Caribbean Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops grilled with a spicy Caribbean rub, topped with a fresh and tangy pineapple salsa bursting with tropical flavors. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, olive oil, ground allspice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) and rub both sides evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the spice mixture.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and edges have grill marks.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, mix 1 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Stir gently to combine for the pineapple salsa.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve pork chops topped generously with pineapple salsa for a bright, tropical contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribbean Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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