Monday, February 2, 2015 · 274 Comments

Pork Crunch Salad with Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing

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I think I’ve constructed a million salads in my lifetime. I feel like I’ve made every version possible, until I come up with a new one. This is especially true when the new one is over-the-top incredible!

In my household, if I want to serve salad as a meal, it must include meat. Both my husband and sons feel it’s not dinner unless meat is involved. I’m sure many of you can relate. My whole family does love a good steak salad smothered in blue cheese dressing. However, that can be a little high in calories so I tend to lighten things up a bit.

Life has to be about balance, not only when it comes to work, family, and friends, but also when it comes to eating. Moderation and flavor are key. If I withhold goodies too often, binge-eating will likely occur. However, by indulging every so often, I don’t feel the need to eat mindlessly.

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Pork Crunch Salad with Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing 3
In order to keep it all in check, I have found that the best protein to incorporate into my salads is pork tenderloin. It’s lean, juicy and tastes great at room temperature. It’s also the perfect pairing with this Strawberry Poppyseed dressing by Marzetti® Simply Dressed® refrigerated salad dressings!

When Marzetti asked me to create a recipe with one of their salad dressings, I jumped at the chance. I have always had this thing for new salad dressings and I love tasting them all. And while I often make homemade versions, I always have my favorite prepared dressings in the fridge. A good prepared salad dressing is an absolute must in my kitchen and is the greatest time saver.

The fruity flavor of this Marzetti Simply Dressed Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing is nicely balanced with the salty blue cheese and the lightly flavored pork. It’s perfect with the almonds and chewy cherries. I just can’t describe how amazing it all tastes together.

These refrigerated salad dressings are made with a minimal number of simple ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil, canola oil (contains Omega-3 ALA) and sea salt. They complement any salad or meal with no preservatives, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, added MSG, artificial flavors or colors. This product was also honored as one of the Progressive Grocer’s 2013 Editors’ Picks for innovation, taste and value.

Pork Crunch Salad with Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing 2
Lucky me, I was able to taste all the Simply Dressed flavors. There wasn’t one I didn’t feel enamored with. The color of the Marzetti Simply Dressed Strawberry Poppyseed is also very appetizing. Isn’t it pretty?

Pork Crunch Salad with Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing 1
This really is a nice salad to help spruce up wintertime. It’s bright, crunchy and full of good food.

Pork Crunch Salad with Marzetti® Simply Dressed® Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing
Serves 2-3 as a meal

1 lb pork tenderloin
salt and pepper
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 small head of romaine lettuce
2 cups 50/50 Spring/Spinach Salad Mix
4 oz blue cheese crumbles
4 radishes, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup Marzetti® Simply Dressed® Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Prepare pork tenderloin by removing any fat and “silver skin” (white, opaque connective tissue) on the loin itself. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meat on all sides in olive oil; about 5-8 minutes. Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of the tenderloin. Leave in pan and roast until 145 degrees F is reached. When done, remove tenderloin from heated pan and let cool, about 30 minutes. Slice tenderloin into 1″ pieces.

Toss together all salad ingredients, including the tenderloin and salad dressing, serve immediately and enjoy the crunch.

Pork Crunch Salad with Strawberry Poppyseed Dressing 4
This truly is heaven on a plate, elevated by one of my newest, favorite salad dressings. I hope you can try it soon.