Wondering what to serve with pork tenderloin? This roundup of the best side dishes to go with this lean meat has you covered.
There’s a wide variety of side dishes to choose, from healthy vegetables and side salads to potatoes and rice and other comfort food favorites. Simple recipes any home cook can prepare!

Pork tenderloin is the other white meat that’s often overlooked in favor of chicken. But pork is a versatile meat and this tender cut is delicious when grilled, roasted, pan fried or made into pulled pork.
If you’re looking for some pork tenderloin recipes be sure to check out our cherry balsamic pork tenderloin, spice-rubbed pork tenderloin and slow cooker root beer pulled pork.
No matter the preparation here are plenty of recipes to add to the dinner table for a delicious meal. Plus, you can refer to this collection when making pork loin, pork roast or pork chops!
25 Best Sides for Pork Tenderloin
Vegetable Side Dishes
Green Veggie Medley with Green Beans and Brussels Sprouts
This delicious medley of fresh vegetables roasted to perfection has something for everyone! An easy sheet pan recipe with a balsamic glaze that gives the caramelized veggies extra flavor. A bright and healthy side to be part of your pork meal.
Glazed Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash
Tender sweet potatoes and butternut squash coated in an apple cider and maple syrup glaze infused with spices then topped with a fluffy meringue. A delicious fall side dish for pork tenderloin you'll enjoy right into winter!
Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables
A delicious medley of caramelized root vegetables roasted in olive oil and coated in a balsamic vinegar-maple glaze. It’s healthy, vegan, gluten free and you can make it ahead. A simple side dish that’s elegant enough to serve for special occasions.
Parmesan Baked Asparagus
I could eat this easy, garlicky parmesan baked asparagus every night of the week! It pairs perfectly with pork recipes when looking for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Roasted Cauliflower
Another good side dish is simply seasoned oven-roasted cauliflower that’s full of flavor and texture. A combination of olive oil and butter caramelizes to perfection in this easy sheet pan recipe to complement your roast pork dinner.
Collard Greens
These big leafy greens are nutrient-rich and a healthy side to round out your pork tenderloin menu. They’re prepared with simple ingredients and a quick sauté. You can finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to add acidity and brightness.
Side Salads for Pork
Kale Salad
Healthy and delicious kale salad that heralds toasted pecans, caramelized onions, creamy avocado and Boursin cheese. The honey mustard dressing with white balsamic vinegar puts this nutrition packed side salad over the top.
Green Salad
This citrus themed baby green salad showcases a variety of oranges, avocado and goat cheese coated in an orange honey vinaigrette. The salad’s crunchy n’ creamy textures and sweet n’ tangy flavors complement pork perfectly.
Fig and Arugula Salad
A simple salad combining arugula and figs takes all of five minutes to put together! It’s topped with crunchy toasted almonds and parmesan cheese and coated in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Another healthy option to go with a pork tenderloin dinner.
Spinach Salad
Fresh baby spinach topped with cucumber, red onion, mango, avocado and goat cheese dressed in a tangy, lemon vinaigrette with fresh dill. The perfect way to add a nutrient-filled side to this healthy protein.
Charred Broccolini Salad
Another complementary side to pork tenderloin is this broccolini salad topped with cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes and burrata. Broccoli florets can certainly be substituted. It’s simply finished with parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice and olive oil.
Red Cabbage Slaw
A quick and easy, crisp and crunchy coleslaw coated in a tangy, Asian-inspired sesame-ginger dressing. A healthy and delicious year-round side dish with unique flavors perfect for grilled or roasted pork tenderloin.
Potato Side Dishes for Pork
Au Gratin Potatoes
A great side dish for any occasion are these gratin potatoes layered with gruyere and parmesan cheese. Sliced leeks and fennel infuse added flavor to the scalloped potatoes that are baked until melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly golden brown on top.
Smashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
Bite-size tender baby potatoes topped with jammy caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, fresh rosemary and thyme are a natural fit to complement pork.
Potato Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
Perfectly charred grilled potato salad with mustard vinaigrette is a classic side dish taken to another level by grilling. It’s full of sweet corn, zucchini, and bell pepper and can be made with bacon, ham or pork roll for extra flare!
Green Bean and Red Potato Salad
Gluten-free and mayo-free potato salad with green beans, cherry tomatoes, shallots, feta cheese and green onion. The red potatoes and fresh vegetables are coated in a Dijon vinaigrette with fresh lemon juice and zest. A perfect side dish to make ahead!
Hasselback Potatoes
Nothing like perfectly seasoned hasselback potatoes to join the pork menu! They’re lathered in a garlic herb butter and air fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside and nice and creamy on the inside. A side dish the whole family will love.
Mashed Potatoes
A blend of starchy Russets and buttery Yukon golds result in the ultimate mashed potatoes! And you can easily change up the flavors with everything from bacon, cheese and roasted garlic to Cajun, Old Bay and Italian seasonings. Go with whatever will complement your pork best!
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Now who doesn’t love a creamy sweet potato mash?! This recipe is semi-indulgent with sour cream and butter but is more savory by skipping the marshmallows and brown sugar. We’re not looking for anything too much sweet flavor to override the juicy flavor of our pork.
Sweet Potato Fries
Nothing like sweet potatoes grilled to perfection then topped with a fresh cherry and corn salsa! You can use an outdoor grill or grill pan to get that tasty char. Put them over the top with queso fresco or cotija cheese and serve right alongside your favorite pork tenderloin recipe.
More Comforting Sides
Rice Pilaf
Fluffy and flavorful rice pilaf is an easy side dish to have at potlucks throughout the year. It’s a comforting side that won’t outshine the main dish. And, it’s made with budget-friendly pantry ingredients.
Cornbread
This cornbread has a delicious, fluffy texture that’s not too sweet with perfectly crisp edges from baking in a cast iron skillet. A big slice will fit right in at your next pork dinner.
Cheesy Grits Casserole
When feeding a crowd and looking for a dish to prep ahead, a side of overnight cheesy grits is the recipe for you. Creamy, bubbly, cheesy gooiness is comfort food at its finest especially when ready to indulge a little.
Creamy Polenta
This five-ingredient smooth and creamy, cheesy polenta is another go-to when it comes to comforting sides. When cooked gently over low heat there’s no need to whisk constantly and you’ll get a much more velvety texture.
Applesauce
Sweet apples turned into this cinnamon-infused applesauce is light, fruity and a delicious complement to all things pork. It’s made with pantry ingredients and good to make a big batch to have on hand for a healthy snack or guilt-free dessert.
Pork Tenderloin FAQs
Depending on the flavor profile and preparation of the pork, you can pair it with either red or white wine. Chardonnay is a classic pairing for pork with a nice balance of buttery oak flavor and acidity. As for red wine, light-bodied pinot noir is an excellent complement to pork.
Pork tenderloin is a heart healthy source of low-fat protein and essential vitamins and minerals. While cured pork products, like bacon, are high in sodium, fresh pork is naturally low in sodium.
A slightly pink, supple center is the goal which happens when the internal temperature reaches 140-145 degrees F. If the pork is 160 degrees or higher, you’ll have a tough, dry tenderloin. Use a reliable meat thermometer for the best results.
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