Grilled Cajun-Spiced Pork Chops with Corn and Black Bean Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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