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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish Recipes

    Published: Aug 28, 2023 · Modified: Sep 13, 2023 by Lauren · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    What to Serve with Pork Tenderloin (45 Best Sides)

    Pork tenderloin can be a delicious dinner, but what to serve with it? This post is filled with over 40 of the best side dishes that perfectly pair with pork tenderloin! From simple salads, roasted vegetables, cheesy casseroles, and even sauces and toppings. 

    Jump to:
    • What’s the best way to cook pork tenderloin?
    • How to season a pork tenderloin?
    • Best Sides for Pork Tenderloin
    • Vegetable sides for pork tenderloin
    • Potato side dishes for pork tenderloin
    • Salads to pair with pork tenderloin 
    • Toppings and sauces for pork tenderloin 
    • Pasta and rice sides for pork tenderloin
    • Frequently Asked Questions

    What goes with pork tenderloin?

    Pork tenderloin is a tender and lean cut of pork. On its own, pork tenderloin has a mild flavor. When prepared properly, it can be juicy and delicious. 

    There are tons of sides that go well with pork tenderloin! Here are ingredients that complement the flavor of pork tenderloin well. 

    • Produce: green beans, apples, corn, fennel, mushrooms, onions, butternut squash
    • Fresh herbs: sage, rosemary, tarragon
    • Spices: cinnamon, ginger, black pepper
    • Others: balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, bacon

    What’s the best way to cook pork tenderloin?

    Since pork tenderloin is a small and lean cut of meat, it can be easily overcooked. When overcooked, pork tenderloin will become tough and dry, so it’s really important to cook it properly!

    The best way to cook pork tenderloin is to sear it first at a high heat, then gently finish cooking it in the oven. This ensures the outer browned crust is flavorful, and the inside is tender. 

    You can see exactly how to make the most juicy pork tenderloin, with recommended seasonings and tools in Blackened Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin. 

    A pork tenderloin seasoned with blackening seasoning on parchment paper.

    How to season a pork tenderloin?

    The great thing about pork tenderloin, besides being a tender cut of meat, is their versatility! They are pretty mild in flavor on their own, so they pair well with various seasonings. 

    You can go the simple route and just use olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning works best when using the sear and bake method described in Blackened Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin.

    Give your pork tenderloin a Cajun kick with some spicy flavor by using Cajun Seasoning or Blackened Seasoning. 

    You can also buy pre-seasoned pork tenderloin too! This will save you some time and make cooking a tenderloin even quicker. They come in various flavors like roasted garlic and herb, peppercorn, and lemon pepper. 

    Best Sides for Pork Tenderloin

    From healthy vegetables to cheesy potatoes, these are all the best pork tenderloin sides. They all work well with pork chops or roast pork loin main course too!

    Get out of your dinner rut and complete your delicious meal with these tasty side dishes. 

    1. Vegetable sides for pork tenderloin
    2. Potato side dishes for pork tenderloin
    3. Salads to pair with pork tenderloin
    4. Toppings and sauces for pork tenderloin 
    5. Pasta and rice sides for pork tenderloin

    Vegetable sides for pork tenderloin

    Vegetables are a classic side dish for any main course, but go great with pork tenderloin too. My favorite veggies to pair with pork are brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots. 

