Delicious and Nutritious: 7 Satisfying Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin

Recipes

Looking to take your pork tenderloin to the next level?

Look no further!

From crispy roasted potatoes to flavorful Brussels sprout salads and creamy squash gratins, we’ve got a mouthwatering array of vegetable side dishes that will perfectly complement your tenderloin.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and explore a world of delicious possibilities!

side dishes for pork tenderloin

Some great side dishes for pork tenderloin include roasted garlic-parmesan fingerling potatoes, chopped Brussels sprout salad, butternut squash gratin, fig and arugula salad, perfect polenta, and roasted garlic cauliflower.

Other options include lemon pea salad, heirloom tomato salad with rosemary, braised Brussels sprouts with bacon, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, sautéed zucchini and squash, glazed carrots, asparagus, roasted delicata squash, Mexican-style roasted carrots, Instant Pot corn on the cob, air fryer zucchini fries with lemon tarragon aioli, air fryer Brussels sprouts with balsamic, blistered shishito peppers, roasted miso cauliflower, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction & cranberries, grilled broccolini with tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds, mashed cauliflower, instant Pot artichokes, roasted sunchokes, smashed Brussels sprouts with lemon tahini sauce, arugula salad with red wine vinaigrette, Italian radicchio salad, kale Caesar salad, shaved Brussels sprout salad with mustard and Parmesan, Din Tai Fung cucumber salad, zucchini pasta salad, Hawaiian coleslaw, tomato cucumber salad, apple slaw with celery root, coleslaw with apples and celery root, shaved fennel salad with lemon vinaigrette, couscous corn salad, fennel and chickpea salad, red cabbage slaw, mashed potatoes with sour cream, roasted sweet potatoes, duchess potatoes, smashed potatoes with mojo sauce, goat cheese mashed potatoes, Instant Pot sweet potatoes, grilled potato salad, mashed sweet potatoes, Instant Pot pinto beans, and Instant Pot black beans.

Key Points:

  • Some great side dishes for pork tenderloin:
  • Roasted garlic-parmesan fingerling potatoes
  • Chopped Brussels sprout salad
  • Butternut squash gratin
  • Fig and arugula salad
  • Perfect polenta
  • Roasted garlic cauliflower
  • Other options include:
  • Lemon pea salad
  • Heirloom tomato salad with rosemary
  • Braised Brussels sprouts with bacon
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Sautéed spinach
  • Sautéed zucchini and squash
  • Glazed carrots
  • Asparagus
  • Roasted delicata squash
  • Mexican-style roasted carrots
  • Instant Pot corn on the cob
  • Air fryer zucchini fries with lemon tarragon aioli
  • Air fryer Brussels sprouts with balsamic
  • Blistered shishito peppers
  • Roasted miso cauliflower
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction & cranberries
  • Grilled broccolini with tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds
  • Mashed cauliflower
  • Instant Pot artichokes
  • Roasted sunchokes
  • Smashed Brussels sprouts with lemon tahini sauce
  • Arugula salad with red wine vinaigrette
  • Italian radicchio salad
  • Kale Caesar salad
  • Shaved Brussels sprout salad with mustard and Parmesan
  • Din Tai Fung cucumber salad
  • Zucchini pasta salad
  • Hawaiian coleslaw
  • Tomato cucumber salad
  • Apple slaw with celery root
  • Coleslaw with apples and celery root
  • Shaved fennel salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Couscous corn salad
  • Fennel and chickpea salad
  • Red cabbage slaw
  • Mashed potatoes with sour cream
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Duchess potatoes
  • Smashed potatoes with mojo sauce
  • Goat cheese mashed potatoes
  • Instant Pot sweet potatoes
  • Grilled potato salad
  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Instant Pot pinto beans
  • Instant Pot black beans

side dishes for pork tenderloin – Watch Video


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Pro Tips:

1. Did you know that one popular side dish for pork tenderloin is applesauce? The sweetness and tanginess of applesauce complement the savory flavors of the pork, making it a delightful combination.

2. Another lesser-known side dish for pork tenderloin is braised red cabbage. The vibrant purple color of the cabbage adds visual appeal to the plate, and its slightly tart flavor cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a well-balanced meal.

