
The secret to this tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork tenderloin is a simple homemade smoky southwestern seasoning mix. First, it creates an incredible, savory crust as the meat roasts to tender perfection in the oven. Then, it’s used to whip up an addictive sweet-and-savory honey mustard sauce. Best of all? This pork is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it sliced over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or pasta for a cozy sit-down dinner, or use it to make the ultimate lunchtime sandwich or wrap. And as a bonus, you’ll have enough smoky southwestern seasoning and honey mustard sauce for at least two pork tenderloins, because trust us, your family is definitely going to want to have leftovers.
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a new, well, new to me, random food-related discovery. One of our local markets actually sells pork tenderloins in varying quantity-size packages. Now, I’ve always found them in pairs before in the past, so that wasn’t much of a surprise. But never had I ever come across them in a single pack or a triple pack before. And yes, I did stand in the meat section in a little bit of a daze after this discovery, for there were now major decisions to be made. One, two, or three pork tenderloins. How many would I need to create this recipe? I went with one. I know, I know, most people would have chosen two, but hear me out. It’s just B.O.B. Bob and me, and he and I can only eat so much pork before we eventually want something else for dinner. And since we still haven’t gotten around to fixing our garage freezer, there just isn’t much space to freeze leftovers. So yes, I went with one. But don’t let that stop you from making two, or even three. The recipe below will definitely yield enough honey mustard for two. And there will definitely be enough homemade seasoning mix to double or even triple the amount of paste you will need to liberally coat the pork tenderloin or pork tenderloins before roasting. But whether you make one, two, or three, please make sure to use at least a little bit of this pork to make a wrap for lunch or dinner. Trust me on this one. One flour tortilla, a few slices of this pork tenderloin with the honey mustard, a sprinkle of shredded extra-sharp cheddar, a generous forkful of 3-Ingredient Lime Juice Pickled Red Onions, and a few thinly sliced cucumber strips is pretty much the most magical combination. Feel free to get back to me and let me know if you agree. I’ll be here waiting.

Ingredients:
Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt):
- 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Ground Cumin
- 2 1/2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano
- 2 1/2 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Coriander
Smoky Southwestern Honey Mustard with Chives:
- 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Honey or Hot Honey
- 3 Teaspoons Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt)
- 2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
- 1 Teaspoon Fresh Chives, Finely Chopped
- 1/4 Teaspoon Finely Ground Sea Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Finely Ground Black Pepper
Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 Pork Tenderloin (Approximately 1 Pound)
- 1 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Additional for Oiling Foil)
- 1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Teaspoons Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt)
- 1 1/4 Teaspoons Finely Ground Sea Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions:
Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt):
- In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together until well incorporated.
- Store the seasoning mix in a small glass jar in a cool, dry place.
- Use this seasoning to season your favorite meats, vegetables, marinades, or sauces.
Smoky Southwestern Honey Mustard with Chives:
- Place all of the ingredients into a glass bowl. Use a small whisk to whisk all of the ingredients together until smooth.
- Store in an airtight glass container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until use.
Pork Tenderloin:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with foil, then lightly coat it with a bit of olive oil to prevent the pork from sticking.
- Place the tenderloin on the baking sheet, fat side facing up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 2 teaspoons seasoning, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. (If you are using two pork tenderloins, you will need to make two batches of this paste.)
- Liberally coat all sides of the pork tenderloin with the seasoning paste.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees.
- Continue baking until the meat reaches 145 degrees. This should take an additional 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your pork tenderloin. Use a meat thermometer to help decide when to remove the pork from the oven.
- Remove the tenderloin from the oven, cover it with foil, and allow it to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle the pan drippings over the sliced pork before serving it alongside the honey mustard.

Suggestions:
- I used this Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt) for this recipe. By skipping the salt, you can be as generous as you want with this homemade smoky southwestern seasoning mix. It’s smoky, versatile, and hits that perfect savory note without being spicy. This homemade seasoning allows you to control the salt content of both the pork tenderloin and the honey mustard. The remaining seasoning can be used to season your favorite meats, vegetables, marinades, or sauces. Simply store the seasoning mix in a small glass jar in a cool, dry place until use.
- I used a one-pound pork tenderloin for this recipe. You can easily use two pork tenderloins if you are feeding a large family or want to have leftovers. There will be more than enough sauce. Just double the amount of seasoning paste you use to rub the pork before baking. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your pork tenderloin or tenderloins.
- Wear food-safe plastic gloves when liberally coating the pork tenderloin with the seasoning paste.
- Do not overcook the pork. Use a thermometer to help you determine when it is fully cooked.
- I used this Smoky Southwestern Honey Mustard with Chives for this recipe. If you love the classic sweet-and-tangy flavor of honey mustard, prepare to drool over this homemade version with a smoky southwestern-spiced twist.