    Blackened Skillet Charred Corn
    Blackened corn is a great side dish recipe to spice up your meal! Juicy corn is charred in a cast iron pan then tossed with blackening seasoning, butter, lemon, and parsley. It’s sweet, smoky, and all around delicious.
    Blackened Corn Recipe
    Blackened corn with lemon, parsley, and butter.
    Roasted Green Beans and Brussel Sprouts
    Roasted Green Beans and Brussels Sprouts is a simple, but flavorful side dish! This easy sheet pan recipe has perfectly tender but crisp brussels sprouts and green beans tossed with fresh basil, lemon zest, and a hint of garlic. It is the perfect side dish with a pop of flavor!
    Green Beans and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
    Roasted Green Beans and Brussel Sprouts in a bowl with fresh basil and lemon zest.
    Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
    Perfectly roasted green beans and carrots seasoned with garlic, tarragon, and thyme make a super easy vegetable side dish! Roasted vegetables go great with pork tenderloin.
    Green Beans and Carrots Recipe
    Roasted carrots and green beans topped with spices in a serving bowl.
    3 Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup
    This 3-ingredient butternut squash soup recipe is simple and delicious. It is velvety smooth, rich, and filling. Freezes well to save some for later. This healthy soup makes a great pairing with a pork tenderloin.
    Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
    A bowl of butternut squash soup with sage and nuts.
    Roasted Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts
    Tender and crispy roasted asparagus and brussel sprouts are the perfect pairing for this easy healthy side dish. Ready in under 30 minutes! This plus a cast iron pork tenderloin make an easy weeknight meal.
    Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts Recipe
    Roasted asparagus and brussels sprouts in a brown bowl.
    Chipotle Copycat Roasted Corn Salsa
    This easy roasted corn salsa has a little bit of heat and lots of flavor. Made with just a few ingredients - jalapeño, red onion, white corn, cilantro, lime and salt. It's the perfect addition to tacos, burritos, bowls or to serve as a side.
    Corn Roasted Salsa Recipe
    Up close view of a bowl of roasted chili corn salsa with charred corn, red onion, pepper, and cilantro.
    Easy BBQ Baked Beans
    Baked beans is a classic side dish for pork! Easy BBQ Baked Beans are flavorful and delicious, not to mention incredibly easy to make. They are the ultimate side dish for any occasion!
    BBQ Baked Beans Recipe
    Baked Cauliflower Steaks
    Cauliflower steaks with a dried spice sauce with lemon juice. These make a nice lighter vegetable side dish for serving with pork tenderloin.
    Baked Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
    Cajun Blackened Green Beans Recipe
    Easy green beans side dish ready in 20 minutes! Blistered green beans are tossed in blackened seasoning, garlic, onions, and butter. Lots of flavor, little time.
    Go to recipe
    Charred blackened green beans with cajun seasoning in a bowl.
    Southern Collard Greens
    These authentic Southern Collard Greens are braised in a savory meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an amazing tender silky texture.
    Southern Collard Greens Recipe
    Flash Fried Brussel Sprouts with Parmesan and Pancetta
    These flash fried Brussels sprouts are tossed with red wine vinegar and balsamic glaze, and topped with crispy pancetta and parmesan cheese. Brussel sprouts go well with pork. This side is great for a special occasion, or a weeknight dinner.
    Fried Brussel Sprouts Recipe
    One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn
    One pot gouda and cream cheese corn is an extra-special and very delicious side dish. It’s an amazing Thanksgiving or Christmas corn recipe. The combination of gouda, cream cheese and heavy cream gives this cheesy corn casserole recipe a rich taste.
    Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn Recipe
    Easy Honey Roasted Baby Carrots
    Delicious 30-minute honey roasted baby carrots. The natural sweetness is balanced perfectly with a bit of garlic and pepper. Carrots are a great side dish for your favorite pork tenderloin recipe.
    Honey Roasted Baby Carrots Recipe
    Brown Butter Butternut Squash Casserole
    Brown Butter Butternut Squash Casserole with caramelized onions and a buttery cracker crust is a fall recipe that’s absolutely incredible! Butternut squash goes great with your pork dinner.
    Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
    Pan Fried Oyster Mushrooms with Rosemary
    These pan fried oyster mushrooms are crispy, meaty, and so buttery. They’re sauteed until golden-brown, then tossed in rosemary butter.
    Pan Fried Oyster Mushrooms Recipe
    Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
    Balsamic Roasted Vegetables make the perfect addition to any dinner entree, the caramelized flavor is delicious on all those veggies. Plus balsamic is a great flavor pairing for pork tenderloin.
    Balsamic Roasted Vegetables Recipe
    Sautéed Thyme Garlic Mushrooms
    These Thyme Garlic Mushrooms are the perfect steakhouse mushrooms recipe! Serve with your favorite steak recipe or as an easy side dish.
    Sautéed Thyme Garlic Mushrooms Recipe
    Honey Roasted Carrots
    Indulge in the delectable flavors of honey roasted carrots with toasted pistachios, complemented by zesty orange crème fraiche.
    Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
    Butternut Squash au Gratin
    This indulgent holiday side dish features butternut squash baked in a gruyere cheese sauce and topped with buttery, toasted breadcrumbs! YUM!
    Butternut Squash au Gratin Recipe
    Pesto Roasted Vegetables
    Cook up these fun pesto roasted vegetables as a healthy side dish for all the family! A quick, easy and a colorful way to enjoy your veggies!
    Pesto Roasted Vegetables Recipe

    Potato side dishes for pork tenderloin

    Potatoes get their own category, because well, they are an amazing vegetable! Here are some of the best recipes for mashed potatoes, crispy roasted potatoes, and even sweet potatoes!

