Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Salad
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Easy, delicious Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Salad, served over lettuce with cauliflower rice, pickled onions, bell peppers, corn salsa, and sliced avocado. It’s an easy and completely drool-worthy salad that’s grain free and dairy free.
Serve this for dinner on a regular weeknight or when entertaining friends – either way, it’ll be a fiesta! I’m sharing some time saving tips for making this recipe with plenty of hands-off time, that way you can focus on actually enjoying dinnertime!
And because the Instant Pot is the MVP of the kitchen, making beautiful, delicious meals in a snap… here are some more favorites: Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas, Instant Pot Mexican Vegetable Soup.
Ingredients
This is easily one of the most deceivingly impressive grain and dairy free dinners I’ve ever put together. Here’s what you’ll need to make it at home:
- boneless pork roast
- Vegetable Stock, Chicken Stock or Water: The Instant Pot requires liquid to create steam and get up to pressure, so be sure to use at least 1 cup of liquid if you’re using a 6 qt pressure cooker, and 1.5-2 cups if you’re using an 8 qt size.
- Romaine Lettuce: Or substitute whatever lettuce you like. I think romaine holds up well to all the toppings and has good flavor.
- Cauliflower Rice: I like to keep things extra simple by buying frozen cauliflower rice. You can make it ultra fast in the microwave or sauté it in a touch of oil, whatever you prefer!
- Bell Peppers: I chose one red and one green, but any combination of colors will work great!
Toppings
- Pickled Onions: Use my sugar-free Whole30 pickled onion recipe, or for extra oomph make pickled pineapple!
- Corn Salsa: You can use my Chipotle copycat Corn Salsa recipe
- Yogurt: Or substitute sour cream if your diet permits it.
- Avocado or Guacamole
- Cilantro
- Lime: For garnish
- Ranch Dressing
If you prefer other ingredients like cheese or quinoa, by all means, go ahead!
Recipe FAQ
Once cooked, store the carnitas in an air tight container or bag for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 4 months in the freezer.
I’m so glad you asked! Cooking carnitas from frozen has never been easier, thanks to the Instant Pot. Go ahead and add your frozen roast and liquid to the Instant Pot, then cook on High Pressure for 75 minutes.
Just remember to use the Natural Pressure Release (NPR) so the meat doesn’t seize up. Allowing the pressure to dissipate naturally will keep the meat tender. I usually plan on NPR taking 20-25 minutes, so be sure to account for that time when you plan your schedule.
I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
Easy Carnitas Salad Bowls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork butt cut into four pieces
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth
Seasoning Rub
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon dried onion flakes or onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 2 cups corn salsa
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 bell peppers
- 8 cups romaine lettuce about 2 small heads
- 3 cups cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 jalapeno deseeded and sliced
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- 2 avocados
- ranch dressing or salad dressing of choice
Video
Instructions
- Add all seasoning rub ingredients to a small bowl; stir to combine. Rub the seasoning on all sides of each piece of the roast.
- Add the roast and stock to your Instant Pot. Turn pressure to High and cook for 40 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to naturally release, then open the Instant Pot. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Prep the Toppings
- Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the salad toppings.
- Make the corn salsa and pickled onions, if using.
- Core and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When oil is hot, add the peppers and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 8 minutes).
- Wash and chop the romaine. Slice the jalapeno, lime, and cilantro. Wait until just before serving to slice the avocado.
Assemble and Serve
- Divide the lettuce between six bowls. Top with carnitas and any desired toppings. Garnish with extra cilantro and slices of lime.
I love insta pot recipes