RECIPE CARD: Oil-Free Pomegranate Balsamic Vinaigrette (PRINTABLE)
Easy dressing adds jazz to vegetables and salads. Oil-free balsamic pomegranate is tangy, sweet, and made in the blender.
Course: dressing, salads
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Oil-Free Balsamic Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Calories: 35kcal
Author: Tikare
- ⅓ cup pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp Tahini
- 1 tbsp sweet onion, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- pinch of salt and pepper
Step 1: Add the IngredientsAdd the pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, tahini, sweet onion, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a blender. Step 2: Blend Until SmoothBlend on high speed for 20–30 seconds, or until the ingredients are fully combined. Step 3: Adjust the FlavorTaste the dressing and adjust as needed. Add a little more maple syrup for sweetness or extra balsamic vinegar for a tangier flavor. Step 4: ServeDrizzle over salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables. It pairs especially well with spinach, roasted delicata squash, avocado, toasted pecans, and pomegranate arils.
Recipe Tips
- Use pomegranate balsamic vinegar instead of regular balsamic vinegar for a richer fruit flavor.
- Chill the dressing for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- If the dressing thickens in the refrigerator, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of water before serving.
- Shake or stir well before each use.
Doneness Cues
The dressing is ready when:
- The texture is smooth and creamy with no visible streaks of tahini.
- The minced onion is fully incorporated.
- The color is evenly reddish-brown throughout.
- The vinaigrette flows smoothly off a spoon yet remains thick enough to coat the spoon's back lightly.
- The flavor is balanced, with noticeable sweetness from the pomegranate and maple syrup, tanginess from the balsamic vinegar, and subtle savory notes from the mustard and garlic.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may separate after thawing.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to 3 days in advance for easy meal prep.
Serving: 6Servings | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.5g | Fat: 1.8g | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 70mg | Sugar: 3.4g | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg