Grilled Lime and Cumin-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Salsa

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

Tender pork tenderloin marinated in lime juice and warming cumin, grilled to juicy perfection, topped with a fresh avocado and tomato salsa. This Mexican-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, fresh lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and marinate covered in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and grill for 15-18 minutes, turning occasionally until internal temperature reaches 145°F and meat is nicely charred.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, mix 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 minced seeded jalapeño in a bowl. Season salsa lightly with salt.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled pork to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch medallions.
  5. Step 5: Serve pork slices topped with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lime and Cumin-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Salsa 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 Lime and Cumin-Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Salsa?

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 Lime and Cumin-Spiced 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 Lime and Cumin-Spiced 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 Lime and Cumin-Spiced 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.

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