These 18 Festive Southwestern Recipes are perfect for Cinco de Mayo! Plan your next fiesta with these Tex Mex tacos, appetizers, and sides.
After 3 years of blogging I realized that I have a healthy number of Southwestern and Tex Mex recipes (my love of tacos is REAL, folks).
Last weekend I got a request for more Menu Planning posts as opposed to just posts that feature single recipes.
I thought this the perfect opportunity to compile a collection of Mexican-inspired recipes just in time for Cinco de Mayo! This recipe roundup is full of dishes with a Southwestern flair. From main dishes to sides to drinks - I've got you covered.
What Is Southwestern or Tex Mex, Anyway?
Tex Mex cuisine refers to what we in America think of as 'Mexican' food. It's actually more of a Mexican-American fusion that started in Texas and has spread across the country. Tex Mex or Southwestern cuisine is much different than actual Mexican food.
The cuisine of Mexico is diverse and complex - There are elements of it in many of our favorite Tex Mex dishes but it's important to remember that they are not the same thing.
I am by no means an expert in Southwestern, Tex Mex, OR Mexican food but I have a hefty appreciation for all of it!
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that has morphed into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in America - I remember the Cinco de Mayo festival being a favorite memory of my time living in St. Paul, MN.
These recipes are great for a fiesta any time of year!
![Slow cooker barbacoa beef tacos with slaw on corn tortillas.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-featured-150x150.jpg)
![Southwest Baked Egg Rolls](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Southwest-Turkey-Baked-Egg-Rolls-8-150x150.jpg)
![Mexican shrimp rice bowl with red peppers, lettuce, avocado, and cilantro lime cream sauce with queso fresco cheese.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mexican-Shrimp-Rice-Bowls-redo-featured-150x150.jpg)
![Grilled Southwest poblano burgers with avocado guacamole and cilantro.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Grilled-Southwest-Poblano-Burgers-redo-featured-150x150.jpg)
![Roasted veggie tacos with cashew cilantro sauce.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Roasted-Veggie-Tacos-redo-featured-150x150.jpg)
![Cheesy Spanish rice with sliced avocado and lime wedges in white bowl.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cheesy-One-Pot-Spanish-Rice-7-150x150.jpg)
![Southwest black bean corn salad in ceramic bowl with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Southwest-Black-Bean-and-Corn-Salad-9-150x150.jpg)
![Pork carnitas tacos on corn tortillas with guacamole, cilantro, and sliced jalapenos.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Instant-Pot-Pork-Carnitas-11-150x150.jpg)
![Southwest turkey stuffed peppers with cheese and cilantro in baking dish.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Southwest-Stuffed-Peppers-redo-featured-1-150x150.jpg)
![Baked rice balls dipped into chipotle sour cream.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Baked-Chipotle-Rice-Balls-featured-2-150x150.jpg)
![Pomegranate mojitos in mason jars with fresh mint.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Pommegranate-Mojito-Cocktail-6-150x150.jpg)
![Cheesy ground beef enchiladas with fresh cilantro and avocado slices on white plates.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Cheesy-Beef-and-Bean-Enchiladas-6-150x150.jpg)
![Tortilla chip dipped into white bowl of poblano avocado sauce.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Roasted-Poblano-Avocado-Sauce-featured-150x150.jpg)
![Sheet pan shrimp taco with sliced avocado and lime crema on corn tortilla.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Sheet-Pan-Shrimp-Tacos-redo-featured-1-150x150.jpg)
![Shredded chipotle chicken tacos with lime crema, avocado, and cilantro on corn tortillas.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Skillet-Chipotle-Chicken-Tacos-redo-featured-150x150.jpg)
![Chipotle chicken panini cut in half and stacked on white surface.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Chicken-Panini-with-Chipotle-Mayo-10-150x150.jpg)
![Sweet potato tacos with avocado salsa on corn tortillas.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Sweet-Potato-Tacos-with-Avocado-Salsa-redo-featured-150x150.jpg)
![Fish tacos with cilantro lime slaw, bell peppers, avocado, and cilantro.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Fish-Tacos-with-Spicy-Cilantro-Lime-Slaw-redo-featured-150x150.jpg)
Cheryl
Thanks for the round up of Tex Mex recipes. And double thanks for the many vegetarian inclusions! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Christine
Hi Cheryl - So glad you are enjoying it. Yes, it's always nice to have tasty vegetarian options. Happy Cinco de Mayo to you as well! 🙂
Jo Thrasher • Jo Eats
I bet you had an amazing Cinco de Mayo with all these delicious treats. That cheesy Spanish rice is definitely calling my name.