Southwestern Recipes For Cinco de Mayo

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!