Pomegranate Molasses Dressing Recipe

Name: Pomegranate Molasses Salad Dressing
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons minced shallot; 1/8 cup of balsamic vinegar; 3 ¼ teaspoons pomegranate molasses (adjust up or down to your tangy taste buds); ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; salt and pepper to taste (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon each to start)

by Beth Lee · Published: Aug 24, 2019 · Modified: Aug 5, 2022

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Pomegranate molasses dressing is simple yet sophisticated, with the tart, tangy pomegranate punch, subtle savory shallots and bright acidity of the balsamic. You'll want to double or even triple this recipe!

You might also enjoy this fig and arugula salad recipe.

For ease of browsing, find all of my pomegranate molasses recipes in one place.

Pomegranate molasses dressing in an orange bowl with a jar of pomegranate molasses in the background with a spoon.

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Why you'll love this recipe!

A simple vinaigrette, this dressing combines familiar balsamic vinegar with tangy syrupy pomegranate molasses. While balsamic vinegar is almost as prevalent in kitchen pantries as salt and pepper - pomegranate molasses is less so.

But once you taste pomegranate syrup, sometimes described as the Middle Eastern equivalent of balsamic, you’ll find yourself reaching for it frequently as well.

This is the perfect recipe to begin your pomegranate love affair. You can easily modify the ingredients to your own tastes or menu – add fresh or dried herbs, change the vinegar, or use it exactly as is.

Ingredients you'll need

Ingredient shot for pomegranate molasses dressing showing shallot, pomegranate molasses, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper.

Four ingredients plus salt and pepper - all you need to make this super flavorful vinaigrette.

Pomegranate Molasses: You can make or buy pomegranate molasses. It's complex sweet/tart/fruity flavor is intoxicating and so versatile! If it's not in your pantry already, time to add it!
Balsamic Vinegar: Since you are not cooking the vinegar down, this is a good place to use a good quality vinegar, if you have more than one to choose from. No balsamic vinegar? Try red wine vinegar but add a touch of sweetness - sugar or honey.
Shallot: Such a lovely, mild savory addition. Red onion or fresh chives are possible substitutions.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil - something you would be happy to taste uncooked. Use the best one you have but any one will do!

How to make this recipe

It's so easy - you'll find yourself whipping up a batch frequently or ... double or triple the recipe!

Chop shallots and measure out vinegar and molasses and olive oil. Add them to a medium size bowl.

Close up of a red bowl with the pomegranate molasses, vinegar and shallots being added with a hand showing.

Whisk the shallot, vinegar and molasses together.

Close up showing the pomegranate molasses, vinegar and shallots being whisked together.

Then whisk in the olive oil.

Pouring in olive oil to dressing mixture and whisking it to emulsify it.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Close up of salt and pepper getting whisked into the pomegranate molasses dressing.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Enjoy!

Angle close up landscape view of pomegranate molasses dressing in an orange bowl with a spoon of pomegranate molasses in the background.

For a quick visual guide to making this recipe, check out my pomegranate molasses web story.

Expert Tips and FAQs

PRO-tip: Start using pomegranate molasses as part of your arsenal of super flavorful condiments. You will be amazed how it can be a great addition from a cocktail to a salad to a main course and even dessert!
Consider doubling this recipe because you are going to love it!
Feel free to experiment with some fresh herb additions such as chives or parsley or mint!

What can I substitute for pomegranate molasses?

Boiled down liquids – whether vinegars or juice or stock – intensify in flavor. Part of the appeal of this dressing is the tart and tangy intensity of the pomegranate molasses. However, if you don’t have pomegranate molasses or juice, you can try reducing some balsamic vinegar until it’s thicker (and more intense) and use that. In that case, you would need a less intensely flavored vinegar for the dressing - maybe a white wine or red wine vinegar or even a rice vinegar.

What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar has some sweetness to it so try a red wine vinegar with a touch of sugar added - even honey or date syrup might be a good addition!

How long will this pomegranate salad dressing last?

This vinaigrette should last for weeks in the refrigerator. The olive oil will harden up once cold but quickly softens once taken out of the refrigerator. A quick whisk and it's ready to go.

Salads to pair with this dressing

Fig salad with pomegranate molasses dressing.

I originally served this pomegranate molasses dressing on a fig and manchego green salad. But it would be ideal for so many salads throughout the year. Here are just a few ideas:

Arugula and Fig Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad - use the pomegranate molasses dressing instead of the strawberry balsamic!
Summer Chopped Salad - add some pomegranates and use this vinaigrette for a delicious twist
Super Food Salad with Pomegranate

More Pomegranate Molasses Recipes

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P.S. If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and/or a review in the comment section below. I so appreciate your feedback! AND find more inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Signup for my email list, too!

Bowl of pomegranate molasses dressing with a spoon of pomegranate molasses in the background.

Pomegranate Molasses Salad Dressing

4.30 from 24 votes

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Prep Time 3 mins

Cook Time 2 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings servings

Calories 93 kcal

Ingredients

2 teaspoons minced shallot
⅛ cup of balsamic vinegar
3 ¼ teaspoons pomegranate molasses adjust up or down to your tangy taste buds
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste ¼ to ½ teaspoon each to start

Instructions

In a small bowl combine the shallots, vinegar and pomegranate molasses and whisk.
Then slowly drizzle in the olive oil until combined with the vinegar mixture.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Also optional fresh herbs if using.

Video

Notes

PRO-tip: Start using pomegranate molasses as part of your arsenal of super flavorful condiments. You will be amazed how it can be a great addition from a cocktail to a salad to a main course and even dessert!
Consider doubling this recipe because you are going to love it!
Feel free to experiment with some fresh herb additions such as chives or parsley or mint!