Someone mentioned something about pumpkin last week and I nearly cried.
Really? I can’t even deal.
July is the heart of Summer. It’s the main event. The prime time slot, if you will. It’s what I wait for all year long. And I won’t have it overshadowed with thoughts of pumpkin.
If you’re on board with these sentiments, keep reading. And if not, check back mid-September. I’ll probably have something for you then.
In the meantime, let’s enjoy copious amounts of fresh Summer produce, grillables, ice cream and a few poolside cocktails.
A couple of years ago I stumbled upon a grilling method for pork tenderloin called the “7-6-5 method”. And it has seriously changed my life for the better. Because even as a confident and experienced cook, I’ve had my fair share of poorly executed meat dishes. Especially when it comes to grilling. It’s all to easy to end up with a charred exterior and an undercooked interior. But the 7-6-5 method has proved it’s worthiness time and time again. And it’s turned pork tenderloin into one of my most favorite (and most foolproof!) cuts of meat to grill during the Summer months.
Also, nothing pairs better with so many of my beloved Summer staples than grilled pork tenderloin. It’s a versatile canvas for a variety of savory-sweet salsas, chutneys and relishes. In fact, I don’t think I’ve found any combination that doesn’t work. Today I’ve topped mine with a mixture of raw corn, cherries, cilantro and diced jalapeño pepper. Who knows what combination I’ll try out next!
I’m sharing my recipe for this Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Corn-Cherry Salsa as part of our monthly #eatseaonal round-up organized by Becky from Vintage Mixer. Be sure to have a peak at Becky’s July guide for dozens of recipe ideas that take full advantage of this month’s fruits and vegetables. And check out the links below for even more seasonal recipes created by some of my talented blogging friends.
And back away from the pumpkin, people. Just back away.
Cheers,
Liz
Ingredients
- For the Pork Tenderloin
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 2.5 lbs total), trimmed of excess fat
- For the Cherry-Corn Salsa
- 2 ears fresh corn, husks and silks removed
- 1 1/4 cup cherries, stemmed, pitted and halved
- 1/2 – 1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. sugar
Instructions
- Marinate the pork tenderloin. In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil and the next 6 ingredients. Place both of the pork tenderloins in a large re-sealable plastic bag, Then add the marinade to the bag. Seal the bag, pushing out as much air as possible so the marinade makes good contact with the pork. Transfer to your refrigerator and let the pork tenderloins marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
- Make the salsa. Using a sharp knife, cut the corn kernels from the cob. Add the corn kernels and all the other ingredients for the salsa to a medium bowl, tossing to combine. Cover and refrigerate the until you're ready to use it.
- Cook the pork tenderloins. Remove the pork tenderloins from your refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take off some of the chill. Pre-heat your grill to high and lightly oil your grill racks. Remove the pork tenderloins from the bag and place them on your grill. Discard the leftover marinade. Grill for 7 minutes with the lid closed. Flip the tenderloins over and grill for 6 minutes on the second side, also with the lid closed. Then turn off your grill without opening the lid and allow the tenderloins to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin reads 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the pork tenderloins from the grill and transfer them to a plate. Tent with foil and allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes. Cut into 1-inch thick slices and arrange on a serving platter. Top with the salsa. Serve immediately.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 1-2 days.
July Eat Seasonal Recipes
Chinese Napa Cabbage Salad by Food for My Family
Grilled Green Onion & Sweet Potato Salad with Warm Chèvre by Simple Bites
Chicken Gyro Bowls with Summer Veggies by Vintage Mixer
Latin Chipotle Quinoa Salad with Avocado by Foodie Crush
Broccoli Kale Salad with Greek Yogurt Poppyseed Dressing by Flavor the Moments
Peasy Easy Sweet Pea Mint Soup by Letty’s Kitchen
Grilled Summer Squash with Feta, Lemon & Fresh Herbs by Mountain Mama Cooks
Artichoke and Avocado Dip by Kitchen Confidante
Grilled Squash, Corn and Kale Salad by Completely Delicious (not pictured)
This sounds so fabulous! I’ve been grilling a lot of tenderloin recently. It’s a quick cook and paris so well with summer fruits, as you have also discovered. Beautiful.
Thanks, Aimee! It’s my Summer go-to for sure!
Awesome method to cook pork tenderloin Liz! And I love your marinade and salsa! And I totally agree NO PUMPKIN til September!
We must stand united against pumpkin!
Yeah, I’m not ready for pumpkin or anything cinnamon-y in nature quite yet, either,but I can definitely dig some grilled pork + spicy corn-cherry salsa action! This is the picture-perfect meal for my household 😀
Yay! I hope you try it out, Julia!
Beautiful! I love pork tenderloin and am always looking for new ways to enjoy it. This is so perfectly seasonal. I’ll be trying 🙂
Let me know how it comes out, Jennifer!
Any salsa that includes cherries is a keeper recipe in my kitchen. I’m looking forward to trying it! Pinned!
Thank you, Letty!
No, no, no, no to pumpkin! Not yet! I’m with you – totally embracing all things summer and yes, all the sweet corn and cherries! I love how you added kick to them in this salsa — and grilled pork tenderloin is such a go to around here – we grill it in a similar way, never thought to call it the 7-6-5 method! This is my kind of weeknight meal!
It’s works so great, right? Perfect for weeknights!
I know how you feel! I saw a bunch of people talking about PSls and how they can’t wait for pumpkin everything. I’m just sitting here sipping a mojito and eating ice cream basking in the heat lol I am still a novice when it comes to grilling meat, so this is the perfect practice dish!
Oh you’ll totally nail this on the first try. I know it! And NO PUMPKIN!
going to need to try the 7-6-5 method! the spicy corn salsa sounds so delicious!
It’s so foolproof! You’ll love it!
I love the sound of the 7-6-5 method — good to know! And no pumpkin for me till September either…no way. This dish is the perfect summer meal and I’m loving the sound of that salsa!
Glad you’re down, Marcie!
I’m with you on staying current in my meals. No way am I thinking about pumpkin right now!! Even as a blogger I’m only thinking a month or so ahead of the game 🙂 Thanks for the 7-6-5 tip!! I’ll be trying that for sure.
Yeah, I can’t get into planning to far in advance either. Staying current is where it’s at! I know the 7-6-5 method will change your life!
I’ve got a crush on cherries every since we visited Traverse City!! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Your trip looked awesome! I was jealous!
I couldn’t agree more. Pumpkin in July? As if. The cherry pork combo is so classic, so tasty and so right. Love the addition of the corn as well! Happy summer eating!!
Thanks, Kelley! Cheers!