Southwestern Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with Plum Jalapeno Salsa

Southwestern Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with Plum Jalapeno Salsa is a delicious, summery dinner for two, perfect for a date night or a weeknight dinner. For another easy pork chop recipe, try my Asian Pork Chops!

Hey, all!  I’m sharing something very special for an easy date night dinner for two that is super easy to pull together!  I’ve also got some great summer entertaining tips!

Summer entertaining tips:

• • Create a defined outdoor “dining room” with the outdoor furniture you already have or borrow a few pieces from inside your home.

• • Borrow from your yard and garden to create an unfussy centerpiece such as floating a large flower or even several in a glass bowl.

• • Use flameless battery-powered candles on your table so you don’t have to worry about them being knocked over or the wind blowing them out.

• • Repurpose white Christmas lights by hanging them around your party area to set a festive mood.

• • Keep dinnerware casual.  Use pretty disposables, melamine or even mismatched pieces from second-hand stores.

• • Use a decorative tub or trough filled with plenty of ice to keep drinks cool.

• • Keep the food seasonal and casual.  Serve lots of salads, vegetables and fruit.

• • Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

• • Be aware of cross-contamination when grilling meats.  Always use a clean platter for the finished product.

• • Set plenty of citronella candles around the party area to keep bugs away.

How to make Southwestern Spiced Grilled Pork Chops with Plum Jalapeno Salsa:

• • Start with two thick bone-in pork rib chops.

• • Combine all the spices in a small bowl then transfer to a jar and keep airtight.  The rub recipe makes plenty so you can use it all summer long!

• • Generously season the pork chops with the spice rub.  Then grill.

• • While the pork chops are grilling, prepare this fresh, spicy plum and jalapeno salsa.

• • Combine all the salsa ingredients in a bowl then serve with the chops.

What could be easier?

Serve with some simply grilled vegetables on the side and you’ve got a wonderful, casual summertime dinner for two!

More pork recipes you’ll love:

• • Cajun-Smothered Pork Medallions

• • Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon – Mustard Sauce

• • Spicy Tahini Pork Medallions with Harissa Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

• • Sicilian Stuffed Pork Chops with White Wine and Caper Sauce

• • Cuban-Style Mojo Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Black Beans

• • Slow Cooker Honey Ham with Pineapple Salsa