Improvements:
- Add ground chipotle to the honey mustard for a little extra kick.
- Serve this pork tenderloin with this Creamy Mashed Cauliflower with Asiago & Parsley or this Garlicky Asiago Cauliflower Rice.
- Use slices of this pork tenderloin to make sandwiches or wraps. Use the honey mustard in place of traditional mayonnaise.
- Serve this pork tenderloin over a bed of fresh corn that has been boiled for a few minutes and then cut off the cob, or over frozen corn that has been lightly steamed or sautéed.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Ground Cumin
- 2 1/2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano
- 2 1/2 Teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Coriander
- 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tablespoons Honey or Hot Honey
- 3 Teaspoons Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt)
- 2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
- 1 Teaspoon Fresh Chives, Finely Chopped
- 1/4 Teaspoon Finely Ground Sea Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Finely Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Pork Tenderloin (Approximately 1 Pound)
- 1 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Additional for Oiling Foil)
- 1 Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Teaspoons Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt)
- 1 1/4 Teaspoons Finely Ground Sea Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients together until well incorporated.
- Store the seasoning mix in a small glass jar in a cool, dry place.
- Use this seasoning to season your favorite meats, vegetables, marinades, or sauces.
- Place all of the ingredients into a glass bowl. Use a small whisk to whisk all of the ingredients together until smooth.
- Store in an airtight glass container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until use.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with foil, then lightly coat it with a bit of olive oil to prevent the pork from sticking.
- Place the tenderloin on the baking sheet, fat side facing up.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon vinegar, 2 teaspoons seasoning, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. (If you are using two pork tenderloins, you will need to make two batches of this paste.)
- Liberally coat all sides of the pork tenderloin with the seasoning paste.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees.
- Continue baking until the meat reaches 145 degrees. This should take an additional 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of your pork tenderloin. Use a meat thermometer to help decide when to remove the pork from the oven.
- Remove the tenderloin from the oven, cover it with foil, and allow it to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle the pan drippings over the sliced pork before serving it alongside the honey mustard.
![]()
PIN THIS RECIPE

Don’t let this recipe slip away. How often do you find a recipe intriguing, yet forget where to find it when you finally get the hankering to make it? Instead of digging through old posts or wandering aimlessly around on the internet, why not Pin this recipe to Pinterest where you can find it when you eventually need it? Simply Pin the image above and you’ll have it when that time comes. You can follow us HERE on Pinterest or simply click HERE to find all of our pin-worthy recipes.
![]()

Caribbean Pineapple & Honey Mustard Pork Chops
Simple Oven-Baked Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloins
Paprika & Oregano Marinated Pork Chops
![]()


Use this Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt) to make this Southwestern Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin. When it comes to store-bought seasoning mixes, it’s frustrating when the salt overpowers the actual herbs and spices. By skipping the salt, you can be as generous as you want with this homemade smoky southwestern seasoning mix. It’s smoky, versatile, and hits that perfect savory note without being spicy. Whether it’s swirled into sour cream, dusted over hard-boiled eggs, or rubbed onto grilled meats, this is the one seasoning you’ll find yourself reaching for time and time again. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
![]()

Smoky Southwestern Pepper Jack Cheese Dip

\This smoky southwestern pepper jack cheese dip is everything a great appetizer should be. Creamy, cheesy, dangerously addictive, and packed with spicy, smoky flavor that keeps everyone coming back for just one more scoop. With the perfect amount of smokiness and a kick of heat from freshly grated pepper jack and candied jalapeños, it’s the kind of dip that disappears almost the second it hits the table. Best of all? It’s completely customizable. If you live for the fire, go heavy on the jalapeños; if you prefer a gentler warmth, use less. Either way, serve it up with a mountain of salty corn chips and watch it disappear in minutes. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
Smoky Southwestern Corn Salad with Chives

This fresh corn salad features a perfectly balanced homemade southwestern seasoning blend made with smoked paprika and warm coriander to bring lots of lovely smoky flavor without adding too much heat. When combined with just a little bit of mayonnaise, a hint of heavy cream, and a splash of vinegar, this seasoning blend creates a slightly sweet, smoky, tangy sauce that’s effortlessly delicious. And with its colorful green pop of fresh chives, this flavorful side dish hits pretty much every flavor note without feeling too heavy. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
![]()


