Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Parmesan Salad
Thereโs nothing quite like the smoky, juicy perfection ofย grilled pork chops, especially when paired with the sweet-tart crispness…
This post may contain affiliate links.
Thereโs nothing quite like the smoky, juicy perfection ofย grilled pork chops, especially when paired with the sweet-tart crispness of apples and the rich, savory notes of Parmesan. Thisย Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Parmesan Saladย recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Itโs easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your family and guests.
Why You’ll Love It
Before we dive into the details, hereโs why thisย Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Parmesan Saladย recipe is a winner:
- Juicy & Flavorfulย โ Brining the pork chops ensures they stay tender and moist, while the apple-Parmesan topping adds a burst of flavor.
- Quick & Easyย โ With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Any Occasionย โ Fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a family dinner.
- Balanced Flavorsย โ The sweetness of apples, the saltiness of Parmesan, and the smokiness from the grill create a mouthwatering combination.
- Versatileย โ Serve it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create an unforgettable dish. Hereโs what youโll need:
- 6 bone-in pork chopsย (about 1-inch thick) – Bone-in chops stay juicier on the grill.
- Fresh herbs – fresh Italian parsley, sage, and rosemary
- Garlic – 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- Olive Oil – to make an herb garlic baste as well as for dressing the salad
- Lemons – fresh lemons for the pork chops and salad
- Baby Spring Mix – or other microgreen salad mix
- Red Delicious Apples – or your favorite apple
- Parmesan Cheese – to add extra tart and creamy flavor to the salad
- Balsamic Vinegar – to add a touch of acid to the salad mix
Tips and Tricks for the Best Grilled Pork Chops
Want to take your grilled pork chops to the next level? Try these expert tips:
๐ฅย Use a Meat Thermometerย – The key to juicy pork is not overcooking it. Remove chops from the grill atย 145ยฐFย for perfect doneness.
๐ย Choose the Right Applesย – Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the richness of the pork, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp add a natural sweetness.
๐งย Donโt Skip the Brineย – Brining keeps the pork chops moist and enhances flavor. If short on time, a quickย 30-minute brineย still helps.
๐งย Freshly Grated Parmesanย – Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents, so shaving or grating your own ensures better melting and flavor.
๐ฟย Fresh Herbs Make a Differenceย – Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
More Recipes We Love
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa
Brown Butter Cake with Goat Cheese Cream
FAQs
Yes! Boneless pork chops work, but they cook faster so monitor the grilling time to prevent drying out.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Absolutely! Bake at 400ยบF for 12-15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes for a crispy crust.
– Garlic Mashed Potatoes
– Roasted Broccoli
– Pea Salad with Goat Cheese
Yes! Try pecorino romano or asiago for a different twist.
Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Parmesan Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops, bone in
- 2 sprigs fresh Italian parsley, leaves chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh sage, leaves chopped
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 lemons, halved, divided
- 4 cups spring mix lettuces
- 2 Red Delicious apples, cored and sliced thin
- ยฝ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Heat the barbecue or a grill pan over medium high heat. Lay the chops out on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped herbs, garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix well and divide among the 6 chops on both sides. Squeeze 4 of the lemons halves over the chops and add to the grill. Place the lemons cut side down on the grill and using tongs, squeeze some of the juice over the chops while grilling. Grill pork chops to your preferred doneness.
- Meanwhile add the microgreens, apple and Parmesan to a large bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 2 lemon halves, olive oil and balsamic to your tastes and season with salt and pepper. Once chops are done, plate and top with some of the salad and serve.
Save this Recipe!
Easily save this recipe to your own recipe collection box. Come back to it anytime you want!
Recipe Nutrition
* Nutritional information is not guaranteed to be accurate.
Final Thoughts
Thisย Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Parmesan Saladย recipe is a delicious way to elevate your grilling game. The combination of smoky pork, sweet apples, and savory Parmesan creates a dish thatโs both comforting and sophisticated.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Bookmark it, share it, and enjoy the compliments!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments belowโweโd love to hear how it turned out for you!
Happy grilling! ๐๐ฅ
Recipe By:
Co-Founder at Spiceology | More About Heather…
Heather is a recipe developer and content creator living in Vancouver, Washington. She started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006, almost 20 years ago, as a way to share recipes with friends and family. Heather is also the co-founder of Spiceology , a unique spice company, which she started in 2013. She shares family friendly recipes for easy everyday meals with a gourmet twist.