A light and healthy winter meal that is perfect for busy weeknights! Grilled pork chops with kale apple salad are full of fresh flavor and super easy to put together.
Can you believe it’s Thursday already? The first week of the new year is flying by! Do you make resolutions for the new year? I really don’t, but I do like to set a few goals for myself to keep me on track throughout the year. For me, this is much more realistic and easy to follow if I set a few goals for things I want to accomplish.
Anyway, if you made a resolution to eat healthier, today’s recipe is totally for you! I debated on if I should share it or not because I hate the photos.
It’s such an easy, healthy, and tasty meal, though. So, I felt like I should share it even if I’m not happy with how the photos came out. Plus, it’s Whole30 compliant, so if you are in the midst of one, you’ll love this!
And, if you aren’t doing Whole30, you’ll still love this recipe!
This was a meal that Kyle was not excited about. At all. He doesn’t love pork chops and he also doesn’t love kale. However, he ended super shocked at how much he enjoyed this meal. The pork chops are so simple, but full of flavor. I think the trick to great pork chops is using thin cut – at least that’s what we prefer. They cook up so quick and come out tender and juicy!
The kale apple salad is also really simple. Massage your kale, toss it with the apples, add in some orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. BAM.
If you’re wondering what the heck I mean by “massaging” your kale, that’s a step I never skip when I have a kale salad. It makes the leaves so tender and it’s really easy to do. Once you remove the leaves from the stems, chop them up and then squeeze small handfuls between your hands a few times. It sounds weird, but it works! You’ll see the kale will shrink down and take on more of a cooked appearance.
If you’re in need of healthy meals for busy weeknights, this recipe is definitely for you! I know it can be so hard to follow a healthy eating plan because there is usually more prep involved, but this one comes together super fast! Plus, it’s tasty and satisfying. Can’t beat that, right?
- 2 Bone-In Pork Chops, I prefer thin-cut
- 1 Tablespoon Extra-Light Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
- Salt & Pepper
- 1 Bunch Fresh Kale, stemmed and chopped
- 1 Apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- ½ Large Orange, juiced
- 1-2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and cover them with the olive oil, lemon, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the pork chops marinate while you prepare the salad.
- Take the chopped kale and “massage” it by squeezing small handfuls in your hand a few times. Toss in the apple and then add in the lemon and orange juice. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and toss well. If it seems a little dry, add in the other tablespoon of olive oil. Season the salad liberally with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat a grill pan (or outdoor grill or broiler) over high heat. Grill the pork chops for 2-3 minute per side or until cooked to your liking.
Sounds YUMMY. I will be making this this weekend. Thank you!
Thank you Sharon! Enjoy 🙂
This week is flying by, and if it’s a prediction of this year, 2016 will fly by, too! These pork chops look perfect, Keri! You can never go wrong with a grilled version, and I’m loving the kale salad, too! Pinned!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…30 Minute Thursday: BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Thanks Gayle!
Yay to no resolution twinning! 😉 I can’t believe your man doesn’t like pork chops!! The kale doesn’t surprise me, but pork chops? Realllly? Glad to hear he liked these or I’d be forced to think there was something seriously wrong with him! 😉 these look fabulous and that kale- apple salad sounds just perfect with it! I have NO clue what you are talking about with these photos, Keri! They are drool-i-cious! But I feel you, I’ve been holding on to some recipes because I hate the photos and I’m about to say screw it and post em. Anyways, luv you and love these chops! Pinned! Xo
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad {with Pears & Maple-Cashew Dressing}
Yeah he’s totally weird. Although, I just made pork chops again and he loved them. So, I think he does like pork chops he just thought he didn’t? Ha! And, thanks for the kind words on the photos – we are our own worst critics I suppose! Thank you Cheyanne!
I’ve been into pork chops lately, but I’m never quite sure what I should be doing with them. I love pairing them with this fresh kale salad! Looks so yummy! My biggest challenge is trying not to overcook the pork chops, but maybe buying the thin cut chops will help with that!
Ali recently posted…Power Pieces: Going Casual
Thanks Ali! I’ve always had the same issue with pork chops until I tried the thin-cut – now they cook super quick and come out tender and juicy every time. Definitely give them a try!
Looks great – I love pork chops! I’m the same way… don’t really do NY resolutions, but set goals throughout the year.
Thanks Natasha! Goals are much easier to keep up with!
I always massage kale for salads too! It makes a huge difference. I’m loving your apple in this salad. It’s such a perfect companion to those grilled pork chops!
It really does make all the difference! Thanks Rachelle!
Is there a nutrition breakout somewhere for each recipe? thanks.
mb