    Boursin Mashed Potatoes
    These Boursin Mashed Potatoes are ultra smooth and buttery with delicious creamy Boursin cheese. Made with only four ingredients and ready in 30 minutes!
    Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
    Overhead shot of creamy mashed potatoes with butter and chives.
    Easy 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
    This Easy 4-Ingredient Potato Soup recipe is so creamy and delicious! It’s made with only a few simple ingredients - potatoes, vegetable stock, cream, and butter - and is ready in under 30 minutes! It's the perfect canvas for adding all your favorite toppings!
    Potato Soup Recipe
    An up close bowl of potato soup topped with bacon, cream, chives, pepper, and croutons.
    Roasted Broccoli and Potatoes
    This simple roasted broccoli and potatoes is an easy and tasty side dish! Crispy potatoes and tender broccoli florets topped with parmesan cheese make a delicious side dish, ready in 30 minutes!
    Broccoli and Potatoes Recipe
    Roasted broccoli and potatoes topped with parmesan in a serving bowl.
    Easy Sautéed Sweet Potatoes
    Sautéed sweet potatoes are the perfect easy side dish for dinner! The sweet potatoes have tender insides with crisp outsides and are coated in tasty warm spices. This is a great stovetop side dish if you are roasting your pork tenderloin in the oven.
    Sweet Potatoes Recipe
    Sautéed Sweet Potatoes in a serving bowl.
    Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    Smoky, spicy and sweet, these chipotle mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish to serve with pork tenderloin.
    Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
    Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes with Salsa Verde
    These smashed fingerling potatoes with a crispy exterior and a creamy interior pair deliciously with tangy labneh and garlicky salsa verde.
    Smashed Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
    Crispy Parmesan Oven Roasted Potato Wedges
    These crispy parmesan oven roasted potato wedges are cut into wedges, coated with parmesan cheese and baked until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy.
    Oven Roasted Potato Wedges Recipe
    Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
    Step up your mashed potato game with these easy, creamy smoked gouda mashed potatoes! The perfect side dish for holidays, and a great choice to serve with pork!
    Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe

    Salads to pair with pork tenderloin 

    Salads make a great healthy option to serve with a lean pork tenderloin. Especially hearty salads like these. 

    Spinach Arugula Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
    This delicious arugula and spinach salad is the perfect contrast of textures and flavors. Made with spinach and zesty arugula, topped with crispy prosciutto, marinated tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic lemon dressing. 
    Spinach Arugula Salad Recipe
    Spinach and arugula salad topped with cirpsy prosciutto, pine nuts, marinated tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.
    Autumn Chopped Salad
    Autumn Chopped Salad combines succulent pears, salty bacon, tart cranberries, sharp cheese, and crunchy pecans with a sweet balsamic dressing on romaine. A hearty side salad is great to serve with pork tenderloin.
    Autumn Chopped Salad Recipe
    Easy Spinach Apple Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
    This easy Spinach Apple Salad is perfect for fall! With toasted walnuts, creamy goat cheese, and a quick vinaigrette with maple syrup and dijon.
    Spinach Apple Salad Recipe
    Apple Goat Cheese Salad
    Apple Goat Cheese Salad pairs perfectly with pork. Apple and pork are a classic flavor combination. The crunchy tart green apple is so great with that creamy goat cheese.
    Apple Goat Cheese Salad Recipe

    Toppings and sauces for pork tenderloin 

    I love a good sauce on my main course, and pork tenderloin is no different. I usually make a quick white wine pan sauce to drizzle over my pork. Check out these other sauces and toppings to elevate your dinner.

