Citrus Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Published by:
Liz Marino
| 06/10/2019 | Last Updated: 12/05/2025

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Citrus Grilled Pork Tenderloin is a delicious dinner that is SO easy to make. Healthy, paleo and perfect for meal prepping!

Grilled pork tenderloin on a wooden cutting board


 

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If you haven’t tried grilling pork tenderloin.. you’re missing out. It is so easy to do, and makes the pork extra juicy/delicious!

Now add in a zippy citrus marinade, and you’re making it THAT much better.

I love pork tenderloin pretty much cooked any way (like hello, this Healthy Pulled Pork, Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin Dinner are pretty on repeat in our house). 

It’s a delicious, lean protein that’s relatively quick and simple to make. Pair it with some veggies, and the best potatoes ever – and you’ve got the perfect dinner!

Citrus grilled pork tenderloin on a white plate with vegetables + potatoes all around it.

If you’re looking for other grilling recipes – check out these Healthy Grilling Recipes!

Now let’s talk about grilling pork tenderloin. It’s really not that difficult to do, and you’ll only need a few things to make it!

Ingredients for grilled pork tenderloin:

To make this grilled pork tenderloin you’ll need:

  • orange, lemon + lime juice/zest
  • salt, pepper
  • olive oil
  • honey
  • pork tenderloin
ingredients for citrus grilled pork tenderloin laid out on a grey background

You’ll also of course need a grill.. and you guys know we love our Traeger! You can find substitutions for all of these ingredients below in the green shaded substitutions box.

We love this instant-read thermometer for checking the internal temperature to make sure your meat is cooked thoroughly!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Marinade

Marinating the pork is probably the most important part. This helps lock ALL the best flavors! I used a lot of bright citrus for bold flavor in this recipe, but you can use any marinade you’d like!

Some other marinades that will work great on grilled pork tenderloin are:

a white bowl filled with citrus fruits.

How to grill pork tenderloin:

Here’s how to make grilled pork tenderloin.

  1. Mix the marinade together
  2. Let the pork tenderloin marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Heat your grill to 400 degrees. Place the pork on the grill and let it cook for 15 minutes. Flip it + cook for an additional 15 minutes. Your grill may cook a little quicker than ours – just watch the pork/the internal temp!
a step by step tutorial on how to grill pork tenderloin

Make sure to check the internal temperature. The pork should be at 145. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it!

a close up of Citrus Grilled Pork Tenderloin on the grill

20-30 minutes on the grill and you’ve got a delicious meal that everyone will love!

Important: Make sure you DON’T overcook the pork by keeping a close eye on the internal temp.. (grab a meat thermometer for less than $13). If you overcook the pork it will definitely get tough and will not be nearly as delicious!

Substitutions for this pork tenderloin recipe:

Meat: This marinade would work on pork chops, chicken breasts or chicken thighs. We also love Spicy Honey Citrus Chicken.

Citrus: It’s best to use fresh citrus (lemon, lime, orange) juice and zest. If you don’t have all 3 use more or less of one type of citrus!

Whole30: To make whole30, omit the honey.

Honey: You can substitute maple syrup with honey.

Olive Oil: You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil.

Marinades: You can sub any marinade on this pork tenderloin and it will be delicious! The honey poppyseed dressing from these Pineapple Chicken Skewers would also be delicious.

Herbs/Spices: Feel free to add fresh basil or parsley to this recipe. You can also try adding some garlic or onion powder for added flavor.

grilled pork tenderloin on a plate with potatoes and veggies

What to serve this grilled pork tenderloin with:

This pork goes well with pretty much everything, but here are some of our favorites for serving it.

How to Store Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Storing: This will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container

Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing grilled pork tenderloin. I don’t think it will defrost/reheat well.

Reheating: You can reheat this recipe in the microwave, toaster oven, oven or on the stove.

Why do you have to let pork rest?

Letting pork rest allows the meat to stay nice and juicy. When you slice meat immediately after pulling it off the grill (or out of the oven) it will lose it’s juice and inherently lose some of it’s flavor.

5-10 minutes is enough time for most pork tenderloins to rest. Allowing it to rest ensures that the flavors stay locked inside.

Grilled pork tenderloin on a wooden cutting board

Citrus Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Recipe by: Liz Marino
5 from 2 votes
Citrus Grilled Pork Tenderloin is a delicious dinner that is SO easy to make. Healthy, paleo and perfect for meal prepping!
Prep Time : 5 minutes
Cook Time : 30 minutes
Total Time : 55 minutes
Serves : 4 people
(hover over # to adjust)

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb pork tenderloin
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade.
  2. Place pork in marinade and allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes (overnight is best!)
  3. When ready to cook, heat grill to 400 degrees.
  4. Place pork on the grill. Cook for 15 minutes, flip + cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Before pulling pork off the grill, check internal temperature – it should be at 145.
  5. Remove pork from grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Slice pork + serve with your favorite veggies!

Notes

Substitutions for this recipe:
  • Whole30 – To make whole30, omit the honey
  • Marinades – You can sub any marinade on this pork tenderloin and it will be delicious!
  • Herbs/Spices – Feel free to add fresh basil or parsley to this recipe. You can also  try adding some garlic or onion powder for added flavor.
 

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6oz pork | Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 381mg | Potassium: 764mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 27.2mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1.7mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Share it! Make sure to tag @thecleaneatingcouple or use #thecleaneatingcouple!
5 from 2 votes

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8 Comments

  1. Hi I’m looking to make this but I noticed that the orange juice is listed twice on the ingredients.. just checking to see if that was s mistake ??

    1. The Clean Eating Couple says:

      Hi! Thanks for pointing that out – it was a typo. I just fixed it! Thanks!

  2. 5 stars
    My husband and I made this as part of a dinner and both loved it. We followed the instructions exactly and are glad we made sure to check the internal temps of each loin because one was smaller and was done faster. But each tasted perfect and was nice and tender!

    1. The Clean Eating Couple says:

      Yay!! This makes me so happy to hear! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

  3. 5 stars
    Love this marinade. Used it on chicken the other day and it came out juicy and delicious! Definitely will be making again!

    1. The Clean Eating Couple says:

      This makes me so happy to hear, Maddie! I need to try it on chicken!

  4. Karen Knollenberg says:

    So excited to try this pork recipe and the other marinades!

    1. The Clean Eating Couple says:

      Thanks, Karen! It’s so easy to make – you’ll love it!