Pomegranate Salad Recipe (2024)

By Tara Parker-Pope

Pomegranate Salad Recipe (1)

Total Time
Total cooking time: 15 min.
Rating
4(250)
Notes
Read community notes

This colorful salad of red pomegranate seeds, Romaine lettuce and roasted sesame seeds, dressed with a fresh pomegranate juice and honey dressing, sets a festive tone for any holiday table.

Sadhna Sheli, a reader from Los Angeles, sent us this recipe which is popular with both adults and kids. “Kids will like it because it has that sweet element to it,” said Ms. Sheli.

Featured in: Vegetarian Thanksgiving: Pomegranate Salad

Learn: How to Make Salad

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 2tablespoons sesame seeds
  • ¼cup mild tasting olive oil
  • 2tablespoons pomegranate juice
  • 2tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 2tablespoons date syrup
  • 2tablespoons honey
  • Himalayan pink salt or sea salt to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 9oz bag romaine or butter lettuce
  • ½cup pomegranate seeds

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

265 calories; 16 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 11 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 31 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 27 grams sugars; 2 grams protein; 332 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Pomegranate Salad Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    In a small dry skillet toast sesame seeds over medium heat until light brown in color, about 3 to 5 minutes. Pour sesame seeds out onto a paper towel to cool.

  2. Step

    2

    Whisk together olive oil, pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, date syrup, honey, salt and pepper. Set aside.

  3. Step

    3

    Arrange lettuce in large bowl or platter. Top with pomegranate seeds and sesame seeds, add dressing and toss. Serve immediately.

Ratings

4

out of 5

250

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Marian V.

I hesitate to say I made this. I did not have date syrup, sesame seeds or pomegranate juice. But I had a pomegranate I needed to use. My dressing was probably a little tarter than intended but I like my dressing that way. I would make this again.

self

Did it without date syrup because everyone was afraid it would be too sweet. All loved it, but agreed leaving date syrup out was a good decision.

Sue Llewellyn

No honey here; by choice rather than lack of availability, I figured date syrup would be sweet enough. For us the balance of tartness and sweetness was perfect--and the whole thing was so attractive!

Alex

I replaced the sesame seeds with sunflower seeds.

LaLaMaMa

I, too, was intimidated by the pomegranate molasses in this recipe. However, it turned out that Wegmans had it! If you have an ethnic grocery or otherwise well stocked market in your area, it’s worth seeking it out. I could see this pomegranate molasses being a very exciting ingredient in other sauces and dressings. For this salad, I made the dressing as written. It needs the sweetness to balance out the tartness of the pomegranate and the bitterness of the sesame seeds.

Debbie

I added 1 T of lime juice as I enjoy a tarter dressing. We have a pomegranate tree so I also used fresh juice. Ithe date syrup added a depth of flavor so I didn’t want to forgo it. I also added avacado and baby cucumbers for a creamy crunchier texture

Dinah

So funny. Someone below said: "I have pomegranate molasses but date syrup....?" Whereas I thought to myself after I found date syrup at Fairway: "Really? Pomegranate molasses? Where the heck do you get that?" Obscure ingredients might benefit from links to homemade recipes or links to stores that carry?

Leni

Pomegranate molasses are a speciality from Lebanon.

Sheila

I tripled the recipe and did not use the date syrup or the pomegranate molasses. I did find the seeds from one pomegranate made 6 T of juice. The toasted sesame seeds were superior. I will make this again.

Mead

A big hit here at my last dinner party — simple, easy to prep in advance, tasty, and looked great on the holiday table.

Maureen McHale

Very tasty. We have a lot pomegranates ripening on our tree. I tripled the recipe and did not use the date syrup or the pomegranate molasses. I did find the seeds from one pomegranate made 6 T of juice. The toasted sesame seeds were superior. I will make this again.

Kelly Cutrone

I did not use the date syrup - I did learn how to make date syrup - heat dates w/ water = date syrup. This was such an elegant and amazing salad

Carol

I live in a major city, purchase many relatively obscure ingredients and am a reasonably competent cook. I keep pomegranate molasses in my refrigerator. But DATE SYRUP???? Couldn't the NY TImes have offered an appropriate substitue???? I'm not buying it (assuming I can find it) for one recipe....

Alex

I made this for my family on Thanksgiving, and I decided to leave out the molasses, sea salt, pom juice, and date syrup, but it turned out really well!

Alex

I replaced the sesame seeds with sunflower seeds.

Carol Bream

Our dessert was an apple crumble (with kiwi and raspberries, too), served with vanilla ice cream. We used oatmeal instead of flour for the topping. Yum!!! Again, a great recipe from your site!

Carol Bream

We and our guests loved this. We served it as the salad course after roast chicken coated with a sauce of Dijon mustard, garlic, herbes de provence, black pepper, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The chicken was served with a roasted winter vegetables recipe from your wonderful collection!! Thank you so much!!!!

Roxanne

Does anyone think pepitas (pumpkin seeds) instead of sesame could work?

