Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Juicy pork tenderloin coated in a fragrant Mediterranean herb crust, served with a tangy lemon garlic yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends pork tenderloin, olive oil, dried oregano 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
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Rub this herb mixture all over the 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin. Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Roast the pork in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 145°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions and serve with a dollop of the lemon garlic yogurt sauce on top or on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
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 Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
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 Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce 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 Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce?
Mediterranean 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.