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Salad a Day Contest Winner -- Recipe: Asian Porky Pineapple Salad

Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 4 main dish servings

Ingredients

  • 1 20- oz. can pineapple tidbits in juice divided usage
  • 2 Tbsp. kosher salt
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 pork tenderloin about 1 to 1 1/2 Lb., trimmed if needed
  • 2 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 large cucumber peeled, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 C. chopped green onions
  • 1 package 5-oz. spring salad mix (or other assorted baby greens)
  • 1/2 C. prepared sesame-ginger salad dressing
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired
  • Crisp lettuce leaves
  • 2 plum tomatoes seeded and diced

Directions

  1. Drain juice from pineapple into a large measuring C. (reserve tidbits for later use) and add water to measure 1 1/2 C.
  2. Add kosher salt, brown sugar and vanilla extract, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
  3. Cut tenderloin lengthwise about 3/4 of the way through, then open up and flatten slightly with hands (like a book) to butterfly.
  4. Place into a large zip-top plastic bag with the pineapple juice mixture; seal bag, turning to coat all surfaces (or use an oblong dish, covered with plastic wrap). Refrigerate for about an hour, turning occasionally.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Remove pork from brine, discarding brine, and pat dry with paper towels. Place on prepared baking sheet; sprinkle evenly with lemon pepper and cook in preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of thickest part reads 155°, about 10-15 minutes.
  6. Remove to a cutting board; tent loosely with foil and let sit for 5 minutes, then cut lengthwise into quarters, then crosswise into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Place reserved pineapple tidbits into a large bowl with pork, cucumber, green onions and salad greens; add salad dressing, tossing to coat.
  8. Season as desired with salt and black pepper.
  9. To serve, line 4 serving plates with crisp lettuce leaves; top with pork mixture, sprinkle with diced tomato and serve immediately.