Description
This grilled pork salad with cucumber offers a refreshing and protein-packed meal featuring tender, juicy grilled pork tenderloin combined with crisp cucumbers, mixed greens, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or warm-weather gatherings, this Mediterranean-inspired salad balances smoky grilled flavors with fresh, crunchy vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Pork and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for proper searing of the pork tenderloin.
- Season the Pork: Rub the pork tenderloin evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper all over to coat it thoroughly for a flavorful crust.
- Grill the Pork: Place the pork on the grill and cook for 18 to 22 minutes total, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice thinly against the grain for tender pieces.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, mixed salad greens, and thinly sliced red onion to form the fresh vegetable base.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt and pepper until well emulsified to create a tangy vinaigrette.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the sliced grilled pork on top of the dressed salad to showcase the protein and make it ready for serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the salad crispness and the pork at optimal flavor and temperature.
Notes
- Adding crumbled feta cheese complements the salad with a creamy, salty element.
- Using English cucumbers enhances the salad’s texture with fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
- Leftover grilled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in other dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
