If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh flavors, crunchy textures, and a delightful balance of smoky and tangy notes, this Grilled Pork Salad with Cucumber Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, charred pork with crisp cucumbers and vibrant herbs, every bite feels like a celebration of summer on your plate. It’s a perfect harmony of juicy meat and refreshing veggies, dressed in a zesty, slightly sweet dressing that pulls everything together effortlessly. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a colorful dinner, this salad makes the perfect centerpiece that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round white bowl in the center filled with several slices of grilled meat, cooked with a pink middle and dark char marks on the edges. Around the bowl are six small white bowls, each holding different ingredients: one with light brown crushed peanuts, one with dark green chopped herbs, one with thin slices of purple onion, one with fresh green leafy herbs, one with a golden liquid sauce, and one with dark red chili flakes. Below the bowls are two lime wedges resting on a white marbled surface. The whole setup is bright and clean, arranged neatly for preparing a fresh dish, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in building the salad’s harmonious flavor and texture. You’ll find that every component, from the pork to the cucumber, brings something unique and necessary to the table.

Pork shoulder or tenderloin: Choose a cut that’s tender and flavorful to ensure juicy grilled pieces.
Cucumbers: Use firm, crisp cucumbers to add cool crunchiness that complements the smoky pork.
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil): These add a vibrant aroma and fresh green notes that brighten the dish.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for just the right sharpness and a pop of color.
Chili (fresh or flakes): Brings a gentle heat that livens up the flavor profile.
Garlic: Adds a subtle pungency that deepens the overall taste without overpowering.
Fish sauce or soy sauce: Essential for a salty, umami kick in the dressing.
Lime juice: The bright acidity that balances richness with zing.
Sugar (palm or brown sugar): Just a touch to round out flavors and enhance the dressing’s complexity.
Vegetable oil or sesame oil: For grilling the pork and adding a hint of nutty flavor.
Optional peanuts or cashews: Adds crunchy texture contrast and a nutty finish.

How to Make Grilled Pork Salad with Cucumber Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Pork

Begin by slicing your pork into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for quick, even grilling. Whisk together garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and a splash of oil to create a marinade that infuses the pork with a bright, savory-sweet flavor. Let the pork soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial for tender, flavorful meat bursting with depth.

Step 2: Grill the Pork

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and cook the pork pieces until they develop gorgeous grill marks and a smoky aroma, turning them to cook evenly on all sides. This quick sear locks in the juices, giving the pork a smoky char that contrasts beautifully with the fresh salad ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

While the pork is grilling, chop the cucumbers into thin half-moons or matchsticks to maximize their crunch. Toss in thin slices of red onion and a generous handful of chopped fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil. These elements are what make this Grilled Pork Salad with Cucumber Recipe so incredibly refreshing and vibrant.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, chopped chili, and a touch of garlic. This dressing is the soul of the salad—balanced with acidity, sweetness, saltiness, and heat to bring all the ingredients alive in your mouth.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Place the grilled pork on top of the salad base, then drizzle the dressing evenly over everything. Gently toss to combine, allowing all the flavors to mingle and the dressing to coat every piece of pork and vegetable. This step brings your Grilled Pork Salad with Cucumber Recipe to its full, flavorful glory.

How to Serve Grilled Pork Salad with Cucumber Recipe

Grilled Pork Salad with Cucumber Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For that extra layer of texture and visual appeal, sprinkle some roughly chopped roasted peanuts or cashews on top. A few whole fresh herb leaves scattered across the salad add a burst of color and an aromatic finish that makes the dish irresistible.

Side Dishes

This salad stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with sticky jasmine rice or a side of light coconut rice to soak up every bit of the dressing. You could also serve it next to grilled vegetables or a simple spring roll for a complete, well-rounded meal that feels light and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual bowls for an elegant touch or mound it on a large, rustic platter to share with friends and family. For a party twist, consider spooning the salad into crisp lettuce leaves for refreshing, handheld bites that are perfect for mingling guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the grilled pork and salad separately to keep the cucumbers crisp and the pork tender. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy the refreshing flavors even after a busy day.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, you can freeze the grilled pork alone for up to one month. Freeze in a sealed container or vacuum bag. Avoid freezing the salad ingredients, as cucumbers and fresh herbs will lose their texture and brightness once thawed.

Reheating

Reheat the pork gently in a pan over low heat to prevent it from drying out. Once warmed, toss it with fresh salad ingredients and dressing prepared fresh to revive the bright, vibrant taste that makes this Grilled Pork Salad with Cucumber Recipe such a joy to eat.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for this salad?

Absolutely! While pork shoulder or tenderloin works best due to their tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with pork loin or even thinly sliced pork chops. Just adjust grilling time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

If you prefer to avoid fish sauce, soy sauce or tamari makes an excellent alternative that still delivers umami flavor. You might want to add a pinch of seaweed flakes for an added depth if you go this route.

How spicy is the salad?

The salad has a gentle heat level that can be easily adjusted. Use more chili for a kick, or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor. Fresh chilies provide a fresher heat, while chili flakes give a smokier note.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes! Replace the pork with grilled tofu or tempeh, and swap fish sauce for a mix of soy sauce and lime juice for the dressing. This keeps the dish’s fresh, tangy spirit alive while making it vegan-friendly.

How long does the marinade take to work?

For best results, marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, a few hours will deepen the flavors, but don’t exceed overnight as the acidity in the marinade can start to “cook” the meat.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Grilled Pork Salad with Cucumber Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels both light and indulgent at the same time. It’s full of textures and flavors that make your taste buds sit up and take notice. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a healthy, satisfying meal any day of the week.