Here’s a fresh, flavorful recipe to kick off summer: Grilled Pork Sliders with Greek Cole Slaw. Sliders are ideal for warm-weather gatherings and backyard parties. These handheld sandwiches combine tender grilled pork with a bright, tangy Greek-style cole slaw, creamy hummus and tangy pepperoncini for a satisfying bite full of contrast and flavor.
Grilled Pork Sliders
Sliders are perfect for summer grilling and easy entertaining. This recipe comes together in roughly 30 to 40 minutes and serves as a great appetizer, party platter or casual meal. The combination of grilled pork, creamy hummus and crisp Greek cole slaw creates a balanced, fresh flavor profile that feels light but substantial.
Ingredients needed for these Grilled Pork Sliders:
- Greek cole slaw (cabbage, shredded carrot, thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta tossed in a red wine vinaigrette)
- Slider buns (small dinner rolls or mini buns)
- Prepared hummus
- Pepperoncini, sliced
- Fresh pork loin (butterflied for quicker, even grilling)
Pork loin is the star here: thicker than tenderloin, it benefits from being butterflied so it grills more evenly and cooks faster. If you prefer, you can use a marinated pork loin or season a plain loin simply with garlic salt and pepper. For extra sides, grilled corn is an excellent addition; it grills quickly and pairs nicely with the other Mediterranean flavors.
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Butterfly the pork loin: with a sharp knife, slice nearly through the loin and open it like a book so it lays flat. Season with garlic salt and pepper unless the loin is already marinated. Grill the pork about 5 to 7 minutes per side until a meat thermometer registers 145°F in the thickest part. Let the pork rest a few minutes before slicing thinly.
Toast the slider buns on the grill toward the end of cooking for a minute or two so they get a light char and hold up to the fillings. Thin slices of grilled pork layered with hummus and crisp cole slaw make a great balance of textures: soft bun, creamy hummus, tender meat and crunchy slaw.
Assemble each slider by spreading hummus on the bottom half of the bun, adding a few slices of pork, a generous spoonful of Greek cole slaw and a couple of pepperoncini slices for brightness. Cap with the top bun and serve warm. These sliders are easy to make in batches, making them excellent for parties where guests can grab one or two.
Recipe: Grilled Pork Sliders with Greek Cole Slaw
Greek Cole Slaw
- 10 ounces (about 4 cups) shredded cabbage or cole slaw mix
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced and chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon dried mustard
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pork
- About 27 ounces pork loin (plain or marinated)
- Garlic salt and pepper (if using plain pork loin)
Slider Assembly
- 18 small slider buns
- 1 cup prepared hummus
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
Instructions
Prepare the Greek Cole Slaw
In a medium bowl combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrot and thinly sliced red onion. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano and dried mustard. Toss the cabbage mixture with the dressing, then gently stir in the crumbled feta. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside to let the flavors meld while you grill.
Grill
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Butterfly the pork loin by slicing nearly through the middle and opening it so it lies flat; this helps the meat cook evenly. Season with garlic salt and pepper if it isn’t already marinated. Grill about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Add the slider buns to the grill for the last minute to toast. Remove the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
Assemble
Spread a layer of hummus on the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Add thin slices of grilled pork, then spoon on a portion of the Greek cole slaw and a few pepperoncini slices. Top with the bun lid and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pork tenderloin can be used as an alternative to pork loin; it will grill faster and is naturally tender.
- Make the cole slaw a few hours ahead to let flavors develop. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- For a complete meal, grill corn on the cob alongside the pork and serve with the sliders.
Nutrition (estimated per slider)
Serving: 1 slider — Calories: 211 kcal; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 8 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g; Fiber: 3 g. Nutrition values are approximate and should be used only as a guideline.
These grilled pork sliders with Greek cole slaw are an easy, crowd-pleasing option for summer entertaining. The recipe scales well for larger groups and can be adapted with different toppings or marinades to suit your taste. Enjoy the smoky, savory pork balanced with the bright tang of the slaw and the creamy hummus for an irresistible slider.