15 Summer Sides for Pork Tenderloin

Are you looking for some easy summer sides for pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite summertime meals because it’s quick, easy, and so delicious.

And, it pairs well with so many different side dishes!

So if you are wondering what to serve with pork tenderloin, whether you are grilling it, roasting it, or cooking it in the Instant Pot, then you are in the right place.

I’m sharing 15 of my favorite summer side dishes for pork tenderloin including salads, roasted vegetables, fruit salsa, and more.

15 Summer Sides for Pork Tenderloin

Summer is here, which means it’s time to fire up the grill!

When it comes to choosing sides for your pork tenderloin, you’ll want to consider a few things:

• First, what kind of flavors will complement the pork? Sweet, savory, or spicy?
• Second, what textures will work well with the tenderloin? Crisp vegetables, creamy potato salad, or something in between?
• And finally, how much effort do you want to put into making the side dish? There are many easy options that require little more than opening a can or bag of pre-made ingredients.

So whatever your preference, you’re sure to find the perfect summer side dish for your grilled pork tenderloin!

Simple Cucumber and Onion Salad

Imagine this: it’s a hot summer day, you’re grilling up some pork tenderloin, and you need a light, refreshing side dish to balance things out.

Cucumber and onion salad to the rescue!

This simple salad comes together in just a few minutes and can be easily customized to your liking.

Try adding diced avocado, crumbled feta, or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.

For a little bit of sweetness, mix in some diced mango or pineapple.

And if you’re looking for a bit of a crunch, add in some chopped nuts or seeds.

Mango Cucumber Summer Slaw

Why not serve some exotic flair alongside your pork tenderloin with this mango cucumber summer slaw?

It’s light, refreshing, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

And it comes together in just minutes, which is always a bonus!

Here are a few ideas for how to change things up:

• Add avocado for creaminess and extra healthy fats.
• Swap out the mango for pineapple or papaya.
• Add cilantro or mint for a pop of fresh flavor.
• Use lime juice instead of vinegar for a brighter flavor.
• Throw in some diced jalapeño or serrano pepper for a bit of spice.

Crack Corn Salad

You can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleasing corn salad.

It’s sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.

And it couldn’t be easier to make – just mix everything together in one bowl and you’re good to go!

To change things up, you could:

• Add some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Swap out the honey for agave or maple syrup.
• Use diced jicama instead of corn for a refreshing twist.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
• Throw in some diced red onion for a bit of bite.

Fritos Corn Salad

Or how about this corn salad?

It’s got a little bit of everything – sweet corn, crunchy Fritos, diced tomatoes, tangy lime juice, and fresh cilantro.

It comes together in just a few minutes and is the perfect side dish for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners.

And like the fried rice, this salad is also completely customizable.

Here are a few ideas for how you could change things up:

• Swap out the Fritos for chopped celery or jicama for a crunchy twist.
• Add in some diced avocado or guacamole for creaminess.
• Throw in a handful of chopped fresh basil or mint for extra flavor.
• Stir in some black beans or chickpeas for extra protein.

Creamy Pasta Salad

If you prefer something creamy alongside your pork, this pasta salad is the perfect dish.

It’s made with a mayonnaise and sour cream base, and is then tossed with cooked pasta, diced celery, and shredded cheddar cheese.

You could also add in some chopped bacon or crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the pasta for quinoa or couscous.
• Add in some chopped grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Stir in some diced avocado or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Vinaigrette

If regular white potatoes are a little too boring for you, try grilling up some sweet potatoes instead.

They get nice and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and creamy on the inside.

Serve them up with a bright and flavorful cilantro vinaigrette for a summer side dish that will really wow your guests.

Here are a few ideas for how to change things up:

• Swap out the sweet potatoes for regular potatoes, carrots, or beets.
• Try a different dressing, like a balsamic vinaigrette or a tahini sauce.
• Add some protein by topping with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Top with fresh herbs, diced avocado, or crumbled feta cheese.

Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing

Fruit salad with honey lime dressing is a refreshing and light side dish perfect for summertime.

This salad is packed with fresh fruit and tossed in a delicious honey lime dressing.

It’s a great way to use up seasonal fruit, and it can be easily customized to your liking.

Try adding in some diced avocado, toasted nuts, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.

For a little bit of spice, add in a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of chili powder to the dressing.

Roasted Summer Squash

When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, there’s nothing better than firing up the grill and cooking some summer squash.

This roasted summer squash is the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ.

It’s simple to make, and you can easily customize it to your liking.

Try different herbs and spices, or mix in some diced tomatoes or crumbled feta cheese.

If you’re looking for a little more of a crunch, you could also add some chopped nuts or seeds.

And if you want to make this dish a little more filling, you could add some cooked quinoa or rice.

No-Mayo Potato Salad with Herbs

It’s hard to go wrong with a classic potato salad, but this no-mayo version is perfect for summer.

It’s light and refreshing, but still has all the flavor of a traditional potato salad.

I like to add a mix of fresh herbs to mine, but you could really use any herbs you have on hand.

To change things up, you could:

• Swap out the Yukon gold potatoes for red potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Add some diced celery or red onion for extra crunch.
• Throw in a handful of chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives.
• Use a different type of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a splash of hot sauce for a little bit of spice.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Don’t be fooled by its simplicity – this Mediterranean chickpea salad is packed with flavor and perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.

The combination of fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, and Kalamata olives makes for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

Feel free to mix things up and use whatever herbs you have on hand, or swap out the chickpeas for another type of bean.

This salad is also delicious as a wrap filling or topped on a bed of greens.

For a heartier dish, add in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Grilled Garlic Herb Zucchini

While zucchini might not pack as much of a flavor punch as some other vegetables, its mild taste makes it the perfect canvas for a variety of flavors.

In this recipe, zucchini is grilled until slightly charred, then tossed with a fragrant garlic and herb oil.

It’s the perfect summer side dish to serve with grilled pork tenderloin, but it would also be delicious with chicken, fish, or steak.

And if you’re looking for a way to change things up, here are a few ideas:

• Try a different herb oil, like basil or rosemary.
• Substitute balsamic vinegar for the lemon juice.
• Add some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan cheese.
• Toss with some cooked pasta or grains.
• Throw in a handful of fresh chopped tomatoes.

Avocado Corn Salad

Just look at how tasty this avocado corn salad looks!

It’s the perfect summer side dish because it’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.

I love to make this salad with fresh corn, but you could also use frozen corn if that’s what you have on hand.

If you’re looking for a little bit of a change, you could:

• Add some diced avocado to the salad for extra creaminess.
• Swap out the lime juice for lemon juice.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
• Throw in a diced jalapeño for a little bit of spice.
• Make it a main dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Easy Mexican Coleslaw

If you appreciate Mexican flavors, you’ll love this coleslaw recipe. It has all of the classic ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and onions, but it’s tossed in a zesty lime dressing with a kick of cumin.

This coleslaw is the perfect side dish for pork tenderloin, but it would also be delicious with grilled chicken or fish.

Here are a few ideas for how to change things up:

• Add some chopped cilantro to the coleslaw for extra flavor.
• Swap out the lime juice for lemon juice.
• Use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.
• Omit the cumin if you’re not a fan.
• Try adding shredded chicken or shrimp for extra protein.