Taco-Seasoned Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork tenderloin rubbed with bold taco spices, served with a fresh pineapple salsa for a vibrant, tangy contrast. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends pound pork tenderloin, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon chili powder 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 330 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 330 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 1 pound pork tenderloin.
  2. Step 2: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the pork and let it marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prepare the salsa.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple, 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño. Stir well and refrigerate.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pork tenderloin for 12-15 minutes total, turning every 4-5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the pork is nicely charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve topped with the fresh pineapple salsa.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Seasoned Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Taco-Seasoned Grilled 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 Taco-Seasoned Grilled 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 Taco-Seasoned Grilled 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 Taco-Seasoned Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple 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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