Taco-Style Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork tenderloin seasoned with smoky spices served alongside a vibrant charred pineapple salsa for a fresh and tangy taco experience. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 40 minutes blends 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: 15 min Cook: 25 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 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over all sides of the 1.5 lb pork tenderloin.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted reaches 145°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While pork rests, grill 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks on the grill grates for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and caramelized. Transfer to a bowl and mix with 1/2 finely diced red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 3 tbsp fresh lime juice. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Slice the rested pork tenderloin into 1/4-inch thick medallions. Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing pork slices on tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of charred pineapple salsa. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Taco-Style Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred 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-Style Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred 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-Style Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred 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-Style Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Charred 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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