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What To Serve With Pork Tenderloin – 39 BEST Side Dishes

If you’re wondering what to serve with your pork tenderloin, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for pork tenderloin.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with pork tenderloin are fried cabbage and mushrooms, granny smith apple slaw, pineapple spinach salad, and creamy mushrooms. You can also serve balsamic mashed sweet potatoes, summer couscous salad, gnocchi in brown butter sage sauce, or baked cannellini beans.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Roasted carrots and parsnips

Stay traditional and serve your pork with some roasted carrots and parsnips.

The veggies are covered in butter and a spicy rub, then roasted until the edges start to char. 

And just before serving they’re glazed in a mixture of cane syrup (or maple syrup) and orange juice which gives them a sweet-but-spicy flavor. YUM!

Why we love this recipe: it elevates a simple ingredient into something totally delicious.

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Fried cabbage and mushrooms

This stir-fried cabbage is a quick and easy dish to serve with pork tenderloin. 

Simply sauteing it with some umami-packed mushrooms, butter, and seasonings like garlic powder turns your bland cabbage into a moreish dish. 

Not a fan of mushrooms? Use onions instead.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a tasty dish that won’t break the bank.

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Granny smith apple slaw

Apples are a classic fruit to pair with pork tenderloin.

You could go for an apple sauce, or try Southern fried apples. 

But I like them in a fresh, bright slaw covered in a tangy Greek yogurt dressing.

The apples will still have a nice crunchy texture to them, which keeps the dish light.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a healthier version of your traditional coleslaw.

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Cheesy creamed peas and potatoes

We’ve all heard of creamed peas but this dish takes things to another comfort level by adding potatoes.

And the best part?

You can skip making a sauce for your pork tenderloin and just use this instead.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a great way to sneak vegetables into fussy eaters.

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Pineapple spinach salad

This salad may sound strange at first, but all your worries will disappear when you taste it.

The tropical pineapples are perfect for summer and have a sweetness that will balance out any spicy rub you have on your pork.

Psst… if it’s too tangy for you, skip the mustard in the dressing.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a fun twist on the better-known strawberry and spinach salad.

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Spicy Szechuan noodles 

If you love spicy food, these noodles are for you (and they go great with Chinese five-spice pork tenderloin).

The heat comes from Szechuan chili peppers, which are more than 10 times hotter than a jalapeno!

Psst… have an ice-cold drink within reach when you’re eating these.

Why we love this recipe: it’s simple but jam-packed with flavor.

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Summer couscous salad

Tired of the usual leafy greens salad? 

Give this couscous salad a try – it’s loaded with fresh and vibrant tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

Then everything is tied together with a zesty white wine vinaigrette.

All it needs is some protein… hello pork tenderloin!

Why we love this recipe: it works with quinoa or barley too.

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Honey balsamic mashed sweet potatoes

Mash, pork, and gravy.

You can’t get much better than that.

Or can you?

Yes… if you use sweet potatoes instead of normal potatoes for your mash. 

Pro-tip: use a food mill or a fine mesh strainer to achieve a silky smooth consistency. 

Why we love this recipe: it’s dairy-free!

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Gnocchi in brown butter sage sauce

Ditch your usual pasta dish and give classic gnocchi a try. 

These potato dumplings are seared, giving them a deliciously crisp crust to contrast with their pillowy soft insides. 

But what seals the deal for this dish is its nutty brown butter sage sauce. 

This sauce is so good I’d make extra and drizzle it over your pork tenderloin. 

Why we love this recipe: it’s easy enough for mid-week but fancy enough for a dinner party.

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Italian baked cannellini beans

This jazzed-up baked beans recipe is a fabulous protein-loaded side to serve with pork tenderloin. 

It uses fire-roasted tomatoes which have a deep sweetness to them, and Fontina cheese which has a mildly nutty flavor.

Psst… can’t find Fonita? You can substitute it for gruyère, provolone, gouda, or emmental.

Why we love this recipe: it’s reminiscent of a comforting pasta dish but a lot healthier.

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Skillet zucchini, corn, and peppers

Inspired by the classic Mexican dish calabacitas, this is a medley of bell peppers, green chile, corn, zucchini, and tomatoes.

It’s bright and colorful, so it will look really tasty next to your pork tenderloin.

Psst… you can add cayenne for a little (or a lot of) extra heat.

Why we love this recipe: any leftovers will taste amazing in an omelet the next day.

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Polenta florentine

A bowl of creamy polenta is fabulous with pork tenderloin, but why not try something new with this recipe?

The polenta is baked instead of boiled, and then topped with a cheesy spinach sauce.

It’s kind of like a potato bake, but with a lot less calories. 

Psst… make this gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a unique dish that most people won’t have tasted before.

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Mushroom cream sauce

Dress up your pork tenderloin by serving it with a luscious mushroom cream sauce.

The mushrooms have an earthy flavor that pairs well with the savory pork, and they mean the sauce can double as a veggie side.

Win-win!

Why we love this recipe: you only need six ingredients and 30 minutes to make it.

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What sauce is good with pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is fabulous with mushroom cream sauce or a mustard sauce. You could also try the classic peppercorn sauce or an onion gravy. For something a little different, try a chimichurri sauce or a peanut dipping sauce.

Best sauce to serve with pork tenderloin

What To Serve With Pork Tenderloin

In this short recipe, I show you exactly what to serve with your pork tenderloin.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, British
Keyword: peppercorn pork tenderloin side dishes, what to serve with pork tenderloin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 143kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 portion pork tenderloin

Instructions

  • Prepare your pork tenderloin according to your favorite recipe.
  • In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
  • Side dishes include: roasted carrots and parsnips, fried cabbage and mushrooms, granny smith apple slaw, cheesy creamed peas and potatoes, pineapple spinach salad, spicy Szechuan noodles, summer couscous salad, honey balsamic mashed sweet potatoes, gnocchi in brown butter sage sauce, Italian baked cannellini beans, skillet zucchini, corn, and peppers, polenta florentine, and mushroom cream sauce.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 143kcal

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