Dijon Pork Chops with Apple Salad

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Make this weeknight dinner and in under an hour, you’ll have savory, grilled pork chops and a crunchy salad on your dinner table.

Grilled pork chops on bed of greens with Dijon mustard on top
Photo: Andy Lyons
Prep Time:
30 mins
Grill Time:
10 mins
Stand Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4

Grilling is an easy way to add a smoky, savory flavor to pork chops. This easy Dijon pork chop recipe will show you the best technique to make juicy, beautifully-charred bone-in pork chops on the grill. The pork chops are prepared using the direct-grilling method and are smothered in a Dijon-style sauce that provides a welcomed tangy flavor. Salad with grilled pork is a winning combination, and this recipe takes the dynamic duo to the next level. Step-by-step, you’re shown how to make the best apple salad to go with pork chops. Sliced apple combines with arugula, celery, radishes, and pecans for a crunchy salad topped with a cheesy vinaigrette dressing.

What Is the Difference Between Direct Grilling and Indirect Grilling?

Direct grilling involves placing food directly over an intense heat source with the lid closed. It works best with foods that grill in 30 minutes or less, including tender, thin, and small cuts of food. To cook evenly, turn food once halfway through grilling time.

Indirect grilling is usually done at lower temperatures with food positioned on the grill rack to the side of the heat source with the grill cover closed. This slower grilling method works like an oven and is used for foods that take longer to cook. The heat circulates, so turning food isn’t necessary.

How to Test Meat for Doneness

The doneness of your pork should be determined using an instant-read thermometer. Tent chops with foil and let them stand at room temperature for 3 minutes before cutting and serving them. The temperature will continue to rise during the time it stands.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups baby arugula or watercress

  • 1 Fuji apple, cored, quartered, and thinly sliced

  • 1 cup thinly sliced celery (2 stalks)

  • ½ cup thinly sliced radishes

  • ½ cup pecan pieces, toasted*

  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (1 ounce)

  • Kosher salt or salt

  • Ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard

  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or salad dressing

  • 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons snipped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 4 bone-in pork loin chops, about 1-inch thick

Directions

  1. For salad, in a large bowl toss together arugula, apple, celery, radishes, and pecans; cover and chill.

    Test Kitchen Tip: To toast nuts, preheat oven to 350°F. Spread nuts in a shallow baking pan. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until light brown, watching carefully and shaking once or twice.

  2. For dressing, in a small bowl whisk together vinegar, oil, honey, and blue cheese. Season with salt and pepper; cover and chill.

  3. In a small bowl whisk together Dijon-style mustard, whole-grain mustard, mayonnaise, brown sugar, thyme, and the 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.

  4. For a charcoal or gas grill, place chops on the rack of a covered grill directly over medium heat. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes or until 145°F, turning once halfway through grilling.

  5. Transfer chops to a plate and let stand for 5 minutes. Spoon mustard mixture over chops.

  6. Toss salad with dressing; serve with chops.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

542 Calories
38g Fat
17g Carbs
33g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 542
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 38g 49%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 105mg 35%
Sodium 627mg 27%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Total Sugars 13g
Protein 33g
Vitamin C 7.7mg 39%
Calcium 131.3mg 10%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 773mg 16%
Folate, total 32.3mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.9mcg
Vitamin B-6 1.1mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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