Taco-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Lime Slaw

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

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Slow-cooked pulled pork seasoned with smoky spices, paired with a fresh pineapple salsa and tangy cilantro lime slaw for vibrant street taco flavors. This Mexican-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 500 minutes, pairs chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix all over 3 lbs pork shoulder pieces.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork in a slow cooker with 1 cup chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, prepare pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: For slaw, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt in a bowl. Toss well and season with salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: When pork is done, shred it with two forks and stir to coat with cooking juices. Warm 12 small corn tortillas in a skillet.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering pulled pork, pineapple salsa, and cilantro lime slaw on each tortilla. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Taco-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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 chili powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Style Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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 Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Lime Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Lime Slaw?

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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