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Home - Recipes - Side Dishes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

What to Serve with Roast Pork Loin? 10 BEST Side Dishes

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Roast Pork Loin pairs well with Butternut Squash Gratin, Cherry Chipotle Salad, Oven-Roasted Plums, Arugula and Fig Salad, and Cheesy Grits Casserole.

Butternut Squash Gratin -

If you like potato au gratin and want to try a new twist, butternut squash gratin won't disappoint.

For a lighter option, try Cheesy Grits Casserole. Cheesy Grits Casserole -

Who said you could serve grits only for breakfast?

You don't have to look any further to assemble side dishes for a fantastic meal.

There are several tempting recipes that pair like a match made in heaven with roast pork loin.

Pork loin is one of the best cuts of a pig you can cook to serve a memorable meal.

You can cut it into steaks or chops and grill, fry, bake, or roast them.

We've listed the ten best side dishes to stop you from wondering what to serve with roast pork loin.

Give them a look to find inspiration for your next dinner, whether you're having a family dinner or inviting guests over.

Table of Contents

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  • 10 Side Dishes to Serve with Roast Pork Loin
    • 1 - Butternut Squash Gratin
    • 2 - Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries and Hazelnuts
    • 3 - Cherry Chipotle Salad
    • 4 - Oven-Roasted Plums
    • 5 - Arugula and Fig Salad
    • 6 - Cheesy Grits Casserole
    • 7 - Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Mushroom
    • 8 - Carrot, Red Lentil, Apple, and Sweet Potato Soup
    • 9 - Kale and Fig Salad
    • 10 - Baked Polenta with Parmesan and Tomatoes
  • 10 Sides That Pair Well with Roast Pork Loin
  • Frequently Asked Questions

10 Side Dishes to Serve with Roast Pork Loin

1 - Butternut Squash Gratin

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If you like potato au gratin and want to try a new twist, butternut squash gratin won't disappoint.

It features the same delicious cheesy sauce slathered over tender butternut squash - pair it with butternut squash soup side ideas for fall for a cozy menu.

This vegetable is perfect for the fall, consisting of a melon-like middle that gives wonderful flavors to the classic gratin recipe.

Butternut squash gratin is a healthier alternative to your traditional gratin and is the perfect side dish for roast pork loin.

Surprise your guests with this decadent side dish and experience the deliciousness of the squash combined with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese.

2 - Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries and Hazelnuts

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Looking for a wintery side dish? Even the pickiest eaters will love this salad.

Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and hazelnuts combine to form a crunchy, sweet, and healthy salad that even kids munch down - also see Brussels sprouts side ideas for holidays to pair more sides with this veg.

It is a bright side dish that brings variety to the meal and makes a great holiday side.

You'll want to use maple syrup, olive oil, black pepper, and rosemary for the seasoning.

Add bacon strips and Pecorino-Romano cheese to make it even more delicious.

3 - Cherry Chipotle Salad

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A crispy salad on the side is hard to beat when you're serving meat.

If you want to brighten up your meal and add fresh flavors, cherry chipotle salad is a great option.

It is important for salads to burst with flavors, as no one enjoys bland salads.

Fortunately, this side dish packs a punch of flavors that bring any meal to life.

To make the best cherry chipotle salad, use ingredients like bulgur wheat, fresh cilantro, celery, lime juice, corn, black beans, and whole dried cherries - and consider cherry salsa side pairings for bright complements to match the fruit-forward flavors.

You can use your favorite seasonings for the chipotle paste, but don't miss out on the honey for that extra sweetness.

4 - Oven-Roasted Plums

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Oven-roasted plums add elegance to the meal when you're serving roast pork loin.

It is the perfect side dish if you want to make your table look striking and rich.

Impress your folks by serving juicy roasted plums alongside roast pork loin.

It takes only a few basic ingredients like pitted prune plums, orange or lemon slices, white wine, and vanilla bean/paste.

Mix all ingredients together and bake the plums for half an hour or 45 minutes (occasionally stirring them) to get a side dish everybody loves.

Ensure to check the dish to prevent overcooking, as mushy plums won't look as elegant.

5 - Arugula and Fig Salad

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Whether you plan to serve it as a side dish or a starter, an arugula and fig salad tastes great with roast pork loin - pair with arugula pesto side pairings for herb-forward plates to echo the peppery greens.

The sweet fig and butter arugula pair to create a decadent flavor combo that makes you want to serve for special occasions.

