Citrus-Herb Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Veggies
Fall-apart pork shoulder infused with orange zest and fresh herbs, roasted alongside sweet potatoes and carrots for a vibrant, Whole30-friendly dinner. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker (dairy-free, gluten-free) ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange zest, finely chopped fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 medium, peeled and cubed 1-inch sweet potato
- 3 medium, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick carrots
- 1 large, sliced 1/4-inch thick onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 lbs bone-in pork shoulder in slow cooker. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp orange zest, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 2 tbsp avocado oil. Drizzle with 1/2 cup water and cover.
- Step 2: Arrange 2 medium cubed sweet potatoes, 3 medium sliced carrots, and 1 large sliced onion around the pork. Cook on LOW for 8 hours until pork is fork-tender and vegetables are caramelized.
- Step 3: Transfer pork to a cutting board, remove bone, and shred with two forks. Discard fat. Return pork to slow cooker with all vegetables and juices. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until combined. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Herb Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Veggies take to make?
Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Citrus-Herb Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Veggies?
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 pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Herb Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Veggies?
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 Citrus-Herb Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Veggies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Citrus-Herb Pork Shoulder with Roasted Root Veggies dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect slow cooker recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
