A delicious and unique 30 minute dinner recipe, Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Jalapeno Salsa is a savory, sweet and spicy dish. The fresh salsa also makes for a tasty dip with tortilla chips too.
Spring has sprung and I'm lightening up my recipes to include the fresh flavors of the season. During the cold winter months I prepare many warm and cozy comfort food dishes like Turkey a la King, Reuben Casserole, Split Pea Soup with Ham, and Eggplant Parmesan for my personal chef clients.
With the warmer temps, it's time to show off the bright and colorful produce popping up at the market. I just love serving my Grilled Peach And this roasted pork tenderloin with fresh herbs and sweet and spicy strawberry salsa is the perfect dinner recipe.
The pork tenderloin has a fresh, light and savory rub highlighted by lime juice and fresh thyme and parsley. A quick sear of "the other white meat" adds a beautiful golden brown crust.
The tenderloins finish cooking in the oven while the salsa with sweet strawberries, red onion, cucumber and some heat and spice from jalapeno peppers is tossed together.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes ~ No joking! In in about half an hour this amazing pork tenderloin dish is ready to enjoy. It's easy to make and a unique recipe too.
- Flavor packed ~ The citrus juice and herb rubbed pork tenderloin is delicate in savory flavor. A sweet and spicy cool strawberry/cucumber salsa compliments the quick cooking meat.
- Double duty salsa ~ Not only is the salsa delicious with the roasted pork tenderloin, it's tasty as a dip with tortilla chips.
Ingredients & substitutions
Pantry ingredients along with a handful of fresh ingredients are included in this recipe. Scroll to the recipe card for full quantities of the ingredients.
- Pork tenderloin ~ This quick to cook pork is also flavorful, tender and juicy. Boneless pork chops are an alternative.
- Olive oil ~ Avocado oil is also an option.
- Lime juice ~ Fresh juice has the most vibrate flavor. In a pinch use a bottle version.
- Fresh thyme ~ When available, fresh herbs are my first choice. Substitute dried herbs if fresh ones aren't convenient.
- Fresh parsley
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Kosher salt ~ The larger grain salt enhances the flavor of food without making it overly salty.
- Freshly ground black pepper ~ Grinding your own pepper from peppercorns results in the most flavorful spice.
- Strawberries ~ The most flavorful and sweet berries are bright red with dark green leaves with a sweet aroma.
- Red onion ~ White or Vidalia onions are also options.
- Cucumber ~ A cucumber without many seeds such as a kirby or English cucumber are best in this recipe.
- Jalapeno pepper ~ Also try serrano peppers or jarred pickled jalapenos.
- Honey ~ Agave or light brown sugar are good substitutes.
Recipe details
With just a few steps, this pork tenderloin recipe is easy to make. This is a brief overview of the recipe. Scroll to the recipe card for full instructions.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients for the spice rub.
Step 2: Drizzle the pork with olive oil and lime juice. Sprinkle generously with the spice rub.
Step 3: Sear the seasoned pork in a sauté pan until golden brown. Finish cooking the tenderloin in the oven.
Step 4: While the pork tenderloin is roasting, combine the strawberry jalapeno salsa ingredients.
Step 5: Slice the pork into medallions. Serve with the fruit salsa.
What is strawberry jalapeno salsa?
I love pairing roasted, seared and grilled meats with a fresh salsa. It's an easy way to make a WOW! statement with a dish. This fruit salsa is sweet and spicy and a close cousin to the traditional tomato salsa
Chop fresh, bright red strawberries along with red onion, spicy jalapeno, and cucumber. Toss it all in a bowl and stir in a squeeze of lime juice, sweet and sticky honey, and a little silky extra virgin olive oil. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. The salt offsets the sweetness of the ingredients and heightens their flavors.
And that's it! Double the recipe and serve with some tortilla chips for a happy hour snack.
expert tips
- Take the pork tenderloins out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start to cook. By removing the chill, the pork will cook more evenly and quickly.
- Don't skip the step of searing the tenderloins before roasting them. Not only does it add beautiful golden color, it also makes for a nice smoky crust on the pork.
