Pesto Marinated Pork Tenderloin Recipe

I dream about a well-cooked grilled, marinated pork tenderloin. When it’s done right, it’s one of my favorite cuts of meat.

Imagine a tender, juicy piece of pork that’s been marinated in a zesty pesto mixture, then grilled to perfection. This Marinated Pork Tenderloin will have your mouth watering.

This recipe hits the sweet spot. The secret to a juicy pork tenderloin is in the marinade! If you skip that step, you’re really missing out.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or just because you love good food, this recipe is a winner.

Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook. This is particularly true in the summer when it’s just nice to be outside. 

When grilling this perfect pork tenderloin, you’re like a beacon calling to the neighborhood. That grilling aroma is hard to beat!

While you can certainly try another cut of pork, the tenderloin is by far my favorite. This recipe will show you why.

And guess what? A high-quality Marinated Pork Tenderloin is easier to make than you might think. So grab your apron, fire up that grill, and let’s get cooking!

1. Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen! Aren’t easy dinner ideas the best?
2. Flavorful Marinade: The pesto marinade gives the pork a delicious, herby flavor. All you need is a good ziplock bag.
3. Quick Cooking Time: This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time.

• Pork Tenderloin
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Granulated sugar
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Prepared pesto

1. Place the tenderloin in a plastic zip-top bag.
2. Mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over the pork.
3. Seal the bag and massage the marinade around the tenderloin to ensure it is evenly coated. Place in the fridge for four hours, up to overnight.
4. Grill over medium heat until internal temperature reaches at least 145°F. About 30 minutes, turning once through the cooking process.
5. Let sit for 10 minutes, slice and serve.

CAN I MAKE MY OWN PESTO?

Absolutely! Crafting your own pesto is not only simple but also ensures you bring a burst of fresh, homemade flavor to your marinade.

My simple recipe guides you through the process (if you want to make your own, check out our recipe here!), making it a great addition to your grilling season repertoire.

Preparing pesto from scratch allows you to adjust the ingredients the way you like, making sure your pork recipe is as flavorful as possible. 

WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD I GRILL PORK TENDERLOIN TO?

For a perfectly grilled pork tenderloin that’s both juicy and flavorful, aim for an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F.

Using an instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to ensure accuracy, guaranteeing great results every single time.

Keep in mind that a charcoal grill will cook differently than gas. It’s a great recipe, regardless.

Remember, letting the flavorful pork rest at room temperature for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its flavor and tenderness. 

DON’T HAVE TIME TO MARINADE?

If you do not have time to wait for the marinade to penetrate the meat no worries!

Just coat the tenderloin with the marinade, using about half of the prepared marinade.

Grill per directions, except baste the meat with marinade every few minutes.

ANY ADDITIONS?

This delicious marinade already brings great flavor, but if you’re looking to switch things up or make your pork tenderloin even more exciting, try one of these tasty treats!

• Chopped rosemary or thyme for extra herby goodness
• A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest for brightness
• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Soy sauce to deepen those savory flavors
• A touch of brown sugar or spicy brown mustard for the perfect balance of sweet and heat
• Sliced onions or bell peppers to grill or roast in the baking dish alongside your tenderloin
• A splash of balsamic vinegar in the marinade ingredients for rich, tangy flavor
• Grated fresh ginger for a zesty, Asian-inspired twist
• A brush of your favorite pork tenderloin marinade or BBQ sauce for basting
• A sprinkle of chili powder to add smoky depth

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Need to swap out a few things? No problem—these easy switches will still give you so much flavor and great results!

• Chicken breast or loin chops if you’re out of pork tenderloin
• Balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a deeper, richer taste
• Lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different citrus twist
• Vegetable oil instead of olive oil for a budget-friendly option
• Honey or maple syrup to naturally sweeten your savory marinade
• Ground cumin instead of black pepper to warm things up a bit

REFRIGERATOR: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.

FREEZER: Wrap the tenderloin tightly in aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

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Marinated Pork Tenderloin is like a ticket to Flavor Town that you can enjoy right from your backyard.

It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.

With the tangy pesto marinade and the smoky, juicy pork, you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

If you’ve tried this MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!