Apple, Pear and Toasted Walnut Salad w/ Pork Tenderloin

If you’re looking for a healthy meal that is for your next family gathering this holiday season, then you’ll love this Apple, Pear and Toasted Walnut Salad w/ Pork Tenderloin.

The delicious combination of apples, pears, and toasted walnuts combined with the balsamic vinaigrette makes the perfect backdrop for pork tenderloin.  Best of all, you get the real flavor, real fast since this is a dish that can be on the table in about 30 minutes.

Pork, Apple, Pear and Toasted Walnut Salad

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork. The opinions and text are all mine.

One of the first times I ever remember having a pork tenderloin was on a visit to my grandmother’s house. I remember her telling me how easy a pork tenderloin was to cook.  Even with her encouragement, in my mind, that particular dish seemed to be out of my skill level. It was several more years before I ever attempted to cook one myself.  

The good news is, I’ve finally discovered the secret to a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin.

Ready for it?

Follow the directions on the package and use a digital thermometer.

It’s true!!!  A thermometer totally makes all the difference in the world when it comes to overcooking/undercooking meat.  It really is that easy, I promise!

I cooked a pork tenderloin for the family a few weeks back.  That meal was so easy to make, and everyone loved it.  With the Holidays coming up, I wanted to add another simple pork tenderloin dish to the menu again.  What I love about this recipe (other than it’s low carb and is helping to keep us on track throughout the holidays) is that even though the meal appears to require a lot of work,  it’s one that will come together in about 30 minutes!

With all the festivities, shopping and other activities that come along with the holidays, instead of spending extra time in the kitchen prepping and marinating meat myself, I prefer to head straight to the grocery store and grab a Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork.  I love how the Smithfield Marinated Pork provides real flavor, real fast to all our holiday meals.

(Don’t miss this United Supermarkets $1 off coupon for the Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork).

The best thing about the Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork products is that many of the cuts can be cooked in 30 minutes or less.  Since the pork is already marinated, the prep work is done for you.  Whether you grill, roast, or sauté them,  you’ll get real flavor, real fast.  Such an easy dinner that’s perfect for any family meal or holiday gathering.

For more quick cooking recipe inspiration, visit the Smithfield Recipe page and sort by cooking time of 30 minutes or less.  If you shop at United Supermarkets, be sure to head over to their website and grab a $1 off coupon for Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork.

This salad is so easy to make- the tenderloin cooks within 30 minutes and you can toast the walnuts and toss together the salad and dressing during that time. The apples, pears and toasted walnuts combined with the balsamic vinaigrette make the perfect backdrop for pork.

Apple, Pear and Toasted Walnut Salad w/ Pork Tenderloin

 

Recipe notes: 

• Don’t be tempted to skip toasting the walnuts as it brings out their flavor.
• Even if you think you are not a pear person, definitely add pears, they are so good with the walnuts and dressing in this salad!

Ingredients

Pork:

• 1 Smithfield Marinated Roasted Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper Fresh Pork Tenderloin (or your fave flavor)

Salad:

• 1 apple, cored and sliced (I used a granny smith, but use whatever apple flavor you prefer)
• 1 pear, cored and sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 2 tbs lemon juice
• Bowl of water
• +/- 6 cups lettuce torn into pieces

Dressing:

• 1/4 olive oil
• 1/4 balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Pork: 

1. Follow instructions on the package, using a thermometer to cook pork to recommended internal temp. (about 25 to 30 minutes.)
2. Remove from oven, let pork rest a minute or two and slice into 1/2 inch thick slices.

Dressing:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl (or blender) and whisk (or blend) until thoroughly combined

Salad:

1. Toast walnuts in frying pan over med-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Keep a close watch as the nuts will burn very quickly. Set walnuts aside
2. Add lemon juice to bowl of water. Place sliced apples and pears in water for a minute or two. Pat dry.
3. Toss lettuce, apples, pears, walnuts and dressing together till combined.  Top with pork tenderloin slices.

Serve and enjoy!

The Smithfield Marinated Roasted Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper Fresh Pork Tenderloin, and many other flavors, such as Applewood Smoked Bacon,  Teriyaki, Garlic and Herb and Mesquite can be found in the Fresh Meat Department at United.

What’s your favorite way to cook a pork tenderloin?

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