Tasty Pairs: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is lean, boneless pork meat that has been trimmed of excess fat.

It looks very similar to beef tenderloin, except it’s darker in color and usually around three times larger than the beef one.

The flavor profile of pork tenderloin is somewhat delicate, making it perfect for light summer dishes like salads or light sauces.

Pork tenderloin is a great choice for easy weeknight cooking since you can use several low-effort methods to cook it.

Bake, grill, or slow-cook the meat with just salt and pepper as seasoning, or try something more adventurous like citrus juice, soy sauce, and mustard.

The only thing that takes time is the preparation, but that’s easy too – pound it with a meat mallet to tenderize it.

Once it’s ready, use your imagination, and you’ll be surprised with all the flavor possibilities.

Pork tenderloin is great with almost anything you can think of – it goes well with Asian flavors like soy and ginger or Mediterranean ingredients like garlic and lemon.

Just be creative and try something new.

In this article, we will list the eight best side dishes that you can serve with pork tenderloin.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin?

Pork Tenderloin is lean, boneless meat that has been trimmed of excess fat.

It looks very similar to beef tenderloin, except it’s darker in color and usually three times larger than the beef one.

The flavor profile of pork tenderloin is mild and is often enjoyed in the flavor of sauces and marinades.

It is a versatile meat that can be prepared in several ways – from baked to grilled, sautéed, or fried.

The best accompaniment to pork tenderloin is a good side dish that would complement the flavor and bring out the juiciness of this extremely lean meat.

Serving them with sides ensures that you will have a satisfying meal.

And the best thing about these dishes is that most of them can be prepared in just under 30 minutes.

When it comes to making pork tenderloin, you would want to pair it with something that will bring out the best in its ingredients.

And nothing does this better than classical sides like potatoes and fresh vegetables.

But some people want something different yet still very delicious.

This is where dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, green beans with mushrooms, apple sauce, or even a side salad come in.

These recipes can be made quickly and paired with pork tenderloin to produce a delicious meal that you’re going to love.

What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin? 8 BEST Side Dishes

So, if you are looking for simple recipes that can be paired with your favorite pork tenderloin, then look no further.

Here are 8 of the absolute best options you should consider when serving side dishes with your dinner.

1 – Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These garlic-infused mashed potatoes go well with pork tenderloin.

The combination of creamy mashed potatoes with garlic is very tasty.

The best thing about this side dish is that it can be made in just under 30 minutes.

Prepare your mashed potatoes according to package instructions, and then add two cloves of garlic.

You can also opt for mixing in some chopped chives or parsley.

You may also want to consider adding a dollop of sour cream, cheese, croutons; the possibilities are endless.

2 – Green Beans with Mushrooms

Green beans with mushrooms are a great side dish for pork tenderloin because the flavors compliment each other so well, plus they can be prepared in just under 15 minutes.

All you need to do is sauté your green beans and sliced mushrooms in some butter, salt, and pepper.

If you want to add some flavor, you can also do a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

The side dish tastes great on its own but can also be paired with rice if you’re looking for something more filling (make sure that the rice is light and fluffy).

3 – Green Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

A green salad is also one of the best side dishes for pork tenderloin.

The bright, fresh flavors of this dish will bring out the taste and flavor in your pork without overpowering it.

This salad is very easy to prepare.

Combine some arugula, cilantro, parsley, and basil in a large bowl with salt and pepper.

Toss the ingredients well, then top it off with your favorite dressing (we recommend apple cider vinaigrette).

You can also add ingredients like carrots, cucumbers, onion rings, and radishes to the salad.

This side dish is deliciously served with rice or even pasta.

So go ahead and make yourself a hearty salad with sides perfect for pork tenderloin.

4 – Apple Sauce

Apple sauce is another great side dish option for your pork tenderloin dinner.

It’s sweet, flavorful, and delicious; it makes use of applesauce to bring out the best in your meat.

You can prepare this side dish in just under 10 minutes.

Heat some applesauce and pair it with your pork tenderloin – you’ll have the perfect meal that the whole family will enjoy.

The best thing about this side dish is that there are endless options for serving, along with apple sauce.

Some great choices include rice, bread, pastry, grilled cheese, bacon, sausage, or eggs (over easy or sunny-side up).

5 – Parmesan Potato Halves

Parmesan potato halves make for a great side dish that will have the entire family coming back for seconds.

This is because it’s so delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.

All you need to do is halve your potatoes, then coat them in olive oil, salt, and pepper (or any other seasoning you like) before putting them in the oven.

Once done, top them off with shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.

The parmesan adds flavor to the potatoes, which is beautifully balanced by their crispy exterior.

What makes this side dish even better is that it’s very filling.

6 – Buttery Noodles

This side dish is simple to prepare, yet it’s always a crowd favorite.

It’s perfect for when you’re looking for something light and easy to make – plus, the ingredients will only set you back by around $5.

All you need to do is boil and toss your noodles in some butter, salt, and pepper (or any other seasoning you like).

It’s important to note that you’ll need to use dry noodles for this side dish; the sauce will be cooked when it’s time to serve.

The best thing about this side dish is the buttery flavor – plus, it’s so creamy.

You can also switch things up by using different types of noodles like penne or fettuccini.

7 – Bacon and Spinach Salad

This salad is perfect for summertime as it’s light, refreshing, and, most importantly, delicious.

It makes use of bacon to bring out the best in your pork tenderloin, plus it only takes 15 minutes to prepare before you can finally sit down and enjoy your meal.

To start, simply toss some bacon bits in a large bowl with some chopped garlic and spinach.

Top it off with honey mustard dressing, then serve it up next to your pork tenderloin for an instant hit.

What makes this salad truly special is the addition of bacon – plus, there are many other ways you can improve it.

Some great choices include sauteed mushrooms, grilled chicken, and even water chestnuts.

8 – Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a dish that’s simple to prepare yet packs in a lot of flavor at the same time.

It makes use of rice, onion, and other spices to bring out the best in your pork – plus, it can be prepared in just under 30 minutes.

To make rice pilaf, toss some chopped onion and garlic with rice and spices before adding chicken broth.

You can choose to use white or brown rice for this side dish.

Once done, place a lid on the pot, then pop it into the oven for 20 minutes.

What makes this side dish special is the onions and garlic – plus, it’s not too dry or bland.

Try experimenting with different spices to find out what tastes best.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pork tenderloin is a spectacular cut of meat that’s perfect for almost any occasion.

It brings out the best at your dinner table, no matter what you choose to serve it with, and these recipes will make it even better.

Explore more of our pork tenderloin recipes to find out what else works for this cut of meat – you’re sure to be impressed with just how versatile this ingredient is.

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