Pomegranate Vinaigrette: Make Your Meals Pop

Pomegranate dressing in a jar

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.

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.

A tall jar of pomegranate vinaigrette with pomegranate seeds

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 dressing in a jar

Pomegranate vinaigrette

A vibrant, ruby-hued dressing that balances sweet and tart flavors, combining fresh pomegranate juice with extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey. Perfect for winter salads, grain bowls, or as a marinade for grilled meats.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 80 kcal

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.
Keyword fruit vinaigrette, healthy salad dressing, homemade salad dressing, low-calorie dressing, pomegranate vinaigrette, winter salad dressing

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 TypeComplementary IngredientsVinaigrette RatioServing Tips
Baby SpinachStrawberries, Almonds, Feta1 tbsp per 2 cupsToss just before serving
ArugulaPear, Walnuts, Blue Cheese2 tsp per 2 cupsDrizzle in layers
Mixed GreensPomegranate Seeds, Goat Cheese1.5 tbsp per 2 cupsLight coating only
KaleApple, Pecans, Aged Cheddar2 tbsp per 2 cupsMassage into leaves
Grain BowlsRoasted Vegetables, Chickpeas2.5 tbsp per bowlMix while warm
Detailed Salad Pairing Matrix

2. Dipping Sauce

3. Marinade

Protein TypeMarination TimeSpecial InstructionsBest Cooking Method
Chicken Breast2-4 hoursPierce meat before marinadeGrilling/Roasting
Fish Fillets30 minutesSkin on for grillingPan-searing/Broiling
Pork Tenderloin4-6 hoursTurn every 2 hoursRoasting/Grilling
Tofu2 hoursPress water out firstBaking/Air-frying
Tempeh1 hourSteam before marinatingGrilling/Baking
Marinade Guide

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

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