21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (2024)

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (1)

So you picked up a

pomegranate at the grocery this week...but you're still not quite sure what to do with it. We've absolutely been there. Sure, you could paint a beautiful still life of the amazing winter fruit, but we'd rather make it our culinary muse. Once you crack one open, pomegranates reveal tons of juicy seeds (AKA arils) ripe and ready to stud your favorite winter salads, cozy dinners, co*cktails, and desserts. Once you've tried all these phenomenal pomegranate recipes, you'll 100% be high-tailing it back to the store for another one (or two.)

Step one: You've, of course, got to learn how to cut a pomegranate. Spoiler alert, it's not as hard as you might think! With a few easy tips, you'll safeguard your hands, your clothes, and your cutting board from any pomegranate juice stains, all without feeling like you're wrestling out each seed individually. So stress no more! Your white t-shirt will thank you.

Now that you've got your seeds ready, it's time to add a pop of color and sweet-tart flavor to your favorite savory dishes, like chiles en nogada, Brussels sprout salad, and even a festive Christmas cheeseball. It goes without saying that the tartness of pomegranate makes it an ideal addition to some of our favorite co*cktails, too. Just try our pomegranate mimosa and you'll never go back to regular OJ.

In a sweater weather state of mind? Be sure to check out all of favorite seasonal recipes that highlight the best of fall and winter, like our apple recipes, sweet potato recipes, and butternut squash recipes.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

1

Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (3)

When you're looking for a side dish that tastes extremely fresh even in the depth of winter, look no further than fennel salad. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly light and refreshing, especially if you serve it alongside heavier cold weather comfort foods. Try it paired with roasted chicken, juicy steak, or even mac 'n' cheese. (Seriously, it works!)

Get the .

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

2

Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (5)

You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers' market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish that's perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.

Get the .

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

3

Chiles En Nogada

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (7)

Chiles en nogada is a traditional Mexican dish of poblano chiles that are stuffed with a fruit-and-nut-filled picadillo that is then covered with walnut sauce (nogada) and pomegranate seeds. It's also thought of as one of Mexico’s most patriotic dishes and it's easy to see why: The green of the poblanos, the red of the pomegranate seeds, and the white salsa de nogada make up the colors of the Mexican flag.

Get the Chiles En Nogada recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Pomegranate Martini

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (9)

More like a cosmopolitan than a classic martini, this recipe replaces the cosmo’s traditional cranberry juice with pomegranate. Garnish with a sugar rim and a fresh rosemary sprig for the perfect drink to serve at all your holiday gatherings.

Get the Pomegranate Martini recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

5

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (11)

Making this salad might seem intimidating, but it doesn't actually require much prep. Tossed with a combo of toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds, Brussels make a great side for any variety of Thanksgiving dinner.

Get the Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

6

Fancy Christmas Cheese Ball

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (13)

Looking for a stunning Christmas app that comes together in no time? Look no further than the humble cheese ball. This one is our winter holiday masterpiece, filled with three different types of cheese and studded with gorgeous pomegranate seeds. It looks classy as all get out, but is also crazy easy to make. Read on for our top tips for making it the best it can be.

Get the Fancy Christmas Cheese Ball recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Pomegranate Mimosas

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (15)

A few splashes of sweet-tart pomegranate juice goes a long way with champagne. Complete the look with plenty of pomegranate seeds to make these extra-holiday worthy.

Get the Pomegranate Mimosas recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

8

Christmosas

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (17)

Packed with all our favorite winter fruits, this is the only thing you need in your hand while you open presents. Great for a late-night Christmas Eve party or early Christmas morning.

Get the Christmosas recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

9

Papdi Chaat

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (19)

Papdi chaat can take on many variations, but this particular version is a monster of a delight with two chutneys, tender potatoes and chickpeas, tangy yogurt, a medley of eye-catching red onions, pomegranate seeds, diced tomatoes, and finished with a generous snowing of crunchy sev noodles. 😍

Get the Papdi Chaat recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Pomegranate Moscow Mule

This festive twist on the classic co*cktail will kill it at all your holiday parties. Moscow mules are always better with holiday flavors, especially with the addition of sweet-tart pomegranate.

Get the Pomegranate Moscow Mule recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

11

Chocolate Pom Poms

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (23)

Did you know? With a mini muffin pan, some chocolate, and pomegranate seeds, you can make a super easy, light dessert in under 20 minutes!

Get the Chocolate Pom Poms recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

12

Mistletoe Mules

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (25)

You can have a classic Moscow Mule any time of the year. The time for Mistletoe Mules on the other hand is very limited. You can skip the pomegranates (if you're not a fan), but the candy canes (crushed and whole) are 100% necessary.

Get the Mistletoe Mules recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Pork Tenderloin With Quinoa Pilaf

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (27)

Quinoa studded with pomegranate seeds adds the perfect festive touch to perfectly cooked pork.

Get the Pork Tenderloin With Quinoa Pilaf recipe from Good Housekeeping.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

14

Pom-Lime French 75

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (29)

Pomegranate and lime add a fruity twist to this traditional gin-and-bubbly drink.

Get the Pom-Lime French 75 recipe from Good Housekeeping.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

15

Pomegranate-Honey Glazed Chicken and Squash

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (31)

This winter dinner mixes all our favorite flavors of the season into this heart-healthy chicken dish.

