Pomegranate Vinaigrette is one of my absolute favorite fruit vinaigrettes. I love how the rich, ruby-red color and subtly fruity flavor instantly elevate a simple salad into something much more vibrant and flavorful.
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Pomegranate vinaigrette recipe
Pomegranate vinaigrette is a sweet and tangy salad dressing that incorporates pomegranate juice or seeds, olive oil, and various flavor enhancers. This dressing is known for its vibrant pink color and fresh fruity flavor, making it a popular choice for salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.
This pomegranate vinaigrette offers multiple benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Natural sugar alternative
- Source of vitamin C
This vinaigrette is often used year-round but is especially popular during the fall and winter months when pomegranates are in season. Here’s how to make the pomegranate vinaigrette:
Pomegranate vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice fresh or bottled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup optional, for extra sweetness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the sweetness if desired.
- Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Drizzle over mixed greens, spinach, or arugula salads or pair with roasted vegetables or fruit-based salads.
How to pair
Explore unique ways to serve pomegranate dressing and elevate simple meals.
1. Salad Dressing
- Mixed green salad with arugula, spinach, or kale, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), and goat cheese
- Holiday salads with roasted squash or cranberries
- Grain salads with proteins, wild rice or quinoa
- Fruit salads with citrus or berries: Omit the pepper and mustard to keep the vinaigrette sweet
- Chicken salad
Base Type | Complementary Ingredients | Vinaigrette Ratio | Serving Tips |
Baby Spinach | Strawberries, Almonds, Feta | 1 tbsp per 2 cups | Toss just before serving |
Arugula | Pear, Walnuts, Blue Cheese | 2 tsp per 2 cups | Drizzle in layers |
Mixed Greens | Pomegranate Seeds, Goat Cheese | 1.5 tbsp per 2 cups | Light coating only |
Kale | Apple, Pecans, Aged Cheddar | 2 tbsp per 2 cups | Massage into leaves |
Grain Bowls | Roasted Vegetables, Chickpeas | 2.5 tbsp per bowl | Mix while warm |
2. Dipping Sauce
- Fresh spring rolls
- Vegetable crudités
- Grilled shrimp
- Chilled appetizers
- Roasted vegetables
3. Marinade
Protein Type | Marination Time | Special Instructions | Best Cooking Method |
---|---|---|---|
Chicken Breast | 2-4 hours | Pierce meat before marinade | Grilling/Roasting |
Fish Fillets | 30 minutes | Skin on for grilling | Pan-searing/Broiling |
Pork Tenderloin | 4-6 hours | Turn every 2 hours | Roasting/Grilling |
Tofu | 2 hours | Press water out first | Baking/Air-frying |
Tempeh | 1 hour | Steam before marinating | Grilling/Baking |
Variations
Try these pomegranate vinaigrette variations to match different seasons and tastes.
1. Citrus Pomegranate Dressing
- Add fresh orange juice or lemon juice
- Enhance the vinaigrette’s freshness and complement the sweetness of the pomegranate
2. Herb Infusion
- Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, or rosemary
- Add complexity and depth, making the dressing more aromatic
3. Balsamic Pomegranate Vinaigrette
- Use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar
- Create a sweet tangy flavor
4. Pomegranate Molasses Vinaigrette
- Replace pomegranate juice with 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- Add a richer, more concentrated flavor, perfect for a bolder vinaigrette
5. Cinnamon Pomegranate Salad Dressing
- Use maple syrup
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon
- Create a warm, cozy flavor profile ideal for fall salads
6. Poppyseed Twist
- Include poppyseeds (about 2 teaspoons)
- Create a delightful crunch and visual appeal