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Zesty Southwest Seasoning

This homemade Southwest Seasoning is quick and easy to make with spices in your own pantry. It is packed with flavor and will add zip and zing to all your dishes!

southwest seasoning in a glass jar with a black measuring spoon in it with a bowl of salt in the back

What is Southwest Seasoning?

Only the BEST spice blend to add when you are wanting something zesty and spicy to eat!

The robust flavors of the region are great on fajitas, tacos, guacamole, and rice. Works perfectly for seasoning chicken, beef, pork, and fish.

I use it to make a delicious dipping oil for tortillas and to season chicken wings.

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wood board with bowls of individual spices for Southwest seasoning with text "ingredients"

Ingredients Needed

  • Parsley
  • Minced Onion
  • Chili Powder
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Cilantro
  • Cumin
  • Salt
mixed homemade spices in a clear jar

What is Chipotle Powder?

Chipotles are smoked dried jalapeños and you can usually find them canned in adobo sauce.

Chipotle powder is ground chipotles as opposed to chili powder which is a mix of a couple of chiles with other spices.

I prefer to use regular chili powder but if you like some extra smokiness, try chipotle powder.

What is Ancho Chili Powder?

Ancho chiles are dried and roasted poblano peppers. Just like chipotle powder is pure chipotles, Ancho chili powder is pure ground Ancho chiles.

clear jar with layers of spices for southwest seasoning

Southwest Seasoning Substitute

Nothing quite lends the flavors of the region but if you are out of some of the spices, you can add use Taco Seasoning instead. Or equal parts chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.

How do you make homemade seasoning mixes?

First: Combine all ingredients and mix the spices together.

Second: Store in an air tight container in a cool, dry place.

Third: Use 1-2 teaspoons as needed!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

overhead picture of a jar of southwest seasoning spices with a spoon in it with 4 black measuring spoons and a napkin on the left

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

jar of spice mix

This homemade Southwest Seasoning mix is perfect for all sorts of dishes but my fave is fajitas. Grab this recipe and spice up your next meal!

southwest seasoning layered in a glass jar on a wood plank

Southwest Seasoning

Yield: 2 tablespoons
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This homemade Southwest Seasoning is quick and EASY to make with spices in your own pantry.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 1 tablespoon minced dried onion
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 tsp dried cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients and store in an air tight container in a cool dark place.
  2. Use as needed.

Notes

*If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment and rate it 5 stars. Thank you!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 9Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 233mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.

collage of seasoning blends

Want more seasoning recipes? I have a delicious Cajun Seasoning or Steak Seasoning recipe. Check them out along with this amazing list of homemade spice mix recipes and tips and trick on how to store them.

More Easy Appetizers

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Rebecca Bennett

Saturday 11th of December 2021

Absolutely love this Zesty Southwest Seasoning!! I made it to use in my Classic Hummus, Just added in some Sweet Fire Roasted Red Peppers, Fire Roasted Corn and dipped w/ Brazilian Lime Tortiyahs!! Final thought... It can't get any better this!! It couldn't have happened w/o your Zesty Southwest spice mix *Thank you*

Jennifer

Monday 13th of December 2021

Thank you! So glad you liked it!!

Lauren

Tuesday 27th of October 2020

Taketwotapas is my go to for inspiration and great recipes!

Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad {Elotes!} Leftovers Then Breakfast

Monday 26th of October 2020

[…] spice? try a dash of chili powder, cumin, Southwest seasoning, taco seasoning, or […]

MICHAELA KENKEL

Thursday 11th of June 2020

You are the queen of the seasonings!! anytime I see you share a new one, I make it and love it! This one was so good on grilled chicken!

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