This sweet-tart jar of deliciousness has straight-up stolen my salad-loving heart. Pomegranate vinaigrette is a revelation...sweet and tart and tangy and just perfect for a variety of salads and grain bowls.
I was introduced to pomegranate molasses far too late in life. Since discovering it in the mid-2000s (via one of my favorite recipes from The Pioneer Woman), it has been a major source of culinary inspiration for me. I use it as a sauce for fish and lamb, in place of lemon in cocktails and mocktails, and this wonderfully tart-sweet pomegranate vinaigrette, which is by far the way I use it most.
You'll love this quick and easy homemade salad dressing on salads and grain bowls from savory to sweet. I've already used it for two recipes on this blog: Pear and Fennel Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette, and Farro and Arugula Salad with Sweet Potato and Pomegranate. There are definitely more to come.
The tart-sweet magic of pomegranate molasses
I'm not sure I have the words to describe how much I love pomegranate molasses. It offers a tartness akin to lemon or lime, but with a deep fruity flavor that sets it apart from citrus. It's just sweet enough to offset the tartness and provides excellent flavor contrast to richness or nuttiness. It is traditionally served with fish and meat dishes throughout the Levant, and is particularly prominent in Persian cuisine.
I buy pomegranate molasses at a small Persian grocery shop in my area (according to the shopkeeper, Arman, I am "almost" a regular). Smaller independent markets often offer a wealth of ingredients and inspiration, and I encourage you to find out if you have one in your town. If not, there are several brands available on Amazon. Sadaf Pomegranate Concentrate is the brand I usually buy, and Al-Wadi Pomegranate Molasses is excellent too.
If you can't find pomegranate molasses, you can make your own by reducing 1 cup of pomegranate juice with a teaspoon of honey or sugar. Set it in a small saucepan over medium high heat and allow it to boil down to about ¼ cup of molasses.
Ingredients and substitutions
Champagne vinegar - I like O California Champagne vinegar, which is very light and slightly sweet. Apple cider vinegar is the best substitute.
Pomegranate molasses - In addition to my usual brands mentioned above, I've also enjoyed Cortas pomegranate molasses.
Honey - I always use raw honey in salad dressings for the probiotics. For a vegetarian/vegan version, use maple syrup in place of the honey.
Prepared Dijon mustard - My favorite grocery store Dijon brand is Maille.
Extra virgin olive oil - I use Graza extra virgin olive oils. Their "drizzle" oil is my usual choice for dressings.
Fine sea salt - I always use fine sea salt to season my dressings. It's less salty than some other salts, and dissolves more quickly. This allows for finer tuning in smaller-yield recipes.
Homemade salad dressings
Making your own salad dressings is an excellent way to ensure the ingredients you are consuming are healthful and nourishing. Here are a couple of favorite recipes from Parsley & Parm:
- Dairy-free green goddess dressing - A delicious, tahini-based dressing that can be made with or without the traditional anchovy.
- Tahini Caesar dressing - A Middle Eastern-inspired version of Caesar dressing featuring tahini, sumac, and plenty of umami-packed Parm.
- Mediterranean herb vinaigrette - An herb-packed vinaigrette that works as a salad dressing or a marinade for chicken or fish.
Tips for the best Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. Salad dressings are definitely the place to use your good olive oil for superior flavor and nutrition. I use Graza's "Drizzle" olive oil in this dressing. My favorite high-quality grocery store brand is Carapelli.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Dip a small piece of lettuce in your dressing and give it a taste. Is it a little flat? Add a pinch of salt, whisk for about 10 seconds, and taste it again. Repeat until your dressing tastes seasoned but not salty.
Too tart? Add honey. Both Champagne vinegar and pomegranate molasses can vary in tartness between brands. If your dressing tastes too tart to you, whisk in bit more honey (or maple syrup, if that's what you are using).
Prep ahead and storage
Pomegranate vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It may separate as the oil coagulates at the cooler temperature in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then give it a good shake, or re-whisk it to restore the emulsion.
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Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Equipment
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon honey - substitute maple syrup for a vegetarian/vegan version
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt - plus more to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the pomegranate juice, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Add a little more if needed to achieve a smooth, emulsified consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- As an alternative, you can put all of the ingredients in a jar with a tightly-fitting lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
Notes
- Pomegranate molasses can be difficult to source. Check your local Persian market if you have one or look for the Sadaf or Al Wadi brands on Amazon. You can also make your own by boiling 1 cup of pomegranate juice down to ⅓ cup.
- I use fine sea salt in my salad dressing recipes. Start with ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt or ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Be sure to taste and adjust your seasoning before serving.
- Champagne vinegar and pomegranate molasses vary dramatically between brands in terms of tartness. If your dressing is too tart, add honey by the teaspoon to balance out the flavor.
Need more servings?
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Nutrition*
*All nutritional values are estimates only. They are calculated by an online resource.
Lisa says
A delicious homemade salad dressing with wholesome ingredients!