Craving an easy dinner that is chock-full of flavor? This roasted pork tenderloin with zesty Italian dressing fits the bill. It is incredibly tender and juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and will have everyone begging for seconds!
I might as well be a pork brand ambassador. The thought of a perfectly seasoned, juicy cut of pork tenderloin is enough to make my mouth water.
I feel pork is a little underrated and underappreciated by a handful of crowds, especially those who are very health-conscious. Well, for those of you who are Team Chicken Breast, I have some great information to share with you.
📃 Why it Works
Pork tenderloin is actually just as lean as skinless chicken breast, and meets the USDA guidelines for “extra lean.” Pork also contains significant levels of selenium and vitamin B6.
Pork can be seasoned with or combined with a whole spectrum of flavors; whether that is some spicy barbeque rub, or a citrus or pineapple marinade.
For this recipe, I covered a lot of ground with a blend of seasonings. Just wait until you smell the pork when it’s cooking in the oven!
Your whole kitchen is going to smell so amazing, your family will come floating in, being pulled by their noses just like in cartoons. 😂
Pork Tenderloin vs. Pork Loin
A much smaller cut of meat (usually about two inches in diameter) from the loin, pork tenderloin is the most tender part of the pig, and exquisitely lean. This gourmet cut will almost literally melt in your mouth if not overcooked.
Pork loin is a large cut that runs along either side of the backbone and fairly lean, other than the fat cap. There’s a reason why the pork is marketed as “the other white meat.”
It’s a good choice for those on a low-fat diet. The fat cap can easily be trimmed off, although you should leave it on during the cooking/roasting to retain juices and you can trim it later if you must.
I know that some people have a small fear that such lean meats have a tendency to dry out, and pork tenderloin is definitely guilty as charged.
Have no fear, because, as an unofficial pork ambassador, I have perfected various cooking methods to keep your cut or pork flavorful, juicy, and cooked perfectly.
For this recipe, I treat this tenderloin how I would treat a beautiful steak: sear it in a pan and then transfer to the oven. Oh, and you’re blessing it with some golden, zesty Italian dressing.
Are you drooling yet? You can start preheating your oven now.
This zesty Italian pork tenderloin is seasoned to perfection and is so delectable; that I’m almost annoyed it wasn’t on my menu more often.
🔪 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat pork dry with a paper towel. Score the meat approx. 2” apart on both sides.
- In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and rub generously all over pork. Heat a large non-stick skillet and add just enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Sear the meat in oil until nicely browned on each side. Transfer to a roasting pan.
- Deglaze skillet using lemon juice. Add Italian dressing and pour the mixture over meat. Bake, uncovered for 30 min. Turn down the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The internal temperature of the pork should be 160 degrees when it's done. Use a meat thermometer to check it.
- Remove from the oven, allow to rest for 10 minutes, slice, and serve.
🍽 How To Serve It
I highly recommend serving this with sautéed or crispy smashed potatoes (like Nagi from Recipe Tin Eats shares), and with whatever vegetable(s) you’d like.
Potatoes are one of my favorite things to pair with an amazing cut of seasoned meat.
They're a great way to make this meal a satisfying dinner and are a nice, starchy contrast to the succulent slices of pork on your plate.
Honey Glazed Baked Pork Chops
Beer-Braised Pork Shoulder Roast with Crackle
Pork Medallions With Bacon And Macadamia
Pork Neck Bone Gravy
Liked this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Zesty Italian Dressing
EQUIPMENT
- Cast-iron or a nonstick skillet
- Baking or roasting pan
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ginger, ground
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Zesty Italian Dressing
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat pork dry with paper towel. Score the meat approx. 2” apart on both sides.
- In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and rub generously all over pork. Heat a large non-stick skillet and add just enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Sear the meat in oil until nicely browned on each side. Transfer to a roasting pan.
- Deglaze skillet using lemon juice. Add Italian dressing and pour the mixture over meat. Bake, uncovered for 30 min. Turn down the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The internal temperature of the pork should be 160 degrees when it's done. Use a meat thermometer to check it.
- Remove from the oven; allow to rest for 10 minutes, slice and serve.
Notes
- Peel, dice, and cook potatoes in salted water. Drain.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add potatoes; season with black pepper, paprika, and chives (optional) and sauté for two minutes.
Pamela Demaree says
This is absolutely delicious! I have made it twice already. Thank you!
Jas says
Awe, thank you so much, Pamela! I'm so glad you like it. 😀 Wishing you happy and blessed holidays!
eclecticredbarnBeverly says
Jas,
Wow, this pork tenderloin looks amazing. Please stop by Over The Moon Party since you are being featured.
Hugs,
Bev
Jas says
Thank you so much, Beverly! What an honor 😀
helenfern says
Beautiful roast! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party! Have a fabulous weekend and hope to see you back on Sunday!
Jas says
Hope your week was fabulous as well, Helen. Thank you!
Debrashoppeno5 says
Roast pork is one of my favorite meals. This recipe sounds so delicious. Thanks for sharing at the Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Party.
Jas says
Thanks, Debra! Hope your week is going great!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I am so with you on the pork ambassadors thing. It's such a flavorful meat, and a recipe like this is totally doable on a weeknight. And those roasted veggies look just scrummy!
Jas says
Right? Better for you than the red meat and so versatile too! 😀 Thanks, Michelle! xx
Catherine Baez Sholl says
Mmmm, this recipe looks so yummy!
Jas says
Thank you, Catherine! x
Donna Reidland says
This looks and sounds delicious! Definitely pinning it!
Jas says
Many thanks, Donna! Have a wonderful week!
goatsandgreens says
This looks quite tasty and not dry at all. Thanks for sharing it!
Jas says
Thank you so much! x
Nina says
I LOVE Italian dressing! This sounds so yummy! Thanks so much for sharing at our Party in Your PJs link party!
Jas says
Glad you like it! x
204Jillian says
This looks absolutely delicious! This would be great for the holidays. #SaturdaySharefest
Jas says
It is holiday-worthy. 🙂 Thank you, Jillian!!
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
Pork tenderloin is my favorite cut of pork - I am not into "fatty" meat - think it was from being a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. You've got a lot more than Italian seasoning in this dish and I do like it! I just happen to have one in my freezer just waiting for a new recipe. Got to have some potatoes and veggies too. Thanks for sharing a recipe to be enjoyed by many at Fiesta Friday.
Jas says
Hope you give it a try because I know you'll like it! xx
ParsiCuisine.com says
This looks so yummy. I’d love to try this one out for the holiday season. Thanks for FiestaFriday.
Jas says
Hope you like it! 😀
Amy says
Wow, I could take a huge bite into that right now - it looks so good. Thank you for sharing at Reader Tip Tuesday.
Jas says
Thank you, Amy! It was super tender and flavorful. 😀