Herb and Lime Pork Salad

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

Thinly sliced pork tenderloin marinated in lime and herbs, tossed with fresh greens and a zesty dressing. This asian-inspired salads ready in about 45 minutes pairs Pork tenderloin, Lime juice, Fish sauce into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 12 oz pork tenderloin slices, toss to coat, and marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with no oil. Add the marinated pork and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, then slice thinly.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups torn lettuce, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped mint, and 1/4 cup sliced green onions.
  4. Step 4: Add the sliced pork to the salad bowl and pour the remaining marinade over it. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb and Lime Pork Salad take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 min prep + 10 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 Herb and Lime Pork Salad?

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 Herb and Lime Pork Salad?

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 Herb and Lime Pork Salad 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 Herb and Lime Pork Salad?

Asian salads 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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