Grilled Chipotle-Lime Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

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

Tender pork tenderloin marinated in smoky chipotle and zesty lime, grilled to perfection and served with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce that adds freshness and richness. This Mexican-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and let excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the outside is nicely charred.
  5. Step 5: While pork cooks, prepare the avocado cilantro sauce by blending 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon honey in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions. Serve drizzled with the avocado cilantro sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Cilantro Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Chipotle-Lime Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?

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 tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?

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 Chipotle-Lime Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Cilantro Sauce 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 Chipotle-Lime Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?

Mexican 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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