This Grilled Pork Tenderloin & Strawberry Orzo Salad is the perfect light summer meal which includes lean, protein-packed Smithfield Fresh Pork and fresh Michigan produce!
I’m all about grilling this summer, especially since I purchased a new grill a few weeks ago.
So, I was thrilled when Smithfield asked me to create a mouth-watering, protein-packed, and heart-healthy dish. I used the Smithfield Fresh Pork Tenderloin (found at Meijer and select grocery stores).
I love cooking with fresh pork and have numerous times in the past. But I’ve only used slow cooker or oven. Let me tell you, grilling pork tenderloin is super easy. And such a delicious way to enjoy it in the summer!
Simple Grilling tips for Pork
I decided to grill both Smithfield Fresh Pork Tenderloins that came in the package. I sliced one in about half-inch medallions and cutting the other into cubes. This really helps speed up the cooking time.
I used a grill pan to cook the cubes so they wouldn’t fall through the grill slates as you can see in the image below. I’m happy to report both methods turned out great and were done in about 10 minutes.
If you haven’t grilled pork tenderloin before, now is definitely the time to start.
The Smithfield Fresh Pork Tenderloin is all-natural and made with 100% fresh pork.
And lean fresh pork cuts such as tenderloins or sirloins are heart-healthy foods, recognized by the American Heart Association. Fresh pork includes several important and essential nutrients like vitamin B6, thiamin, phosphorus, and niacin.
And it’s an excellent lean source of protein. A 3-ounce serving containing 22 grams of protein and only 120 calories.
So it can be a great alternative to beef, chicken, or the usual hamburgers and hot dogs.
For this recipe, I marinated the pork tenderloin ahead of time.
If you’re short on time (like I am most of the time), feel free to make the marinade and just brush it on the pork medallions/cubes once they’re on the grill.
For additional grilling tips, check out Smithfield’s 10 Tips to Grilling Like a Pro.
This recipe is full of fresh produce too, which makes an excellent complete meal full of protein, veggies and even fruit!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin & Strawberry Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Smithfield Fresh Pork Tenderloin cut into cubes or sliced
- 8 ounces orzo pasta cooked
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes chopped
- 2 mini cucumbers sliced
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
Marinade
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Dressing (or use store bought)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients. Place marinade in a sealed bag with cubed or sliced Smithfield Fresh Pork Tenderloin. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or use immediately and brush marinade onto pork tenderloin once on the grill.
- Place pork tenderloin cubes/slices onto grill over medium heat. Grill for about 10 minutes or until cooked thoroughly, turning occasionally.
- While pork tenderloin is cooking, cook orzo according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse with cold water.
- If making homemade balsamic dressing, mix together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Combine orzo, tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, strawberries and pork tenderloin cubes/slices. Toss with dressing and serve immediately.
For more healthy fresh pork recipe inspiration, check out these Smithfield recipes.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Smithfield. I was compensated for my time but my views and opinion on this post are and will always be my own. I will only partner with brands that I believe promote or provide products that fit into a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
This Grilled Pork Tenderloin & Strawberry Orzo Salad post first appeared on Chocolate Slopes.
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