The pomegranate season runs essentially parallel to the holiday season from October to January. So it’s no surprise that the bright little tips of the fruit are a classic choice for adding nutrients, crispness, and (of course) cheerful ruby color to holiday dishes.
But you are not alone if you are a little confused about how to actually use these juicy little nuggets – while cooking on vacation or otherwise. Pomegranates are notoriously difficult to core, and once you get to their bite-sized pimples (aka arils) it can seem like you can just toss them on a salad as a topping.
But trust us: pomegranate seeds are much more than edible red confetti. We’ve put together 15 delicious recipes – from drinks to desserts – that will add pom-pizzas to your festivities all season long.
If you’re attending office holiday gatherings, these should be some great punch options.
1. Pomegranate Holiday Sangria
Every holiday gathering needs a pitcher (or bowl … or vat …) of punch. This pomegranate sangria delivers the goods with a mixture of wine, liqueur, pomegranate juice and fresh pomegranate seeds. Just be sure to chew, not swallow, the seeds while drinking.
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2. Cranberry Pomegranate Holiday Mocktail
Sometimes it pays to stay sober during the holiday season, whether for health reasons, being pregnant or serving as a DD. If you or your guests don’t drink alcohol, try this tangy, fruity mocktail made from just five ingredients. With its deep burgundy color, it even looks like red wine (but it is completely alcohol-free).
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3. Pomegranate and maple fizz
Fun Fact: The “Fizz” cocktail (a combination of alcohol, carbonated water, and a sour juice) became popular in the Roaring 20s when bathtub gin was all the rage.
For this bubbly pink version, stir up your own pomegranate juice with a blender and sieve. From there, a short stirrer of tonic water, maple syrup and vodka brings together a cocktail that oozes old-time charm.
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Here are some options for those looking to enjoy a light pre-meal snack or a late evening snack.
4. Pomegranate popcorn
If you’re a popcorn connoisseur, you’ve probably tried all kinds of mix-ins with your kernels. How about adding pomegranate to the list? For a festive movie night, a bowl of popcorn sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and dark chocolate makes a fascinating sweet and savory combination.
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5. Muhammara
Go over there hummus! There’s a new bath in town this Christmas season. Muhammara is a Middle Eastern spread made from red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. This version amplifies the pom flavor by adding a few arils on top. With fresh veggies and pita, it will steal the show as part of a buffet.
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6. Wild blueberry and pomegranate bruschetta
While pomegranate doesn’t look like most other berries, it’s technically classified as one – hence its compatibility with blueberries (and basically all other berries). Pom nibs mix with their fruity cousins in this antioxidant-rich bruschetta, which features the berries and a Greek yogurt and goat cheese spread on sliced baguette.
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7. Tahini cauliflower wings
Pomegranate seeds return to their Mediterranean roots in this tasty vegetable app. Roasted cauliflower is spiced up with a tahini yogurt dressing and then sprinkled with pomegranate seeds, roasted pine nuts, and fresh parsley. Do you want to make it vegan? Just replace the milk yogurt with a plant-based version.
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Yes, pomegranate can be the secret ingredient that you never knew your favorite dish was needed.
8. Pomegranate cider pork loin with rosemary mashed potatoes
Stop searching – we’ve found the perfect Christmas dinner. Pork loin gets a special treat here, fried with a simple DIY pomegranate cider and topped with a creamy sauce. Paired with delicious rosemary mashed potatoes (and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds) it is a masterful centerpiece for every celebration.
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9. Sweet potato and chickpea curry with pomegranate basmati rice
When it’s cool outside, who can say no to a warming curry – especially one that is rounded off with festive pomegranate seeds? Rich in vegetables and full of cozy spices, this Indian main course is like a food-shaped hug.
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10. Pomegranate Avocado Quinoa Salad
In this ultra-colorful salad, the pomegranate is combined with another surprising berry: avocado! (Yes, technically it’s a berry too – who would have thought that?) Additional superfoods like kale, quinoa, pecans and garlic round off the festival of whole foods. Try this healthy main course as part of a holiday lunch or brunch.
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11. 3-ingredient pomegranate balsamic chicken
The name says it all (literally). This three-ingredient main course is the definition of simple elegance. Chicken legs seared in the pan are coated with a balsamic pomegranate glaze on the stove and then baked until tender and juicy in the oven.
Adding a handful of additional Arils is optional, but don’t skip them! They add an appealing pop of color and a tangy taste.
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End things up with one of these pomegranate infused goodies.
12. Vegan pomegranate brownies
Many would agree that you can never go wrong with mixing fruits and chocolate – but other berries tend to hog the chocolatey limelight and leave pomegranate in the cold. These vegan brownies peppered with chocolate chips and pomegranate seeds really balance things out.
And did we mention that they are gluten and dairy free? Make sure you leave something out for Santa Claus.
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13. Vanilla Bean Pomegranate Mini Cheesecakes
What makes more sense for your celebrations, several mini cheesecakes or one larger cake? This vanilla pod pomegranate cheesecake, which can be turned into several individual desserts, has six of one, half a dozen of the other.
A coconut cashew cheesecake layer rests on a nutty crust and the whole thing is topped off with a thick, fruity glaze. The fact that it’s no-bake is the cherry – uh, pomegranate – on top.
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14. Pomegranate mousse
This silky pomegranate mousse recipe uses the natural coloring properties of the feathers to make a pretty pink milk dessert that is much more classy than boxed pudding. Make sure you do it in clear jars or jars for the full visual impact.
If you don’t have the agar-agar that the recipe calls for as a thickener, you can just subtract gelatin (unless you’re vegan).
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15. Pomegranate, pistachio and chocolate rind
We’re all for rich Christmas desserts, but when a treat is tasty and healthy, so much the better. Enter this better pomegranate pistachio chocolate rind from Maple and Mango.
Antioxidants are fully effective in each of the three ingredients and it’s easy to break into portioned bites. Plus, the red and green color scheme is as Christmassy as it gets.
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When you get out the holly and mistletoe this year, don’t forget to artfully decorate your food too! The beautiful red gemstones of the pomegranate can decorate all kinds of delicious dishes. In January, you could be a pomnivore.