Use this Smoky Southwestern Honey Mustard with Chives to make this Southwestern Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin. If you love the classic sweet-and-tangy flavor of honey mustard, prepare to drool over this homemade version with a smoky southwestern-spiced twist. Whether you’re using it as a dip to dunk crisp rainbow-colored peppers or veggies, a dressing for your favorite salad greens, or drizzling it over juicy, perfectly grilled chicken as a sauce, get ready to put this smoky southwestern honey mustard on pretty much anything and everything you eat. And let’s not forget this honey mustard’s vibrant pop of fresh green chives, which make everything on your plate look as gorgeous as it is delicious. CLICK HERE for the recipe.
![]()


![]()

In 2024, we cooked and baked our way through the alphabet with several of our food blogger friends. Every other Wednesday, we shared a new recipe featuring a consecutive letter of the alphabet, starting with A in January and ending with Z in December. CLICK HERE to find all of the 2024 Alphabet Challenge recipes.
![]()

In 2025, we cooked and baked our way through the alphabet with several of our food blogger friends. Every other Wednesday, we shared a new recipe featuring a consecutive letter of the alphabet, starting with A in January and ending with Z in December. CLICK HERE to find all of the 2025 Alphabet Challenge recipes.
![]()


Creamy Potato Salad with Crunchy Fennel

When it comes to side dishes, potato salad is a timeless favorite at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. While classic traditional versions typically rely on celery and onion for their crunch and flavor, this creamy potato salad, which can be made with either red or gold potatoes, or a combination of the two, incorporates a generous amount of chopped fennel bulb and finely chopped fennel fronds for a refreshing crunch and an unexpected fresh burst of flavor.
Peach Crumble Pound Cake (Cake Mix Recipe)

Say goodbye to complicated baking. This dreamy, moist pound cake is surprisingly simple to make with the help of a butter recipe yellow cake mix. Topped with luscious layers of a sweet brown sugar balsamic peach sauce and a delightful, crunchy oatmeal crumble, this peach crumble pound cake is the perfect peach recipe, whether you’re using fresh, in-season peaches or enjoying a taste of summer with frozen ones. Designed to suit your needs, this cake can be baked as either two 8 x 8 square cakes or one large 9 x 13 rectangle. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or looking for an irresistible, delicious fruity breakfast treat, this peach pound cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
![]()

In 2026, we’ll be cooking and baking our way through the alphabet with several of our food blogger friends. Every other Wednesday, for the 2026 Alphabet Challenge, we’ll be sharing a new recipe featuring a consecutive letter of the alphabet, starting with A in January and ending with Z in December.
“A” – Homemade Apple & Whiskey Barbecue Sauce
“B” – Small-Batch Blue Cheese Dip with Dried Herbs
“C” – Dill Pickle & Mustard Seed Cream Cheese Spread
“D” – Parmesan & Cheddar Pimento Corn Chip Dip
“E” – Whipped Feta Lemon Zest & Basil Deviled Eggs
“F” – Lemony Potato & Fennel Rotisserie Chicken Soup
“G” – Chunky Garlic Stuffed Olive Deviled Eggs
“H” – Creamy Cilantro Herb Caribbean Potato Salad
“I” – Sun Dried Tomato Italian Dipping Oil for Bread
“J” – Jerk Seasoned Caribbean Honey Mustard Sauce
“K” – Spicy Cheddar Krispies Crackers (Rice Krispies)
“L” – Deviled Eggs with Lemon Caper Remoulade
“M” – Mexican Green Chile Pimento Cheese Dip
“N” – Smoky Southwestern Seasoning (No-Salt)
“O” – BBQ Deviled Eggs with Crispy Fried Onions
“P” – Southwestern Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin

Please make sure to check out the other great “P” recipes below. A huge thanks to A Day in the Life on the Farm for hosting this 2026 Alphabet Challenge event.
- Airy Focaccia with Pecorino Romano and Herbs by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Bacon and Pork Patties by Food Lust People Love
- Italian Baked Pork Chops by Blogghetti
- Orange Posset by Culinary Cam
- Paloma Cocktail by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Panchmel Dal by Mayuri’s Jikoni
- Paneer Pudinawale (Cottage Cheese in Mint Sauce) by Sizzling Tastebuds
- Peach and Carrot Streusel Muffins by A Messy Kitchen
- Pina Colada Rolls by Magical Ingredients
- Ribbon Pakoda/Ola Pakoda by Sneha’s Recipe
- Southwestern Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Yogurt Bowl Popsicles by A Day in the Life on the Farm


























