Pork Tenderloin Spinach Salad
Description: This pork tenderloin spinach salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for potlucks or any occasion where you need to feed a hungry group. The juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with the fresh spinach and a tangy dressing, making it a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether served hot or cold, this dish is sure to impress!
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Spinach, Pork, Cheese, Greens, Peppers, Fruit, Vegetable, Nuts, Meat, Southwestern U.S., Potluck, Savory, < 60 Mins, Oven, Stove Top
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Dark brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Tabasco sauce | 2 dashes |
| Limes, juice of | 1 |
| Orange, juice of | 1 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Curry powder | 3/4 tsp |
| Avocados | 1, sliced |
| Red bell peppers | 2, sliced |
| Gruyere cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Pork tenderloin | 2 (about 1 lb each) |
| Baby spinach | 10 oz |
| Pecans | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 753.5
- Fat: 55.9g
- Saturated Fat: 9.7g
- Cholesterol: 19.8mg
- Sodium: 1216.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 58.2g
- Fiber: 12.1g
- Sugar: 40.7g
- Protein: 14.9g
Cooking Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon to create a flavorful spice rub.
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Coat pork tenderloin: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork tenderloins, ensuring they are well coated.
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Brown pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over moderate-high heat until it just starts to smoke. Brown the pork tenderloins on all sides, turning occasionally, for about 4-6 minutes in total. This helps to seal in the juices and develop a delicious crust.
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Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and generously coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Prepare brown sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, minced garlic, and Tabasco sauce. Pat this mixture onto the top of each pork tenderloin.
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Roast pork: Transfer the pork tenderloins to the prepared baking sheet and roast them in the middle of the preheated oven until a meat thermometer inserted diagonally into the thickest part of each tenderloin registers 140°F (60°C), about 20 minutes.
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Rest pork: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will continue to rise to about 155°F (68°C).
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Prepare dressing: While the pork is resting, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, curry powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gradually add the olive oil, whisking continuously until the dressing is well blended.
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Slice pork: After resting, slice the pork tenderloins diagonally into thin slices.
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Assemble salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced avocados, sliced red bell peppers, shredded Gruyere cheese, and pecans.
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Serve: Arrange the sliced pork tenderloin on top of the salad, then drizzle the dressing over everything. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
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Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in this pork tenderloin spinach salad!
Chef’s Tips:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the spice rub, brown sugar mixture, and dressing in advance to save time when assembling the salad later.
- Leftovers: Any leftover pork tenderloin is perfect for making sandwiches or quesadillas, providing a tasty and convenient meal option.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients such as additional vegetables, fruits, or nuts to suit your taste preferences.
With its delightful combination of savory pork, fresh greens, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing, this pork tenderloin spinach salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it for a potluck, weekday dinner, or special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress!
