Mexican and Southwestern Food Recipes

Main Dishes, Salads, Side Dishes, Stir Fry

Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Honey Lime Vinaigrette

What do you get when you add a variety of proteins, a whole grain, and lots of colorful veggies to a bowl and then drizzle it with a simple vinaigrette? A satisfying, all-in-one meal that you’ll want to make again and again!   May I tell you how many times I’ve chopped up some leftover chicken,…

Main Dishes

Honey Lime Chicken

A few simple ingredients come together in a snap for flavorful chicken that grills to caramelized perfection. I like to cook more than I need the first night for deliciously quick dinners later in the week!     While adding new content to my website last week, I happened notice that I had hit a…

Breakfast, Casseroles

Baked Tortilla Casserole

Easy, economical, and loaded with filling protein, this pantry-based meal offers a modern twist on the traditional casserole and can be prepared the day before. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to eat!   Given this job I do, I have a tendency to tinker with recipes, never quite making the same thing…

Appetizers, Condiments, Dips, Snacks

Easy One Avocado Guacamole

A dollop of guacamole adds a little something special to so many meals, and it’s a heart-healthy snack, too. But sometimes you don’t need a big batch, or perhaps you only have one avocado. This speedy recipe is for those times and more!   Fun fact: avocados are also known as alligator pears, and less…

Side Dishes

Healthy Refried Beans

Quick and easy to make with pantry staples, homemade refried beans add filling, plant-based protein to a variety of meals and form the flavorful foundation to one of my go-to speedy dinners!   Beans can be a hard sell for some. Their reputation precedes them and they don’t look especially pretty. So if you happen…

Breakfast

Make-Ahead Savory Breakfast Bowls

Simple meal-prep is rewarded with wholesome, grab-and-go meals for the week, which can customized and topped to taste. They’re equally satisfying as a packable lunch or easy dinner, too.   For the first time ever, my older son John has to fend for himself for every single meal – in a new city with no…

Appetizers

Cheater Shrimp Ceviche (no raw seafood!)

A wholesome and refreshing appetizer or light meal, this easy-to-make Shrimp Ceviche recipe incorporates a blend of citrus to hit all the right flavor notes…and no raw seafood! Is it “se-vish” or “se-vish-ay”…or “seh-vee-chay?” When the mercury is soaring and you serve this light, refreshing dish, I’d venture to say nobody will care how you…

Condiments

Candied Jalapeños (a.k.a Cowboy Candy)

Spicy-sweet pickled jalapeños add flavor to burgers, sandwiches, tacos, rice, and more. Bake them into cornbread or use whenever you don’t have fresh jalapeños on hand. I’ve included lots of delicious ways to make use of these zippy bites, and over time you’ll discover countless more ways to enjoy them!   This is one of those whisper-down-the-lane…

Salads

Southwestern Nourish Bowls

Brimming with colorful vegetables and plant-based protein, these nutrient-dense bowls are filling, adaptable and easy to prep for the week ahead. (Great portable work lunch, too!)       Do you have a favorite restaurant meal or prepared food option that you’d like to replicate at home? If so, what is it? With the abundance of…

Appetizers

Roasted Veggie “Nachos”

Roasted Veggie “Nachos” are a healthy, super satisfying spin on the typical appetizer that can be customized to taste and enjoyed as a filling, plant-based meal. (Easy sheet pan prep is an added bonus!)    We all know that diet and exercise go hand in hand. If we want to reach or maintain our fitness goals, we…

Main Dishes, Tacos

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken (with freezer bag option)

A good freezer bag meal will come to your rescue on busy weeknights and when cooking for a friend in need. Taco chicken is family friendly, endlessly versatile, and quick to prep. Last year I turned the bags into practical gifts for several friends, because who couldn’t use a healthy meal and a night off…

Main Dishes, Tacos

Baked Tacos

This clever approach to tacos offers a fun twist on an old favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, and game day. Plus you can serve everyone at once!   Taco Tuesday is about to get easier, healthier – and quite possibly a little tastier! Taco night was a big deal when I was…

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