Grilled Chili-Lime Pork Loin with Charred Zucchini & Cabbage-Avocado Slaw
A bright, punchy, grill-friendly dinner: tender pork loin (big discount) with charred zucchini and a crunchy cabbage-avocado slaw. It’s smoky, citrusy, and super fresh—even in January.
Back to full listIngredients
- Kroger® Fresh Natural Pork Loin Boneless, 1 lb 1 lb $2.99 sale (reg $6.29)
- Zucchini 1 lb (2 medium) $1.99/lb (or Organic Zucchini Squash $2.79/lb)
- Organic Green Cabbage ~1/2 small head $2.49/lb
- Fresh Organic Large Ripe Avocado 1 $1.50 sale (reg $3.50)
- Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs (3 ct) 1 clove $2.79
- Lime 1 (not provided)
- Olive oil 3 tbsp (not provided)
- Honey or sugar 1 tsp (optional) (not provided)
- Ground cumin 1 tsp (not provided)
- Chili powder or smoked paprika 1 tsp (not provided)
- Salt & black pepper to taste (not provided)
Instructions
- Prep: Heat grill to medium-high. Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/3-inch planks. Thinly shred cabbage (about 3 packed cups). Mince 1 clove garlic. Juice the lime.
- Season pork: Pat pork dry. Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, cumin, chili powder (or smoked paprika), 1 tsp salt, and black pepper. Let sit while grill heats (5–10 minutes).
- Make quick slaw: In a bowl, toss cabbage with 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, half the lime juice, a pinch of salt, pepper, and the optional honey. Dice avocado and fold in right before serving so it stays chunky.
- Grill pork: Grill pork 4–6 minutes per side (time varies by thickness) until nicely charred and the thickest part hits 145°F. Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
- Grill zucchini: While pork rests, brush zucchini with remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill 2–3 minutes per side until charred-tender. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a tiny pinch of salt.
- Serve: Plate sliced pork with grilled zucchini and the crunchy cabbage-avocado slaw.
Health notes: ~600–850 calories per serving (depends on portion and dressing). Overall: high protein, lots of veggies and fiber; keep it lighter by going easy on oil and using a yogurt-based slaw dressing if you like.
Drink pairing: Beer: a crisp Pacific Northwest pilsner or pale ale. Wine: WA Riesling (dry/off-dry) works beautifully with the lime and char.