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'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? ›

Can you eat pomegranate seeds? Pomegranate seeds are safe to eat and are a good source of many vitamins and nutrients. People may also refer to pomegranate seeds as arils. The white flesh surrounding these seeds is technically edible but is bitter, and most people avoid it.

What happens when you eat pomegranate everyday? ›

Eating pomegranates on a daily basis, or drinking the juice can be an excellent aid for your immunity, fight Type-2 diabetes, keep blood pressure in check, smoothen digestion and make your skin glow too. So, the next time you want to pick up a snack, munch on a pomegranate.

How do you remove pomegranate seeds without making a mess? ›

fill a bowl with cold water, then split a pomegranate underneath the cold water. and use your hands to separate. all the pomegranate seeds from the white pith. the pith will flow to the top.

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.

Who should not eat pomegranate seeds? ›

Pomegranate seeds may interact with blood thinners due to their high vitamin K content and potential antiplatelet properties. Vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of certain blood-thinning medications like warfarin, leading to fluctuations in blood clotting.

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

Animal studies suggest that this unique acid provides anti-inflammatory effects for the body and brain. 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.

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.

What medications do pomegranates interfere with? ›

Pomegranate juice may interact with the following drugs:
  • Statins: Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Zocor (simvastatin)
  • Antiarrhythmics: Cordarone (amiodarone), Norpace (disopyramide), and quinidine.
  • Anticoagulants: Jantoven (warfarin)
Dec 15, 2022

Which is better pomegranate juice or seeds? ›

Studies suggest the juice may help lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. But as is true for all fruits, you're better off consuming the fruit itself (so you eat the fiber-rich seeds) rather than drinking juice. A half-cup of pomegranate arils contains just 72 calories.

What organ is pomegranate good for? ›

Other benefits of pomegranate
  • Heart health benefits.
  • Anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Anti-cancer phytonutrients (similar to those of broccoli)
  • Urinary health support.
  • Digestive health benefits.
  • Elevated endurance.
  • A boast in antimicrobial properties that fight oral germs that cause gum disease and bad breath.
Mar 18, 2022

What happens if you eat banana everyday? ›

Eating too many bananas or other high-potassium foods can cause excess potassium in the body, also called hyperkalemia. This can cause serious health problems, including heart issues. While most people wouldn't be able to stomach the number of bananas necessary to cause this to happen, it's something to be mindful of.

What is the healthiest part of a pomegranate? ›

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. Pomegranates also have a lot of folate, potassium and vitamin K.

How do you separate good and bad pomegranate seeds? ›

Once you've broken loose a segment, it's easy to seperate the arils from the white flesh by gently brushing your fingers over them. If there are any bad arils around, you can either leave them in the segment by not brushing them loose or you can dispose them into a seperate container.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 6021

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.