Pomegranate molasses dressing is simple and sophisticated, with the tart and tangy pomegranate punch and subtle shallots. Not familiar with pomegranate molasses? Learn all about it on my pomegranate molasses page.
(first published Oct 2013, updated August 2019)
Tantalize your Salads with this Tangy Dressing
What is Pomegranate Molasses Salad Dressing
A simple vinaigrette, this dressing combines the familiar balsamic vinegar with the 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.
How to Make Pomegranate Molasses Vinaigrette
- Chop shallots
- Measure out vinegar and molasses and olive oil.
- Combine the shallots, vinegar, molasses
- Then whisk in the olive oil. If it separates before you serve it, just whisk it again.
- Consider doubling this recipe – it’s great to have on hand!
Substitutes 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 in the house, you can try reducing some balsamic vinegar until it’s thicker (and more intense) and use that.
Salads to Pair with Pomegranate Molasses Vinaigrette
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
- Herb and Tomato Salad
- Quinoa and Pomegranate Salad
- Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate and Almonds
- Fennel, Raspberry and Apricot Salad
Other Pomegranate Molasses Recipes on OMG! Yummy
- Lemony Flank Steak with Pomegranate Molasses
- Instant Pot Brisket with Pomegranate Molasses
- Minty Pomegranate Mule Cocktail
- Roasted Fruit with Pomegranate Molasses
- Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranate Molasses and Date Syrup
- Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Two Ways
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Pomegranate Molasses
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Supplies for Pomegranate Molasses Salad Dressing
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Pomegranate Molasses Salad Dressing
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
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine the shallots, vinegar and pomegranate molasses, then whisk in the olive oil.
- Taste, then add salt and pepper or other herbs to your own liking.
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so happy to find this dressing recipe.
I make it all the time! The pomegranate molasses is like a little bit of magic isn’t it?
A friend recently made a vinaigrette with Pomegranate Molasses and I loved it!! I really appreciate that this dressing is not heavy on oil. I normally cut the oil back by a third in dressing recipes but that was not needed here. I did add a sploosh of Dijon mustard. I also immediately made a second batch once i tasted it! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for letting me know – isn’t pomegranate molasses a bit magical? I love your addition of dijon. Dressing recipes are always a starting point so I love that you are making it your own. Keep experimenting with pomegranate molasses – you’ll find it complementary to so many foods!
Great post! Since l discovered this some years ago, l can’t even imagine my kitchen without it. Beyond using it for salad dressing, l add it with worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and fish sauce for my Asian style chicken marinade. It pairs well too with red wine beef pot roast. Also, goes well with mayo and zata’ar for a light dressing for sandwich. Cheers!
Thanks for the message! Glad you enjoyed this post. I love to meet fellow pomegranate molasses lovers! You creative uses are intriguing – love the crossover with Asian flavors and the pairing with za’atar and mayo. Fantastic! I recently posted an instant pot brisket recipe with pom molasses – your pairing with red wine and pot roast is along those same lines. It’s such a flavor maker isn’t it?
You know I am all over this recipe! I just adore pomegranate molasses. Thank you for making it look so easy!
Pomegranate is one of my favorites…I love how you created a salad dressing with it.
Thanks Sandi – I am just a bit obsessed with pomegranate molasses – in case that isn’t obvious 🙂
I learned so much about pomegranate molasses today, and I’m so glad I dropped by. So many great uses.
Yah! Thanks for the visit. It’s such a great addition to a pantry – look for the brands without added sugar.
Pomegranate molasses is a regular in our kitchen and I have been contemplating making the Stuffed Quince recipe in Jerusalem… that just may have to happen this fall.
If you are short on time, deconstruct it and prepare the stuffing as meatballs and give them a quick sear first. Wonderful with the pomegranate on top. Now is the time to make it! Thanks for stopping by Annelies!
What a great round-up you’ve done, Beth, and I love your pomegranate molasses dressing. I’ve been so curious to try that wheat berry dish, but I’ve never been able to find wheat berries here.
Hi Sue – I guess I take for granted what I regularly find in our stores here – didn’t realize they were difficult to come by. I think you could probably substitute some other hearty grain and give it a go.
Love this salad dressing, Beth! Balsamic and pomegranate sound absolutely delicious together. So, I tried making my own pomegranate molasses yesterday and learned that I should not leave the kitchen when doing so…we now have what we’re calling Middle Eastern lollipops! I overcooked it and it hardened. Oh well! Next time I’ll keep a close eye. Thanks for sharing all this pomegranate inspiration!
LOL! I did the same thing – got distracted w a phone call and boiled it just a little too long. Should be about 75% reduction. With 2 cups of liquid, should take about 25 minutes at med low heat to get to 1/2 cup. @dormantchef is the saucier in our house and he always measures water to the amount of final reduction desired, pours it into the pot to visually cue where it should be when its done before he starts the process. Engineering minds…
But hey – according to Martha, I’m no expert so don’t listen to me 🙂 Oh sorry that snide comment just slipped out. Oops!
Where do I buy pomegranate molasses. Would love to try that recipe.
Great question – most gourmet-ish grocery stores and small Middle Eastern groceries carry it of which there are plenty near where you live. Even easier is just to make your own by boiling down pomegranate juice – reduce about 75%. So if u start w 2 cups juice, you want to stop boiling at 1/2 cup. Stay close while you are doing it cuz if you boil too far it becomes pomegranate “chewing gum” 🙂
Great post — thanks for sharing so many ideas!
You are my never-fail source of salad inspiration Carol!