July grilling doesn't get much better than this. Thick, juicy pork chops come off the grill with beautiful char, then get topped with a bright nectarine-jalapeño salsa that's equal parts sweet, spicy, and fresh. A crisp herb slaw adds crunch and keeps everything lively.

It's the kind of summer dinner that feels festive without requiring much effort — most of the work happens outside at the grill, and the salsa and slaw come together in minutes. Bold flavors, peak-season ingredients, and a bottle of something cold and beautiful to pour alongside.

Paired with our 2022 Poetic – Riesling, this Grilled Pork Chops with Nectarine-Jalapeño Salsa & Fresh Herb Slaw dish sings. The wine's natural sweetness tames the jalapeño heat effortlessly, while its vibrant stone fruit aromas mirror the nectarines in the salsa. Bright acidity cuts through the richness of grilled pork, and the wine's natural freshness keeps every bite feeling light despite the bold flavors. This is a classic Riesling food pairing that shows exactly what wine pairs with pork chops when you want summer excitement on the plate and in the glass.

Juicy, spicy, sweet, and made for July.

The Stoney Wines Family 🍷

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Pairing: 2022 Poetic - Riesling

Why This Pairing Works: When exploring Riesling pairing ideas, spicy-sweet combinations are where this wine truly excels. This Riesling with pork brings natural sweetness that balances jalapeño heat, while stone fruit aromas enhance the nectarine salsa. Bright acidity refreshes the palate between every bite, making it an ideal summer grilling recipe companion.

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Grilled Pork Chops with Nectarine-Jalapeño Salsa & Fresh Herb Slaw

Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 3 Tbs olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper

Nectarine-Jalapeño Salsa

• 3 ripe nectarines, diced small
• 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (adjust to heat preference)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 Tbs fresh mint, chopped
• 2 Tbs lime juice
• 1 Tbs honey
• Salt

Fresh Herb Slaw

• 3 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbs olive oil
• 2 Tbs lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper

To Finish

• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro
• Flaky sea salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub generously over both sides of each pork chop. Let sit at room temperature 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Nectarine-Jalapeño Salsa

• Combine nectarines, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, mint, lime juice, and honey in a bowl. Season with salt and toss gently. Let sit at room temperature while you grill — the flavors develop beautifully as it rests.

Step 3: Make the Herb Slaw

• In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add green cabbage, red cabbage, cilantro, mint, and spring onions. Toss well to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

Step 4: Grill the Pork Chops

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grates. Grill pork chops 4–5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp 145°F). Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve

• Plate pork chops alongside a generous portion of herb slaw. Spoon nectarine-jalapeño salsa generously over the pork. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and flaky salt.

Chef Tips:

• Bone-in for juiciness: Bone-in chops stay juicier on the grill than boneless. Don't skip the bone if you can help it.
  
  
• Rest the meat: Always rest pork chops at least 5 minutes before cutting — this keeps the juices inside.
  
  
• Heat control: One jalapeño gives a gentle kick; two brings real heat. Remove seeds for milder salsa, keep them for more fire.
  
  
• Nectarine swap: Peaches or plums work beautifully if nectarines aren't available.
  

Suggested Pairings:

• Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter
• Jasmine rice or warm tortillas
• Sliced heirloom tomatoes with flaky salt

Here's to juicy pork, sweet-spicy salsa, and a glass of Riesling that makes July grilling unforgettable. 🍑🌶️🍷

What's your favorite fruit to pair with grilled meat? Tell us below!