3. Sweet potato hash is a unique and delicious option to serve alongside pork tenderloin. By sautéing diced sweet potatoes with onions, bell peppers, and spices, you can create a hearty and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements the tender pork.

4. Quinoa salad is not only a healthy but also a tasty side dish pairing for pork tenderloin. Combining cooked quinoa with diced vegetables, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette creates a refreshing and nutritious addition to your meal.

5. Pomegranate and arugula salad is an unexpected yet delightful choice to serve with pork tenderloin. The peppery arugula combined with the juicy sweetness of pomegranate seeds brings a burst of flavors that beautifully contrast with the tender pork.

Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Fingerling Potatoes

The roasted garlic-parmesan fingerling potatoes are a perfect accompaniment to pork tenderloin. The fingerling potatoes are tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese before being roasted to perfection. The result is crispy, golden brown potatoes with a creamy interior and a subtle garlicky and cheesy taste.

To prepare these delicious potatoes, follow these steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Wash and dry the fingerling potatoes, then cut them in half lengthwise.
  • In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.
  • Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese.

Serve the roasted garlic-parmesan fingerling potatoes immediately alongside the pork tenderloin for a truly satisfying meal.

Chopped Brussels Sprout Salad

For a vibrant and refreshing side dish to complement your pork tenderloin, try a chopped Brussels sprout salad. This salad combines the crunchy texture of Brussels sprouts with the flavors of tart cranberries, nutty walnuts, and tangy goat cheese. The Brussels sprouts are thinly sliced, creating a delicate and light base for the other ingredients to shine. The combination of sweet and sour flavors in this salad perfectly balances the richness of the pork tenderloin.

To make the chopped Brussels sprout salad, follow these steps:

  • Remove any damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts and wash them thoroughly.
  • Trim the ends off the sprouts and cut them in half.
  • Using a sharp knife, thinly slice each half into shreds.
  • In a bowl, combine the sliced Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
  • Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving alongside the pork tenderloin.

“A chopped Brussels sprout salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that complements pork tenderloin perfectly. The delicate and light base of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts combined with tart cranberries, nutty walnuts, and tangy goat cheese creates a harmonious balance of sweet and sour flavors. Follow these steps to make this delicious salad:”

  • Remove any damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts and wash them thoroughly.
  • Trim the ends off the sprouts and cut them in half.
  • Thinly slice each half into shreds using a sharp knife.
  • In a bowl, combine the sliced Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard to make the dressing.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
  • Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving alongside the pork tenderloin.

Butternut Squash Gratin

A luxurious and indulgent side dish, the butternut squash gratin is a surefire way to elevate your pork tenderloin dinner. Layers of thinly sliced butternut squash are smothered in a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the pork tenderloin, while the creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch.

To prepare the butternut squash gratin, start by peeling and removing the seeds from a large butternut squash. Slice the squash into thin rounds using a mandoline or a sharp knife. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add grated gruyere cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. In a greased baking dish, layer the sliced butternut squash and the béchamel sauce, repeating the layers until all the squash is used. Top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and the top is golden brown. Allow the gratin to cool slightly before serving alongside the pork tenderloin.

Fig And Arugula Salad

A perfect synergy of flavors, the fig and arugula salad is a fantastic companion to pork tenderloin. The peppery arugula acts as a bed for the sweet and juicy fresh figs, while the creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts add a delightful contrast. Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, this salad brings a burst of freshness and complexity to your meal.

To create the fig and arugula salad, begin by washing and drying the arugula leaves. Arrange the arugula on a platter or individual plates. Cut the fresh figs into quarters and scatter them over the arugula. Crumble goat cheese and sprinkle it on top, along with chopped walnuts for added texture.

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to ensure the salad stays fresh and vibrant. Serve alongside the tender pork tenderloin for a delightful combination of flavors.

Perfect Polenta

Rich, creamy, and comforting, perfect polenta is a wonderful side dish for pork tenderloin. Polenta is a versatile dish made from coarsely ground yellow or white cornmeal. It can be served soft and creamy or firm and sliced into shapes. The velvety texture and mild corn flavor of the polenta complement the tender and flavorful pork tenderloin beautifully.

