Pomegranate Molasses Dressing

This pomegranate molasses dressing is rich in flavour. With a tinge of tartness and an overlaying sweetness, it’s a fantastic dressing to add to salads that may require some added oomph!

Why You’ll Love Pomegranate Molasses Dressing

This salad dressing recipe with pomegranate molasses is simply out of this world in taste.

Pomegranate molasses brings a sweet, tangy, and slightly tart flavour to the dressing, which is complemented by the deep, complex acidity of balsamic vinegar. This combination offers a sophisticated taste that adds depth to salads.

This dressing is versatile and can enhance a wide range of salads, from simple mixed greens to more elaborate salads with fruits, nuts, or cheeses. It can also be used as a marinade for meats or drizzled over roasted vegetables.

With just three main ingredients and minimal preparation steps, this dressing is easy to make at home. It allows for adjustments to suit personal preferences, such as adding herbs, garlic, or mustard for additional flavour complexity.

This dressing is dairy, gluten, egg, and nut free and only takes 5 minutes to make. This is the best no-fuss salad dressing you can make from scratch.

What Is Pomegranate Molasses?

Pomegranate molasses, also known as pomegranate syrup, is a thick, dark, and tangy syrup made from concentrated pomegranate juice. 

Pomegranate molasses has a unique flavour profile that combines sweet, tangy, and slightly sour notes. It has a deep, rich taste with a hint of tartness.

Pomegranate molasses is used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Persian cuisines as a flavouring agent in marinades, dressings, sauces, and glazes for meats, vegetables, and grains.

If you love all things pomegranate, be sure check out our pomegranate cauliflower salad with chestnuts or pomegranate, barley and freekeh salad.

How To Make My Own Pomegranate Molasses?

Pomegranate molasses is typically made by reducing fresh pomegranate juice. The juice is extracted from pomegranate arils (seeds and pulp) and then simmered over low heat to evaporate water content and concentrate the flavours.

As the juice simmers, it thickens and reduces, intensifying its natural sweetness and tartness. This reduction process can take several hours to achieve the desired viscosity and flavour profile.

Some recipes for pomegranate molasses may include the addition of sugar or honey during the reduction process to enhance sweetness. 

However, traditional pomegranate molasses is made solely from pure pomegranate juice without added sweeteners.

How fantastic does that sound? This ingredient is a must if you want to make a simple, delicious vinaigrette salad dressing like one served at a high-end restaurant.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need for pomegranate molasses dressing:

• Pomegranate molasses: Sweet, tangy, and sticky. All the makings of a condiment that sparks nothing but joy. 

• Balsamic vinegar: This dark, concentrated, and intensely flavoured vinegar is yet another staple in our pantry. Best for dipping warm bread as it is complemented by a good olive oil.

• Olive oil: Base of all good salad dressings.

Variations and Substitutions

Citrus twist: Replace balsamic vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice for a brighter, citrusy flavour. Add a pinch of the zest for added zestiness.

Herb infusion: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil for a refreshing herbal note. Experiment with different herb combinations to complement your salad ingredients.

Spiced option: Add a pinch of ground cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika for a hint of warmth and depth and to add those Middle Eastern nuances.

Honeyed version: Substitute pomegranate molasses with honey or maple syrup for a sweeter dressing. Adjust the amount of sweetener to balance with the acidity of the vinegar.

Garlic infused: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the dressing for a savoury kick. Let the flavours meld together for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the garlic’s intensity.

Vinegar alternatives: Use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or raspberry vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar. Each vinegar type imparts a slightly different flavour profile to the dressing, but they would certainly work well.

Additional ingredients: Enhance the dressing with a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for added depth and creaminess. Or you can even incorporate a splash of soy sauce or tamari for an umami boost.

Instructions

Step by step instructions for how to make pomegranate molasses dressing:

Add pomegranate molasses and balsamic vinegar into a small mixing bowl.

Slowly drizzle olive oil into the mixture and whisk until ingredients have emulsified completely.

How To Store

Store any leftover dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Best Salad for This Dressing

Persimmon Salad with Candied Hazelnuts

If you’re wondering what to do with persimmons because your tree is overflowing, try this sweet persimmon salad recipe topped with candied hazelnuts, coconut chips and dressing with a pomegranate molasses dressing.