Pork Chops and Squash with Pumpkin Seed Vinaigrette

Juicy bone-in pork chops served alongside roasted winter squash, topped with a zesty pumpkin seed vinaigrette featuring fresh cilantro and lime juice. A perfect blend of seasonal flavors and textures.

4 servings
1 hr 2 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 3 pounds winter squash (such as acorn, kabocha, delicata, or butternut), halved, seeded, cut into 1" wedges
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • to taste Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 4 pieces 1"-thick bone-in pork chops
  • ½ clove small garlic clove, finely grated
  • 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro plus leaves for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread out pumpkin seeds on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toast, tossing once, until just beginning to darken, about 4 minutes. Let cool. Coarsely chop; set aside.

    4 min

  2. 2.

    Toss squash with 1 tablespoon oil on a large rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Roast squash, turning occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 35-40 minutes.

    40 min

  3. 3.

    When squash has been roasting for 30 minutes, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and cook until brown, 5-8 minutes. Turn over and cook until pork is cooked through, about 3 minutes longer.

    11 min

  4. 4.

    Whisk garlic, 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, reserved toasted pumpkin seeds, and remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a small bowl to combine. Season vinaigrette with salt, pepper, and more lime juice, if desired.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Divide squash and pork among plates; spoon vinaigrette over. Top with cilantro leaves.

    2 min