Get the Pomegranate-Honey Glazed Chicken and Squash recipe from Good Housekeeping.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Beautiful Brussels Sprouts

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (33)

A drizzle of sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses truly transforms these roasted veggies into something magical. And a garnish of pomegranate seeds make it a holiday show-stopper!

Get the Beautiful Brussels Sprouts recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

17

Pomegranate Margarita

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (35)

Pomegranate seeds have a sweet-tart flavor that's similar to cranberries so they're perfect for a Thanksgiving or Christmas co*cktail, like this pomegranate margarita.

Get the Pomegranate Margarita recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

18

White Chocolate Pomegranate-Pistachio Bark

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (37)

The burst of tart pomegranate combined with the sweet white chocolate creates a balance of flavors in this perfect-for-the-holidays bark. To gift these, line a box with parchment paper or a new tea towel or napkin and fill with bark. You can also give small portions in gusseted clear plastic bags. Either way, be sure to tie it up with a pretty ribbon.

Get the White Chocolate Pomegranate-Pistachio Bark recipe from Country Living.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Spiced Chicken Flatbreads

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (39)

These Mediterranean-inspired flatbreads are the perfect meal for an alfresco lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Get the Spiced Chicken Flatbreads recipe from Country Living.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

20

Pomegranate Molasses

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (41)

This sweet, tart, easy-to-make syrup is delicious drizzled over ice cream, shaken into salad dressing, stirred into sparkling water, or mixed into co*cktails.

Get the Pomegranate Molasses recipe from Country Living.

21 Pomegranate Recipes That Make Taking Out All Of Those Seeds Actually Worth It (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with lots of pomegranate seeds? ›

Pomegranates have a bright, sweet-tart flavor that can be incorporated into all kinds of meals. We love putting the seeds in a salad of Persimmons, Pomegranate, and Purslane with Pepitas; the juice pairs well with cherries and chile for a spicy glaze to top Black Forest Mousse Cake.

What's wrong with eating pomegranate seeds? ›

While pomegranate seeds are safe to eat, consuming a large amount can lead to gastrointestinal problems. A rare side effect of eating an excessive number of pomegranate seeds is an intestinal blockage. People with chronic constipation are at a slightly higher risk of this.

Are you supposed to eat the whole pomegranate seed? ›

The technical name for the juicy seeds inside a pomegranate is aril, which refers to the thin skin and pulp that surrounds the tiny white seed itself. Once the arils have been freed from the pithy membranes that surround them, the entire seed is edible.

Why can't you eat too many pomegranate seeds? ›

While no evidence indicates that pomegranate seeds are unhealthy, a very high intake may increase the risk of intestinal blockage in people with severe, chronic constipation.

Are you supposed to soak pomegranate seeds? ›

After the pomegranate has been scored, place it cut side down in a bowl of cool water and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This helps soften the pith and helps the seeds release a little easier.

Who should not eat pomegranate? ›

If you have diabetes, ask your doctor before drinking fruit juices, including pomegranate. If you have diarrhea, do not drink pomegranate juice or take pomegranate extract. Pregnant women should not take pomegranate extract because it may contain fruit rind.

Does pomegranate increase blood pressure? ›

Pomegranates are believed to reduce blood pressure through reducing levels of Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is a protein that plays an important role in controlling blood pressure through controlling the size of blood vessels in the body.

Why does my pomegranate taste like nail polish remover? ›

“Pomegranate seeds which start to go bad smell and taste like Nail polish remover because of the yeast eating up the sugar. I doubt they would add nail polish for color, that's not at all a cost-effective way to color large amounts of pomegranate,” an Instagram user explained.

How do you deseed a pomegranate in less than a minute? ›

Simply put: Cut the pomegranate in half through the equator, hold a half cut side down in your hand over a dish or bowl, and whack it — firmly, confidently — with a wooden spoon. Really, that's it.

Is it better to swallow or spit out pomegranate seeds? ›

Inside each aril is a small seed. It's OK to eat the arils as a whole or stick with the juice and spit out the seeds. But don't eat the rind and white areas, called membranes, around the arils. Half of a cup of arils has 72 calories, 16 grams of carbohydrates and three grams of fiber.

What medications do pomegranates interfere with? ›

Taking pomegranate juice along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

Is it OK to eat a whole pomegranate in one sitting? ›

Eating pomegranates as a whole can have anti-inflammatory effects and can protect a human body from various diseases like type-2 diabetes, and obesity.

Is it OK to freeze pomegranate seeds? ›

In short, yes! If you have pomegranate seeds that are about to go bad, or you just want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. To do so, line a baking sheet. Spread the arils out in a single layer and freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for a few months.

What to do with pomegranate seeds after juicing? ›

Keep the gut-healthy fibre.

So, I'll hold back some seeds (called arils) and keep them in a container in the fridge, to sprinkle on yoghurts, or add to salads or just eat by the spoonful; they're tasty and that way you maintain the fibre benefits too.

Can you freeze pomegranate seeds in a container? ›

To freeze arils (seeds):

Spread the arils, single layer, on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Put them in the freezer for no more than 2 hours, then transfer to a moisture-proof freezer bag or container for storage. Return to the freezer and use within one year.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 6153

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.