Pork Tenderloin with Turmeric, Squash, and Collard Greens Salad

A flavorful dish combining turmeric-spiced pork tenderloin with roasted butternut squash and a fresh collard greens salad. Served with coconut chips and Greek yogurt, this meal balances warm spices with fresh vegetables.

4 servings
1 hr 27 min

Ingredients

  • teaspoons ground turmeric
  • teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 medium butternut squash
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • teaspoons fish sauce
  • 2 small pork tenderloins
  • 1 bunch collard greens
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • ¼ cup toasted coconut chips
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Arrange racks in middle and upper thirds of oven; preheat to 450°F. Mix turmeric, salt, pepper, and cumin in a small bowl; set aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Using a peeler, slice ribbons off long neck of squash until you have 2 cups ribbons; set aside. Cut remaining squash in half lengthwise; scoop out and discard seeds. Cut squash into 1/2" half-moons.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Toss squash pieces with 2 Tbsp. coconut oil in a large bowl. Add 1 1/2 tsp. turmeric mixture and toss to coat. Spread squash mixture on a rimmed baking sheet, reserving large bowl, and roast in upper third of oven until golden-brown and tender, about 20 minutes.

    25 min

  4. 4.

    Whisk lime juice, honey, and fish sauce in a large bowl. Add squash ribbons and toss to coat; let sit until ready to use.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Meanwhile, rub pork with remaining turmeric mixture in reserved large bowl. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. coconut oil in a large heatproof skillet (preferably cast iron) over high and sear pork, turning often, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer skillet to center rack in oven and roast, flipping pork halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of tenderloin registers 145°F, 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

    22 min

  6. 6.

    While pork and squash roast, remove stems from collards. Stack halved leaves into a neat pile. Starting at 1 long side, roll into a tube, then slice at 1/2" intervals across tube to create ribbons.

    10 min

  7. 7.

    Transfer squash ribbons to a plate. Add vegetable oil to dressing and whisk to combine. Using your hands, massage collards in dressing until dark green. Return squash ribbons to bowl and toss to combine.

    5 min

  8. 8.

    Divide salad among plates or transfer to a serving platter; top with coconut chips. Serve roasted squash and pork with yogurt alongside.

    5 min