Bright, zesty, and full of vibrant flavors, these Lemon Pork Chops with Salsa are a show-stopping dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. A citrusy marinade infused with garlic, oregano, and olive oil tenderizes the bone-in pork chops, giving them a juicy, flavorful punch. The star of the plate, however, is the refreshing homemade salsa, featuring diced Roma tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, and zesty lime juice, with a hint of heat from optional jalapeño. Grilled to perfection in just 15 minutes, these pork chops are a harmonious balance of smoky and tangy notes, crowned with the freshness of the chunky salsa. Serve them with roasted veggies, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for anyone who loves grilling and bold flavors, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious!
In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
While the pork chops are marinating, prepare the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine diced Roma tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, fresh cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), and lime juice. Mix well and season with a pinch of salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
Grill the pork chops for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the pork chops hot, topped with the fresh salsa. Pair with your favorite sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
334 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.1 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 75 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 561 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.3 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 28.4 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 48 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 604 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.