    Easy Balsamic Glaze
    Sweet and tangy balsamic glaze is actually really easy to make! Only 20 minutes to make, plus you can make this without any added sugar. Balsamic glaze is great drizzled over a savory pork tenderloin.
    Balsamic Glaze Recipe
    A spoon drizzling balsamic glaze into a small bowl.
    Caramelized Onions
    Caramelized onions are slowly cooked, caramelizing their natural sugars to develop a depth of flavor that is so SO good! These melt in your mouth onions are like onion jam. I love adding caramelized onions to burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, etc.
    Caramelized Onions Recipe
    a hand holding a spoon full of caramelized onions over a jar full of them
    Cider Apple Sauce for Pork
    Easy to make in one pot, this sweet and tangy apple sauce is made with cider and brown sugar and is perfect to serve topped over pork tenderloin.
    Cider Apple Sauce Recipe
    Homemade Basil Pesto
    The best pesto recipe! This pesto is bright, herbaceous, savory, and garlicky. It’s a great sauce for pasta, proteins, vegetables, pizzas, sandwiches, and spreads.
    Basil Pesto Recipe
    Fresh basil pesto genovese made with a mortar and pestle.
    Homemade Gravy Without Drippings
    Homemade Gravy made without drippings so you can make it ahead of time. This recipe works great with pork because everything is better with gravy on it!
    Homemade Gravy Recipe
    Bourbon Apples with Spiced Butter
    These easy bourbon apples are cooked with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve them as a side dish, dessert, or as a topping for pancakes, French toast, oatmeal, or in this case, savory pork tenderloin!
    Bourbon Apples Recipe
    Roasted Garlic
    Roasting garlic caramelizes its sugars to make it less pungent and slightly sweet with a rich savory flavor. It is so good in pasta sauces, dressings, with chicken, steak, pork, or smeared on crusty bread. You will find so many ways to use this delicious ingredient, it's the perfect way to kick up a boring dish!
    Roasted Garlic Recipe
    Spicy Honey Mustard
    Creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy Hot honey mustard sauce. Perfect for dipping chicken tenders, appetizers, fries, and more! Make this restaurant-style condiment recipe from scratch with just 4 simple pantry staples.
    Spicy Honey Mustard Recipe
    Spicy Honey Mustard

    Pasta and rice sides for pork tenderloin

    When I’m in a hurry, I pair my pork tenderloin with a simple veggie and brown rice. If you want to kick it up a notch, try some of these delicious rice and pasta sides.

    Four Cheese Mac & Cheese
    You can not go wrong with a creamy cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe! This one is made with four cheeses melted into a béchamel sauce, then topped with buttery toasted crumbs for the perfect contrasting textures. You'll be licking the spoon (and the plate) with this elevated ultimate comfort food! 
    Four Cheese Mac & Cheese Recipe
    Up close bowl of mac and cheese with buttered cracker crumbs.
    Orzo Pasta Salad with Pesto
    Pasta salad makes a great side dish for pork tenderloin. This orzo pesto pasta salad has juicy tomatoes, homemade pesto, mozzarella balls, and a sweet balsamic glaze.
    Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
    Orzo pasta salad with pesto, tomatoes, mozzarella, pine nuts, arugula, and balsamic glaze in a serving bowl.
    Creamy Brie Mac and Cheese
    This creamy brie mac and cheese recipe is an elevated version of stove top mac and cheese. It has creamy brie and white cheddar melted in a silky béchamel sauce, and topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs. 
    Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe
    Brie Mac and Cheese with a spoon scooping some out.
    Easy Rice Pilaf
    This rice pilaf is made with orzo pasta, long grain white rice, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. It’s a super easy recipe that makes a fantastic side dish for chicken, beef, pork, seafood, and more!
    Rice Pilaf Recipe
    Cajun Alfredo Sauce
    This creamy sauce is seasoned with cajun spices and freshly grated parmesan cheese to make the perfect Cajun Alfredo sauce. Serve it as a side dish with pork tenderloin for a satisfying meal. 
    Cajun Alfredo Sauce Recipe
    Up close cajun alfredo pasta.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s a safe internal temperature to cook pork tenderloin to?

    Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). At this temperature the pork should be slightly pink with a tender and juicy texture.  If it is cooked to a higher temperature than this, it will become more tough. 

    How do you cook pork tenderloin so it's not tough?

    The best way to prevent pork tenderloin from being tough is to NOT overcook it. Pork tenderloin comes out perfectly tender and juicy when cooked to 145°F (63°C), so use a meat thermometer so you know exactly when it's done. 

    Are pork tenderloin and pork loin the same thing?

    No, although similar cuts of meat, pork tenderloin are smaller and more tender than pork loin. You can usually cook them the same, although pork loin will take longer to cook since it is bigger. The sides that pair well with pork tenderloin will also be great with pork loin!

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    Hey good lookin', what ya got cookin'? I'm Lauren and I love to teach you how to make the good stuff, from scratch! I use fresh quality ingredients to create impressive but approachable restaurant worthy recipes.

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