- Let the pork rest about 5-10 minutes before slicing it into medallions. This will redistribute the juices throughout the meat.
- Cut the strawberries and vegetables in similar sized pieces for the salsa. This makes for the prettiest presentation.
Frequently asked questions
Overcooking the lean pork will make it tough and dry. After a quick sear, finish roasting the tenderloin in the oven. Have a digital thermometer handy. Pork should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees F when cooked to perfection.
This chunky salsa is a sweet and spicy variation of the traditional tomato salsa. It's delicious served with grilled salmon, halibut or shrimp. Also pass a bowl of tortilla chips and this fruit salsa for a tasty snack.
What to serve with roasted pork tenderloin
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a comment and a star rating below. Share it on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
Thanks ~ Amy
Recipe
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Jalapeno Salsa
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 - 6 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and unique 30 minute dinner recipe, Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Jalapeno Salsa is a savory, sweet and spicy dish. The fresh salsa also makes for a tasty dip with tortilla chips too.
Ingredients
Pork tenderloin
- 2 (1 pound) pork tenderloins
- Olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Strawberry jalapeno salsa
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cucumber
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapeno
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Set aside.
- Prep pork: Place pork tenderloins on a work surface. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
- Combine spice rub: In a small bowl, combine thyme, parsley, onion and garlic powders, paprika, kosher salt and pepper.
- Season pork: Generously coat the pork tenderloins with herb and spice mix.
- Brown the pork: Heat a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the seasoned pork tenderloin. Brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Roast the pork: Place the browned pork tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloins. The pork is ready when the internal temperature is 145 degrees on a digital thermometer. Remove from the oven and let rest.
- Make the salsa: While the pork is roasting, make the Strawberry Jalapeno Salsa. In a medium sized bowl, combine the strawberries, red onion, cucumber, jalapeno, parsley, lime juice, honey and olive oil. Season to taste with kosher salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Slice and serve: Slice the pork tenderloin in 1 inch medallions and place on a platter. Drizzle with any of the accumulated pan juices. Serve with the Strawberry Jalapeno Salsa.
Notes
- Take the pork tenderloins out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start to cook. By removing the chill, the pork will cook more evenly and quickly.
- Don't skip the step of searing the tenderloins before roasting them. Not only does it add beautiful golden color, it also makes for a nice smoky crust on the pork.
- Let the pork rest about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing it into medallions. This will redistribute the juices throughout the meat.
- Cut the strawberries and vegetables in similar sized pieces for the salsa. This makes for the prettiest presentation
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: entrée
- Method: stove top sauté and oven roast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅕ of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6.1 g
- Sodium: 584 mg
- Fat: 17.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.6 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 55.2 g
- Cholesterol: 171 mg
Bev Erdei
This recipe was absolutely delicious!! Loved the leftover salsa with chips!! No shame here…ate it over the kitchen sink, as if that makes it calorie free! ?
Amy Casey
Yea! I'm so glad you liked the recipe Bev! I like that the salsa is a change from the traditional tomato salsa.
Silvia
The tenderloin goes so well with the strawberry salsa. I loved all those spices on the meat and the salsa is so fresh and yummy.
Amy Casey
Thanks Silvia!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
Oh what a beautiful and delicious recipe! I am crushing hard on the strawberry salsa with the pork! Genius! I can't wait to add this to our meal prep menu!
Amy Casey
Awesome Lori! I can't wait for you to try the recipe.
Beth
What a beautiful and refreshing way to serve pork tenderloins. Love the searing step - I don't always do that, but I need to - , plus the tasty seasonings you use on the pork itself.
Adriana Lopez
I have prepared this pork several times and never fails. My family loves teh combination with teh strawberry salsa. So fresh!
Amy Casey
I'm so glad your family enjoyed my recipe Adriana!
Jen Sim
The combination of sweet and savoury flavours from the pork and strawberries was simply delicious. I will definitely be making this again!
Amy Casey
I love to hear that Jen!