Healthy Pork Dinners in 45 Minutes or Less

August 15, 2017
Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
Our healthy pork recipes make dinner delicious no matter what cut of pork you prefer. From tenderloin to chops, these pork dishes make for quick meals you can prepare in under an hour.
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Pork Tenderloin with Mushrooms, Fennel, and Blue Cheese

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Pork Tenderloin with Mushrooms, Fennel, and Blue Cheese

This gorgeous main uses just one skillet—first to sear and roast the pork, then to caramelize the fennel and mushrooms. Arugula isn't only for salads; it wilts nicely when sautéed in the pan juices from the pork tenderloin.

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Garlicky, Kale, Sausage, and Tomato Pasta

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Garlicky, Kale, Sausage, and Tomato Pasta

Just in time for fall, this dish combines juicy tomatoes with hearty whole-wheat pasta, sausage, and kale. Try Bionaturae or Barilla whole-wheat spaghetti; both have a light color and mild wheat flavor.

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Fresh Pea, Prosciutto, and Herb Salad

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Fresh Pea, Prosciutto, and Herb Salad

Build the salad on large slices of ripe tomato for a main that looks and feels more substantial.

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Ham and Sweet Potato Hash

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Ham and Sweet Potato Hash

This colorful breakfast-for-dinner dish uses sweet potatoes and red bell peppers for a double hit of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that most recently was shown to potentially lower bread cancer risk.

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Ancho Chile Pork Chops with Pickled Pepper Relish

Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Ancho Chile Pork Chops with Pickled Pepper Relish

Multicolored mini or baby bell peppers keep their texture but take on a fantastic acidity with a quick pickling technique. Instead of adding salt to the pickling liquid, stir it into the finished relish so no flavor gets drained out.

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Smoky Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Smoky Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A generous amount of smoked paprika forms a nice crust on the pork as it sears in the pan, while also contributing big, bold, smoky flavor. If you haven't invested in a jar or tin of this powerhouse ingredient, we suggest that you add it to your pantry: It’s great in spice rubs for meat; stirred into chili or other soups that could use a lift; sprinkled on oven fries; or dusted onto hummus for a flavor boost. The pork cooks to perfection using a two-step method. First, it’s seared in a skillet until beautifully browned, and then it’s finished in the oven until done to the perfect temperature for juicy results.

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Mu Shu Pork Wraps

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Mu Shu Pork Wraps

Chinese restaurants serve mu shu pork with Mandarin pancakes. On a busy weeknight, whole-wheat tortillas are an easy sub. Look for trimmed boneless pork shoulder. If all you see are large cuts, ask your butcher to cut off a 1-pound portion.

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