Taco-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork tenderloin seasoned with bold taco spices, served with a fresh avocado and tomato salsa bursting with citrus. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 38 minutes blends trimmed pork tenderloin, olive oil, 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 350 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: 18 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture all over 1 lb trimmed pork tenderloin. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork tenderloin for 15-18 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 minced small jalapeño (optional). Stir gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch medallions and serve topped with the fresh avocado salsa.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 38 minutes (20 min prep + 18 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Taco-Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Avocado 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-Spiced Grilled 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 Taco-Spiced Grilled 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 Taco-Spiced Grilled 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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