Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin: A Simple, Flavor-Packed Grilling Recipe

When it comes to outdoor cooking, few dishes blend rustic flavor and Italian charm like Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin. This recipe keeps things simple while delivering bold, crowd-pleasing flavor. It’s perfect for backyard grilling nights, family dinners, or when you’re craving something hearty without turning on the oven.

What Is Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin?

This dish features two juicy pork tenderloins, grilled to perfection with nothing more than a touch of salt. But the magic happens after the grill. The tenderloins are plated over a rich, warm red sauce, then topped with a generous layer of shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Fresh basil finishes it off, adding a bright herbal punch to contrast the savory richness.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a weeknight warrior, this Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin recipe is a must-try for your grilling lineup.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Sliced with fresh basil and red sauce

Why You’ll Love This Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Simple Ingredients: No complicated marinades or prep—just salt, sauce, cheese, and basil.
Bold Italian Flavors: The combination of grilled meat, tangy red sauce, and melted cheese hits every note of a classic Italian meal.
Grill-Friendly: Pork tenderloin grills quickly and evenly, making it ideal for summer dinners or weekend cookouts.
Visually Stunning: With its vibrant red sauce and fresh green basil, this dish looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients

• 2 pork tenderloins

• Kosher salt

• 2 cups red sauce (store-bought marinara or homemade)

• 2 Cups Queso Fresco (similar taste to fresh mozzarella but does not melt)

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• Handful of fresh basil leaves

How to Make Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin

1. Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Clean and oil the grates for best results.
2. Season the Pork
Pat the tenderloins dry and season generously with kosher salt on all sides. No need for pepper or additional seasoning—keep it clean so the Italian toppings shine.
3. Grill the Pork Tenderloins
Place the tenderloins directly over the heat and grill for 12–15 minutes, turning every few minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Rest the meat for 5 minutes after grilling to retain its juices.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin lying on grill grates

4. Prepare the Sauce Base
While the pork rests, warm the red sauce in a saucepan or microwave. Spoon it generously onto a large serving platter.
5. Assemble the Dish
Lay the grilled pork tenderloins on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan first, then top with queso fresco. 
6. Garnish and Serve
Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top. Slice the pork and serve immediately. Drizzle Olive Oil over the top of the tenderloin.

Tips for Grilling Pork Tenderloin

Don’t Overcook: Pork tenderloin is lean and cooks fast. Use a thermometer to avoid drying it out.
Let It Rest: Always give the meat 5–10 minutes to rest after grilling. This helps it stay juicy when sliced.
Use High-Quality Sauce: Since the sauce plays a major role in flavor, choose a marinara with bold tomato flavor and herbs, or make your own for an extra touch.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Italiano

What to Serve with Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin

• Grilled Zucchini or Asparagus

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Italian Rolls

• Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

• Grilled Polenta or Creamy Parmesan Risotto

Final Thoughts

Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin is more than just a grilled meat recipe—it’s a fusion of simplicity and comfort, bringing Italian flavors straight to your backyard. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that fits both casual cookouts and dinner with guests.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for the first time this season or looking for a new twist on pork, this recipe delivers big. Try it once, and it just might become a go-to in your grilling rotation.

Print Recipe

Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin

By Drew – Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes – Cooking Time: 15 minutes

When it comes to outdoor cooking, few dishes blend rustic flavor and Italian charm like Italian Grilled Pork Tenderloin. This recipe keeps things simple while delivering bold, crowd-pleasing flavor. It’s perfect for backyard grilling nights, family dinners, or when you're craving something hearty without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 pork tenderloins
• Kosher salt
• 2 cups red sauce (store-bought marinara or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Olive Oil

Instructions

1

1. Preheat the Grill

2

Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Clean and oil the grates for best results.

3

2. Season the Pork

4

Pat the tenderloins dry and season generously with kosher salt on all sides. No need for pepper or additional seasoning—keep it clean so the Italian toppings shine.

5

3. Grill the Pork Tenderloins

6

Place the tenderloins directly over the heat and grill for 12–15 minutes, turning every few minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Rest the meat for 5 minutes after grilling to retain its juices.

7

4. Prepare the Sauce Base

8

While the pork rests, warm the red sauce in a saucepan or microwave. Spoon it generously onto a large serving platter.

9

5. Assemble the Dish

10

Lay the grilled pork tenderloins on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan first, then top with mozzarella.

11

6. Garnish and Serve

12

Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top. Slice the pork and serve immediately. Drizzle Olive Oil over the top of the tenderloin.

Notes

Queso Fresco is a mexican cheese that tastes similar to mozzarella but crumbles and does not melt.