Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple Salsa
Juicy pork tenderloin brushed with a tangy citrus glaze, grilled to perfection, and served alongside a fresh charred pineapple salsa for a tropical flair. This caribbean-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes blends pounds pork tenderloin, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice 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 420 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
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the citrus glaze.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin in a shallow dish and brush generously with half of the citrus glaze. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pork tenderloin for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with remaining glaze, until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: While the pork rests, toss 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks with 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 minced jalapeño (seeded), 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Grill pineapple chunks over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side until charred and fragrant, then combine with the other salsa ingredients.
- Step 5: Slice the rested pork tenderloin and serve topped with the charred pineapple salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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 Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple Salsa 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.
Is Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple Salsa gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.