Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Bitter Greens and Citrus Vinaigrette

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

Juicy pan-seared pork chops served alongside sautéed bitter greens dressed in a bright citrus vinaigrette for balanced flavor. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F, then transfer to a plate to rest.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp olive oil along with 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 4 cups chopped radicchio and 2 cups chopped kale, cooking and stirring for 4-5 minutes until greens wilt but remain vibrant.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth. Drizzle this citrus vinaigrette over the sautéed bitter greens and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Serve the rested pork chops atop the dressed bitter greens for a dish with savory richness balanced by bitter and bright citrus notes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Bitter Greens and Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Bitter Greens and Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Bitter Greens and Citrus Vinaigrette?

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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Bitter Greens and Citrus Vinaigrette 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 Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Bitter Greens and Citrus Vinaigrette?

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.

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