Shawn

Yes, I love pepitas in my salads and I have mixed them with pomegranate seeds. But to bring out their flavor, you have to roast them first in a hot, dry pan until they pop. Throw them on at the very end so they don't get soggy in the dressing.

Sue Llewellyn

No honey here; by choice rather than lack of availability, I figured date syrup would be sweet enough. For us the balance of tartness and sweetness was perfect--and the whole thing was so attractive!

self

Did it without date syrup because everyone was afraid it would be too sweet. All loved it, but agreed leaving date syrup out was a good decision.

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Pomegranate Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What pairs well with pomegranate? ›

Apple, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, cucumber, dragon fruit, eggplant, elderberry, fennel, ginger, grape, grapefruit, guava, lemon, lettuce, lime, lychee, mandarin, mango, nectarine, orange, pear, persimmon, pineapple, pomelo, potato, raspberry, watermelon, tomato.

What are the benefits of pomegranate in salad? ›

Pomegranates protect us from free radicals Pomegranates help in increasing the oxygen content in the blood. Pomegranates are good for the teeth and prevent plaque formation. The other vegetables used in the salad like zucchini and capsicum are an excellent source of vitamins.

Are you supposed to soak pomegranate seeds? ›

After the pomegranate has been scored, place it cut side down in a bowl of cool water and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This helps soften the pith and helps the seeds release a little easier.

Should you rinse pomegranate seeds? ›

You can fill the bowl halfway with water, so the seeds to sink to the bottom while pieces of the pith float to the top. This makes it easier to separate the seeds. Rinse and strain the seeds to remove any unwanted pith remnants. Now, the arils are ready to enjoy.

What should not be eaten with pomegranate? ›

Acidic and sub-acidic fruits such as grapefruits, strawberries, apples, pomegranates, and peaches, should never be combined with sweet fruits such as bananas and raisins. This is because it often leads to digestive problems, nausea, acidosis, and headaches.

What cheese pairs with pomegranate? ›

Try sprinkling pomegranate seeds over spreads of creamy goat cheese or ricotta, or look to match the fruit with mature blue cheese, soft Camembert, or melted brie.

What happens to your body when you eat pomegranate daily? ›

Pomegranates can have up to three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation. Studies suggest that pomegranates can help protect your heart in many ways, such as lowering blood pressure as well as blood sugar levels.

Is it better to eat pomegranate in the morning or Evening? ›

Morning is the best time to consume Pomegranate. Pomegranate seeds are high in calories and can help with anaemia. So have them in the morning for energy. One should consume pomegranates before lunchtime.

What is the healthiest way to eat pomegranate? ›

The arils are what hold the antioxidant-rich, sweet/tart pomegranate juice, and are great for topping salads, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, or popping 'em plain and pretending they're healthy Nerds.

When should you not eat a pomegranate? ›

Mold - If there is exterior or interior mold on the pomegranate it should be discarded. Soft Spots - darker brown, black, or yellow soft spots may form on your pomegranate. This is a sign the pomegranate is likely rotten. Discolored Skin - yellowing or brown skin on the pomegranate is a sign it is likely too old.

What does a pomegranate symbolize? ›

The pomegranate was revered for the beauty of its shrub, flowers, and fruit—symbolising sanctity, fertility, and abundance. The Song of Solomon compares the cheeks of a bride behind her veil to the two halves of a pomegranate. Depictions of the fruit have long featured in architecture and design.

Is it better to drink pomegranate juice or eat the seeds? ›

Studies suggest the juice may help lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. But as is true for all fruits, you're better off consuming the fruit itself (so you eat the fiber-rich seeds) rather than drinking juice. A half-cup of pomegranate arils contains just 72 calories.

Is it okay to eat a whole pomegranate in one sitting? ›

Eating pomegranates as a whole can have anti-inflammatory effects and can protect a human body from various diseases like type-2 diabetes, and obesity.

Do you chew the whole pomegranate seed? ›

The technical name for the juicy seeds inside a pomegranate is aril, which refers to the thin skin and pulp that surrounds the tiny white seed itself. Once the arils have been freed from the pithy membranes that surround them, the entire seed is edible.

Is it OK to eat banana and pomegranate together? ›

Yes, you can eat banana and pomegranate together. They make a nutritious and tasty snack or breakfast. Both fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, so eating them together can provide a good nutrient boost.

Can I eat apple and pomegranate together? ›

Yes, you can eat pomegranate and apples together. Eating these two fruits together can provide a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and potassium. Apples are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Is pineapple and pomegranate a good combination? ›

The sweet and tangy combo of pineapple and pomegranate with a kick of ginger - truly a match made in juice heaven. But it's not just delicious. This juice packs a punch of health benefits, too!

How do you eat pomegranates as a snack? ›

Over a bowl of water, use your fingers to remove the seeds from the white part of the fruit. Skim out the white pith with a slotted spoon. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out your seeds into a clean bowl. Enjoy!

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