Zesty Grilled Pork Chops with Southwest Corn and Black Bean Salsa

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

Juicy grilled pork chops paired with a vibrant corn and black bean salsa bursting with fresh lime and cilantro. This mexican-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, ground cumin, paprika 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 380 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 4 bone-in pork chops. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and edges are nicely charred. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1 cup drained black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 minced small jalapeño if using. Toss well to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled pork chops topped with the fresh Southwest corn and black bean salsa for a flavorful, colorful meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Grilled Pork Chops with Southwest Corn and Black Bean Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Zesty Grilled Pork Chops with Southwest Corn and Black Bean 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 Zesty Grilled Pork Chops with Southwest Corn and Black Bean 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 Zesty Grilled Pork Chops with Southwest Corn and Black Bean 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.

Is Zesty Grilled Pork Chops with Southwest Corn and Black Bean Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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