Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Salsa
Tender pork tenderloin marinated in bright citrus juices and herbs, grilled to juicy perfection, and topped with a fresh avocado and tomato salsa. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends pounds pork tenderloin, orange juice, 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 380 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
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and discard the marinade. Grill pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 4: While pork grills, combine 1 medium diced avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 finely chopped jalapeño in a bowl. Mix gently to make avocado salsa.
- Step 5: Let pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve slices topped with the fresh avocado salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Salsa 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 Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Avocado 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-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Avocado 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-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Avocado 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.
What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Salsa?
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.