Pomegranate Salad Dressing

5 from 1 vote

September 27, 2024

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This Pomegranate Salad Dressing is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for adding a burst of freshness to any salad. Made with real pomegranate arils, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, this dressing is both flavorful and simple. The best part? You can whip it up in no time with ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you’re dressing up a holiday salad or just want something new for your everyday greens, this homemade pomegranate salad dressing is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Pomegranate Salad Dressing

You’ll love this Pomegranate Salad Dressing for a few reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile—it’s the perfect addition to winter salads or holiday salads, but it works just as well on your favorite green salad any time of year. The fresh pomegranate juice brings a little sweetness, balanced by the tangy balsamic vinegar, making it the ideal healthy dressing recipe. This dressing is light, flavorful, and a fun way to up your salad game without much effort.

Ingredients Needed For Pomegranate Dressing

If you’re looking for a delicious homemade salad dressing that’s simple yet sophisticated, give this one a try! Just a hand full of ingredients needed to make this tangy sweet salad dressing!

Pomegranate arils: Fresh pomegranate seeds give the dressing its sweet, tart flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy base that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pomegranate.
Sugar: Just a little bit to balance out the tang.
Garlic: Finely minced for a subtle kick of flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Smooth, good quality olive oil is key to a perfect dressing.
Salt & black pepper: To taste, for that extra layer of seasoning.

Variations

Swap balsamic for red wine vinegar for a slightly lighter tang.
Add dijon mustard for a creamier, tangier twist.
Use pomegranate molasses for a more intense pomegranate flavor.
Substitute apple cider vinegar if you prefer a milder vinegar taste.
Try avocado oil if you’re out of extra virgin olive oil, for a more neutral flavor.
Sweeten with maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer sweetness.

How To Make Pomegranate Salad Dressing

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are step by step instructions for making this festive pomegranate vinaigrette:

1. Heat + Mash Pomegranate Arils

In a small saucepan, combine pomegranate arils, vinegar, and sugar. Heat over medium-low heat and crush the pomegranate arils with a fork or masher.

A white pot containing pomegranate seeds and sugar on a countertop, surrounded by a bowl of pomegranate seeds, garlic, spices, and a jug of liquid.

Hand pouring juice into a pot with pomegranate seeds and sugar, surrounded by bowls containing pomegranate seeds, spices, garlic, and a measuring spoon.

2. Strain Pomegranate Arils + Whisk in Garlic

Once sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and strain into a small bowl. Whisk in minced garlic, salt and black pepper. (This can also be done in a small blender or jar with a lid.)

A person pouring pomegranate seeds and juice through a gold fine-mesh strainer over a bowl, with some kitchen items like spices and utensils nearby.

A ceramic bowl containing a red liquid sits on a speckled cutting board, surrounded by pomegranate seeds, garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and a small bowl of olive oil.

3. Drizzle in Olive Oil

Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

A bowl with a dark liquid being poured into it from a container. A whisk, garlic, and red berries are on the table beside it.

A hand holding a whisk above a bowl of red liquid on a speckled cutting board, with garlic and a small bowl of salt in the background.

A Few Tips For The Best Pomegranate Salad Dressing

For a smoother texture, strain the dressing through a fine mesh sieve.
Make ahead and refrigerate—this dressing gets better as the flavors meld.
Store in a mason jar and give it a good shake before serving.
Use fresh pomegranate arils for the best flavor, but pom juice can be a quick substitute.
Drizzle on a salad with goat cheese and raw nuts for a delicious, healthy salad.

Storage + Make Ahead Directions

Store the dressing (cooled to room temperature ) in a mason jar, jam jar, or any airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using. This dressing does not freeze well because of the fresh ingredients like pomegranate arils.

To Make Ahead: This pomegranate dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will only improve over time.

More Homemade Salad Dressings To Try!

This pomegranate salad dressing is a must-have side dish for any holiday table, or even for spicing up your winter salads. With its sweet, tangy flavor, it’s the perfect addition to any healthy recipes you’ve got planned. The printable recipe card is below! Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

A glass bottle filled with red dressing sits on a light surface, surrounded by scattered lettuce, garlic, pomegranate seeds, and a couple of small bowls.

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5 from 1 vote