Grilled Jerk-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy pork tenderloin marinated in vibrant jerk spices, grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 55 minutes blends pork tenderloin, olive oil, jerk seasoning 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 320 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 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 cup, finely diced fresh pineapple
- 0.5 cup, finely diced red bell pepper
- 0.25 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp jerk seasoning. Rub the mixture all over 1 lb pork tenderloin, coating evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 3: Place the pork tenderloin on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes to get even grill marks, until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
- Step 4: While the pork cooks, mix 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple, 0.5 cup diced red bell pepper, 0.25 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper in a bowl to make the pineapple salsa.
- Step 5: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Step 6: Serve slices of pork topped with generous spoonfuls of pineapple salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jerk-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Jerk-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with 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 Jerk-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with 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 Jerk-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with 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.
What goes well with Grilled Jerk-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa?
Caribbean 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.