It takes your salad game to the next level.

Both does this side dish look beautiful, but it also tastes amazing with roast pork loin and makes the meal healthier.

Add toasted pecans, goat cheese, and a balsamic vanilla vinaigrette for the dressing.

You can switch the cheese for your favorite type if you don't like goat cheese.

6 - Cheesy Grits Casserole

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Who said you could serve grits only for breakfast? It makes the perfect side dish for a tasty meal with roast pork loin.

If you want something that will give you and your guests a filling meal, this creamy and decadent side dish will do the job.

The best part is that you can make it in advance to have more time to entertain your friends.

For this side dish, you'll need regular or quick-cooking grits, unsalted butter, pepper, salt, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and eggs - plus check cheese grits side options for cheesy accompaniments if serving a Southern-style spread.

Since it is pantry-friendly and quick to make, cheesy grits casserole makes a great side dish for meat-based main courses like roast pork loin.

7 - Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Mushroom

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Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for pork dishes - or try mashed cauliflower as a lighter swap when a low-carb option is preferred.

But you don't have to serve the same old recipe every time.

Give your traditional mashed potatoes a little twist by adding fried onions, mushrooms, and bacon.

Sure, they are unusual, but we bet you'll love them.

Within an hour, you'll have a filling and filling side dish that everybody will gobble down in minutes.

8 - Carrot, Red Lentil, Apple, and Sweet Potato Soup

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Sometimes all you need is a thick soup to accompany your main course and bring out its flavors.

In that case, a veggie soup containing carrot, red lentil, apple, and sweet potato is our choice in creating the most decadent, delicious side dish.

Carrot, red lentil, apple, and sweet potato soup is a winter soup that will keep you warm while still helping you watch your weight - pair with carrot salad side ideas for bright contrasts to continue the carrot theme.

All the ingredients in this soup accompany pork beautifully, so you don't need to worry about the flavors.

Top the soup with feta cheese or yogurt for the perfect finish.

9 - Kale and Fig Salad

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If you're running short on time and still wish to create a show-stopping salad, try kale and fig salad.

However, for making this side dish, it's best to use figs while they are in season (June to fall).

In 15 minutes, you can mix fig, kale, carrot, flaxseeds, and zucchini to create a salad with striking flavors and textures.

For the textures, we love blending lemon juice and ripe avocado.

TIP: Make sure to get fully ripened figs for this salad to bring the best taste.

However, you wouldn't want to buy them if they are too soft.

10 - Baked Polenta with Parmesan and Tomatoes

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Are tomatoes in season? Highlight the veggie by making baked polenta with parmesan and tomatoes to go with your roast pork loin.

Serving this dish allows you to bring something unique to the table without using sophisticated ingredients.

You'll need only 40 minutes and simple food items like polenta, butter, parmesan cheese, basil leaves, and black pepper.

Filled with decadent flavors, this side dish is great for any main course with meat.

It is low-fat and low-carb, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.

10 Sides That Pair Well with Roast Pork Loin

Since roast pork loin is versatile, you can serve it with various side dishes.

You'd save time and money by creating our suggested side dishes, so try them today.

However, the options do not end here.

Explore different recipes and ideas to create the most delicious side dishes.

We hope you've found inspiration from this post.

Go for an arugula and fig salad or a vegetable soup if you want to keep the meal light.

If you want something more substantial, the honey butter smashed potatoes will do the job.

Pot roast pairs well with many of the same comfort sides. pot roast side choices for hearty dinners lists compatible options. Roast goose calls for richer pairings; roast goose side suggestions for festive meals matches that profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best side dish for Roast Pork Loin?

It features the same delicious cheesy sauce slathered over tender butternut squash. Cherry Chipotle Salad A crispy salad on the side is hard to beat when you're serving meat.

Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.

What is the easiest side to pull together on a weeknight?

Steam or roast a vegetable while the main dish finishes. This side dish is the simplest option since it needs minimal prep.

Toss with olive oil and salt and it is ready in the same time the entrée takes to cook.

What texture should the side dish add?

Aim for a contrast - if the main dish is soft and saucy, a crispy or firm side adds welcome variety. If it is already textured, a smooth or creamy option rounds things out.

How far ahead can you prep the sides?

Most grain and roasted vegetable sides can be prepped a day ahead.

Store separately and reheat before serving.

Fresh salads and anything with a sauce are better made same-day.

Explore more: This post is part of our Side Dish Pairing Guide.
Andrew Gray

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