To make perfect polenta, you’ll need water, cornmeal, salt, and butter. Begin by bringing the water to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly add the cornmeal, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk for about 15 minutes, or until the polenta has thickened. Remove the polenta from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated. Season with salt to taste. For a softer and creamier consistency, add a splash of milk or cream to the polenta. Spoon the polenta onto plates or a serving dish and top with the pork tenderloin. Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of this classic Italian dish alongside the tender pork tenderloin.

Butternut Farro Salad With Blood Orange Vinaigrette

A unique and flavorful salad option, the butternut farro salad with blood orange vinaigrette adds a sophisticated touch to your pork tenderloin feast. This salad combines roasted butternut squash, nutty farro, tangy feta cheese, and a refreshing blood orange vinaigrette. The combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors in this dish complements the tender and juicy pork tenderloin perfectly.

To prepare the butternut farro salad with blood orange vinaigrette:

  • Start by roasting cubed butternut squash in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
  • While the butternut squash is roasting, cook the farro according to the package instructions and allow it to cool.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed blood orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
  • In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, cooked farro, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
  • Drizzle the blood orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
  • Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld before serving alongside the pork tenderloin.

Enjoy this delicious and refreshing butternut farro salad as a side dish to enhance your pork tenderloin meal.

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

A fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional potato dishes, roasted garlic cauliflower is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with pork tenderloin. The cauliflower florets are roasted to perfection, developing a rich and nutty flavor, while the roasted garlic adds a delightful aroma and depth of flavor. The natural sweetness of the cauliflower is enhanced through the roasting process, making it an excellent companion to the savory and tender pork tenderloin.

To create the roasted garlic cauliflower, follow these steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Cut a head of cauliflower into florets and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Toss everything together to coat evenly.
  • Cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in aluminum foil, and place it on the baking sheet with the cauliflower.
  • Roast both the cauliflower and the garlic for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown.
  • Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and toss them with the roasted cauliflower for an incredible burst of flavor.

Serve the roasted garlic cauliflower alongside the pork tenderloin for a healthy and satisfying meal.

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You may need to know these questions about side dishes for pork tenderloin

What do you eat with pork tenderloin?

There are several delicious options to pair with pork tenderloin. For a hearty and satisfying side dish, try roasted garlic-parmesan fingerling potatoes. The creamy and savory flavors of the potatoes complement the tender and flavorful pork. Another tasty option is a chopped Brussels sprout salad, which provides a delightful crunch and freshness that balances well with the richness of the meat. Additionally, a fig and arugula salad adds a touch of sweetness and a peppery kick to enhance the flavors of the pork. These sides are just a few examples of the many delectable options to enjoy alongside pork tenderloin.

What sides are good with pork?

In addition to the classic choice of potatoes, there are several other delicious sides that pair well with pork. One option is a refreshing coleslaw, combining the crunchiness of cabbage with a tangy dressing. Another tasty alternative is apple sauce, which complements the flavors of pork beautifully with its sweet and slightly tart taste. Additionally, a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh garden salad can provide a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of pork.

What should you cook pork tenderloin in?

For a delicious and tender pork tenderloin, consider cooking it in a flavorful marinade or sauce. One option is to marinate the pork tenderloin in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. Another approach is to sear the pork tenderloin in a skillet until browned, then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking with a glaze made from a combination of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Both methods will result in a succulent and flavorful pork tenderloin that is sure to impress.

Is a pork loin healthy?

Yes, pork loin is indeed a healthy choice. It is a lean cut of pork that offers numerous nutritional benefits. With less than 10 grams of fat per serving, it is comparable to skinless chicken breast in terms of its overall leanness. In addition to the low-fat content, pork loin is a great source of protein, as well as several essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamine, phosphorus, and niacin. So, incorporating pork loin into a balanced diet can be a nutritious way to enjoy a flavorful protein source.


Reference source
https://www.platingsandpairings.com/pork-tenderloin-side-dishes/
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/best-side-dishes-pork-tenderloin/
https://www.thereciperebel.com/sides-for-pork-chops/
https://www.thekitchn.com/best-pork-tenderloin-skills-showdown-23285900

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