Sweet Pork Salad from Costa Vida features tender, marinated pork glazed with a hint of honey, tossed with fresh mixed greens, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips, all drizzled with a zesty citrus dressing for a vibrant and refreshing meal.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Chef knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner
- Tongs
- Baking dish or roasting pan
- Small saucepan
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Serving platter or salad bowls
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
When preparing the pork for the Sweet Pork Salad from Costa Vida, choose pork shoulder or pork butt for optimal tenderness and flavor during marination. The blend of honey, brown sugar, and citrus juices in the marinade provides a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that helps tenderize the meat while enhancing its taste. Fresh lime juice and orange juice in the dressing add vibrant citrus notes that complement the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes. Use tortilla strips just before serving to maintain their crunchiness and avoid sogginess. Your Sweet Pork Salad from Costa Vida copycat menu will shine with these fresh, balanced ingredients for a truly refreshing meal.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Trim and cut pork into large chunks.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Place pork in a baking dish or roasting pan; pour marinade over pork, turning to coat.
- Cover and bake for 2.5–3 hours or until pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove pork from oven; shred using two forks and mix with pan juices. Set aside.
- Rinse, spin-dry, and place salad greens into a large mixing bowl.
- Slice cucumbers and halve cherry tomatoes.
- Add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and tortilla strips to greens.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create dressing.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Top salad with warm sweet pork.
- Serve immediately on a platter or in individual salad bowls.
Substitution
Sweet Pork Salad from Costa Vida copycat menu showcases marinated pork shoulder glazed with honey, combined with fresh mixed greens, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips. When pork shoulder is not available, you can substitute with pork butt or even boneless pork loin for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time accordingly. If fresh citrus juices are not on hand, bottled orange and lime juice can be used, but fresh juice will provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor. To keep your salad crisp, use a salad spinner to dry greens thoroughly before tossing with dressing. Your final touch with tortilla strips adds essential crunch and texture, which can be swapped for toasted nuts or seeds if preferred.
Tips
Make sure to trim excess fat from the pork shoulder before marinating to avoid a greasy texture in your Sweet Pork Salad. Use low and slow cooking at 325degF (165degC) to ensure the pork becomes tender and shreds easily, allowing it to soak up the flavorful marinade. Rinse and spin-dry the salad greens thoroughly to prevent sogginess when tossed with the citrus dressing. When adding the warm pork to the salad, gently toss to combine so your fresh vegetables stay crisp while the flavors meld perfectly.
Nutritions
Sweet Pork Salad from Costa Vida offers a balanced combination of protein from tender pork shoulder, which is rich in essential amino acids and iron, supporting muscle health and oxygen transport in your body. The fresh mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provide dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants that promote immune function and skin health. The salad's dressing, made with olive oil and citrus juices, contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and a boost of vitamin C, enhancing nutrient absorption. You benefit from this salad's nutrient-dense ingredients that satisfy hunger while delivering vital micronutrients for overall well-being.
Storage
Store leftover Sweet Pork Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and crispness of the mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Keep the shredded sweet pork separate from the salad to prevent sogginess and reheat it gently before serving. Consume within 2-3 days to enjoy the best flavor and texture of your meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute pork shoulder with boneless chicken thighs for a leaner option while maintaining tenderness and flavor. For a smoky twist, try grilling the marinated pork instead of baking, which adds charred notes to the dish. If fresh tortilla strips are unavailable, crispy baked wonton strips offer a similar crunch and texture. Consider swapping honey for agave syrup in the marinade for a vegan-friendly sweetener alternative that retains the same glaze consistency.
Allergies
Your Sweet Pork Salad from Costa Vida contains soy sauce, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with soy allergies. The presence of honey could cause issues for those sensitive to bee products, and the fresh citrus juices might affect people with citrus allergies. Be cautious if you have allergies related to any of these ingredients to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Costa Vida's Sweet Pork Salad is beloved for its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, combining tender marinated pork with fresh, crisp greens and a tangy dressing that enhances every bite. The salad features high-quality ingredients like slow-cooked pork, vibrant vegetables, and a hint of pineapple or citrus, providing a refreshing yet satisfying meal option. You will appreciate how this dish offers a unique taste experience that is both hearty and light, making it ideal for health-conscious diners craving bold flavors. Trying to make the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this beloved combo at home, customizing ingredients to fit your preferences and dietary needs.