We love incorporating salads into our meals here, which means we often switch up the dressings. While ranch dressing is a favorite of mine, it can become monotonous. This homemade pomegranate vinaigrette offers a fruity and light alternative perfect for salads, vegetables, or even as a marinade!
You might already suspect that pomegranate salad dressing from the store isn’t the best option. With ingredients like vegetable oils, added sweeteners, and artificial flavors, it doesn’t offer the freshness that a homemade vinaigrette does. Making your own is simple and enhances the flavor immensely!
Homemade Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Crafting a variety of homemade dressings means more nutrients and better taste! Pomegranate vinaigrette is naturally fruity, tangy, and free from dairy and gluten. The pomegranate juice is the hero here, loaded with antioxidants supporting heart health. The addition of extra virgin olive oil gives it a creamy texture while being rich in beneficial, anti-inflammatory omega-3s. The olive oil, like pomegranate, also promotes heart health.
Balancing out the richness of the olive oil, I use apple cider vinegar for tangy notes and digestive benefits. A hint of Dijon mustard introduces tang and a subtle sharpness, while honey (or maple syrup) brings a natural sweetness.
Fresh herbs from our garden add extra antioxidant power. These can easily grow on a windowsill in cooler seasons! Dried herbs can substitute if fresh ones aren’t available.
This vibrant vinaigrette is ideal for dressing salads, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or using as a marinade. Enjoy!
In a small bowl or Mason jar, combine pomegranate juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey (or maple syrup).
Mix in the oregano, marjoram, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Whisk the ingredients until they blend, or shake the jar to mix them well.
Taste the vinaigrette and fine-tune the seasoning as needed.
Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Shake or stir before using.
Drizzle over your preferred salad or use as a marinade.
Nutrition Facts
Pomegranate Vinaigrette Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 142
Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 2g 13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 10g
Sodium 16mg 1%
Potassium 50mg 1%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Fiber 0.3g 1%
Sugar 3g 3%
Protein 0.2g 0%
Vitamin A 12IU 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 12mg 1%
Iron 0.3mg 2%
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Pomegranate Green Salad
Here’s a fantastic way to use your new pomegranate vinaigrette. The ingredients in this salad complement each other perfectly, and the pomegranate vinaigrette adds a fruity, tangy kick.
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Start with a base of greens such as arugula, spring mix, or spinach.
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Include any fresh vegetables you like. Consider cucumbers, shallots, and bell peppers.
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Add some goat cheese or feta cheese over the top.
- Sprinkle some dried cranberries, fresh pomegranate seeds, and chopped pecans.
Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing Substitutions
If apple cider vinegar isn’t your choice, balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar are great alternatives here. Although I prefer olive oil in most dressings, avocado oil is also suitable. It offers a milder taste that some people favor.
More Salad Dressing Recipes
Explore more ways to enhance your next salad!
Have you tried pomegranate vinaigrette before? Share your favorite uses in the comments!
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