What Goes Well With Pork Tenderloin? Delicious Recipes and Ideas

Introduction

When it comes to planning a meal, deciding what to serve with the main course can be a challenge. This is especially true when the main dish is pork tenderloin, which has a mild flavor that can be easily overpowered by other ingredients. Fortunately, there are a variety of side dishes that pair perfectly with pork tenderloin, adding flavor and texture to the meal without overpowering the taste of the pork. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to serve with pork tenderloin, including roasted vegetables, fruity salsa, baked apples, quinoa salad, and grilled corn.

Roasted Vegetables

Root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips are a classic pairing for pork tenderloin. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a delicious crunchy texture. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and require minimal effort. Here’s a simple recipe for roasted vegetables:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, parsnips, etc.)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Cut the root vegetables into 1-inch cubes.
3. Place the cubes on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are golden brown and tender.

Fruity Salsa

Fresh fruits, such as mangoes, peaches, and papayas, add a sweet and tangy flavor to pork tenderloin. A fruity salsa is a great way to combine these flavors. It requires only a few ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe for a fruity salsa:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of diced mango
• 1 cup of diced peach
• 1/2 cup of diced papaya
• 1/4 cup of diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of minced jalapeno pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, peach, and papaya.
2. Add the diced red onion, lime juice, honey, and minced jalapeno pepper.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir to combine, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Baked Apples

Apples are another great pairing for pork tenderloin. Baking them brings out their natural sweetness and adds a unique flavor to the meal. Here’s a simple recipe for baked apples:

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, cored and sliced into wedges
• 1/4 cup of light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup of butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Place the apple slices in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples and pour the melted butter over top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a healthy and delicious grain that pairs well with pork tenderloin. It’s also a great way to add extra protein to the meal. Here’s a simple recipe for a quinoa salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper
• 1/2 cup of diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Transfer the cooked quinoa to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, and feta cheese. Stir to combine.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and stir to combine.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Grilled Corn

Grilling corn is a great way to add a smoky flavor to pork tenderloin. It’s also an easy and quick side dish that requires minimal effort. Here’s a simple recipe for grilled corn:

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked and cleaned
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the ears of corn with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the ears of corn on the preheated grill and cook for 10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes.
4. Remove the ears of corn from the grill and let cool slightly before serving.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect side dish to accompany pork tenderloin doesn’t have to be difficult. There are plenty of delicious options that pair well with the mild flavor of the pork. From roasted vegetables to fruity salsa, baked apples, quinoa salad, and grilled corn, there’s something for everyone. Try one of these recipes for your next meal and enjoy the perfect pairing of pork tenderloin and side dish.