Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Corn and Black Bean Salad
Juicy grilled pork chops seasoned with Cajun spices served alongside a refreshing corn and black bean salad with lime dressing. This southern american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in, about 1 inch thick pork chops, tablespoons Cajun seasoning, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, about 1 inch thick pork chops
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups (from 3 ears) fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup canned, rinsed and drained black beans
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 4 pork chops evenly with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and 1 tablespoon olive oil, massaging the spice into both sides.
- Step 2: Grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and have nice grill marks. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1 cup rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in a large bowl.
- Step 4: Whisk together 3 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; pour over salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Serve grilled pork chops alongside the corn and black bean salad for a colorful, flavorful meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Corn and Black Bean Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Corn and Black Bean Salad?
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 tablespoons cajun seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Corn and Black Bean Salad?
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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Corn and Black Bean Salad 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Corn and Black Bean Salad?
Southern American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The pork was perfectly juicy and the Cajun spice was a great kick. My kids loved the corn salad too!
- ★★★★☆
This recipe is great for family dinners. The pork chops were tender and the salad added a nice freshness.
- ★★★★☆
The spice blend was a bit mild for my taste, but the corn salad was delicious. Took a bit longer to grill than expected.