Grilled Chipotle-Lime Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Cilantro Sauce
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 ready in about 35 minutes blends pounds pork tenderloin, tablespoons fresh lime juice, tablespoons olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 2 peppers, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole, peeled and pitted ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (to thin sauce) water
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and let excess drip off.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions. Serve drizzled with the avocado cilantro sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chipotle-Lime Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
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.
