January 2, 2022

Whole30 Sweet Salsa Pork


This is a “copycat recipe” of a dish I love at one of my favorite fast-casual restaurants in Utah, and it was an instant hit with my large family … including the picky eaters who “don’t like” pork! I find that lots of Whole30 compatible protein recipes feature beef or chicken, so this pork dish is a nice change of pace for Day 20 when “Whole30 food boredom” may set in. It’s a great way to use a pork roast when I find a good price on one, as pork tends to be a more budget-friendly protein.

It is also good for a party or as a “baby meal” for new parents because in addition to being dairy-free and gluten-free (as all Whole30 recipes are), it’s also egg-free and nut-free, so it suits many different dietary concerns. And, it can be cooked in the crockpot, Instant Pot, or oven. It’s excellent in lettuce or jicama tacos, taco salad, or on a tostones slider, so everyone can fix their plate the way that suits their tastes. Plus, prep is easy and it freezes great!

Sweet PorK Salsa
Made By Whole30Made By Whole30

Whole30 Sweet Salsa Pork

Ingredients  

  • 20 large fresh dates ,pitted
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2-3 lbs boneless pork roast
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 tsp garlic salt or salt

Instructions

  • SOAK the pitted dates in the hot water. Set aside.
  • COMBINE the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the seasonings onto the pork roast.
  • BLEND the soaked dates and water in a food processor or blender until smooth, with no large chunks.
  • PLACE seasoned roast on the bottom of the crockpot, Instant Pot, or into a 9×13 pan. Pour half of the date mixture (1 cup) on top of the roast, reserving the other half.
  • COOK until roast shreds easily as follows:
  • CROCKPOT: Cover with lid and cook on low for 6 hours or 4 hours on high.
    INSTANT POT: Seal with lid and cook on manual on high pressure for 1 hour. Let the Instant Pot natural release (don’t touch release knob) for 20 minutes.
    OVEN: Preheat oven to 325. Cover the pan with foil. Bake for 4-5 hours.
  • DISCARD the liquid in the crockpot, instant pot or 9×13 pan. Shred roast with two forks, pulling in opposite directions.
  • COMBINE reserved 1 cup date mixture, salsa, and garlic salt. In a saucepan on the stove, combine this liquid with the shredded pork. Simmer for 20 minutes, uncovered. This can also be done on Saute in your Instant Pot.
Autumn Michaelis wearing an apron and holding a bowl of fresh salad smiling at the camera.

Autumn Michaelis

Autumn Michaelis is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, with a B.S. in Exercise Science from BYU. Though exercise was her first love in the health world, nutrition has become her passion. She created the blog Wholefoodfor7, sharing easy and budget-friendly Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free + dairy-free recipes for families. In August 2022, Autumn released the newest Whole30 Endorsed cookbook, Whole Food for Your Family. She is mom to 5 boys (yes 5!) and when not in the kitchen can be found adventuring, hiking, and tearing up the dance floor.