any dish. Queso fresco has become a staple ingredient in my kitchen, adding a burst of flavor and texture to my favorite meals.
Salsa Verde
I’ll definitely be adding salsa verde to my next batch of tacos for an extra kick of flavor. The tangy and slightly spicy taste of salsa verde is the perfect complement to the hearty flavors of the Navajo taco.
It adds a refreshing and zesty element that takes the dish to a whole new level. I love how the bright green color of the salsa pops against the golden fry bread and colorful toppings.
The combination of the crispy fry bread, savory meat, creamy beans, and crunchy lettuce with the salsa verde creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s like a party in my mouth!
I can’t wait to enjoy the explosion of flavors that salsa verde brings to my Navajo tacos.
Sweet Corn Salsa
After enjoying the vibrant flavors of Salsa Verde on my Navajo taco, I couldn’t wait to try another delicious topping: Sweet Corn Salsa.
This zesty and slightly sweet salsa is the perfect complement to the hearty base of the taco. I love the combination of the crisp corn kernels with the tanginess of lime juice and the subtle heat from jalapenos. The freshness of the cilantro adds a burst of flavor, making every bite irresistible.
Whether I’m using it as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for my Navajo taco, this Sweet Corn Salsa never fails to impress. It adds a delightful crunch and a burst of summery flavors that elevate the taco experience to a whole new level.
Chipotle Mayo
To add a creamy and smoky element to your taco, try the chipotle mayo. It’s my go-to topping whenever I want to take my tacos to the next level.
The rich and smooth texture of the mayo combined with the smoky flavor of the chipotle peppers creates a deliciously addictive sauce. I love how it adds a tangy kick to the taco, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
Whether it’s a grilled chicken taco or a vegetarian option, the chipotle mayo never disappoints. I simply mix mayonnaise with some minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It’s quick, easy, and takes the taco experience to a whole new level.
Don’t forget to give it a try!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Navajo tacos are the ultimate comfort food that will take your taste buds on a wild ride.
As I took my last bite, a gentle breeze swept through the open windows, carrying the aroma of smoky pulled pork and tangy salsa verde.
I couldn’t help but smile, feeling grateful for this delicious coincidence.
So next time you’re craving a satisfying meal, remember to pile on those mouthwatering toppings and let the flavors come together in perfect harmony.
Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Ben, a culinary enthusiast and owner of RelishedRecipes.com, shares his passion for food and cooking through delectable recipes and valuable tips. Ben delights in exploring international cuisines and inspiring home cooks on their culinary journeys.