Pork Tenderloin With Melon Salad Recipes

SPICE-RUBBED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH A MEDITERRANEAN GRAIN SALAD

Steps:

• Option 1: "Plain" but seasoned:
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Season pork all over with 1 tsp. salt. Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high. Sear pork, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven and roast, flipping pork halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of meat registers 145°F for medium/medium-rare, 10-12 minutes. Transfer pork to a cutting board (reserve skillet if you're going for Option 3) and let rest at least 5 minutes. Slice into medallions. Meanwhile, toss grains with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and 3/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Fold in cucumbers and tomatoes, or serve them alongside.
• Option 2: A little more flavor:
• Before searing pork, add cumin, brown sugar, and 1 tsp. pepper to 1 tsp. salt. Rub all over pork, then follow cooking directions above. Fold lemon juice and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper into grain salad. Top salad with feta before serving.
• Option 3: Take it next level:
• After searing pork, drain excess fat from skillet and heat over medium. Add harissa and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until bubbling and slightly browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in wine or broth, increase heat to high, and cook, scraping up browned bits, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and add butter, one piece at a time, whisking to incorporate after each addition until emulsified. Stir in lemon juice, if using (we especially like it with the chicken broth-based sauce); season with salt and pepper. Fold herbs and olives into grain salad. Divide pork and salad among plates and serve sauce alongside.

SPICED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH COLLARD GREEN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil. Combine the chili powder, thyme, cayenne and 3/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the pork with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the spice mixture. Transfer to the prepared pan and roast, turning once, until a thermometer inserted into the center of the pork registers 145 degrees F, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest.
• Meanwhile, combine the collard greens, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Massage the greens with your hands until slightly wilted, about 1 minute. Add the black-eyed peas, Peppadews, scallions, vinegar and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and black pepper and toss to combine. Set aside.
• Toast the crumbled cornbread in a small dry nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Slice the pork and serve with the collard greens. Sprinkle the toasted cornbread over the greens.