In partnership withPOM Wonderful

15 Festive Ways to Cook with Pomegranates This Winter

published Dec 11, 2020

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Credit: POM Wonderful

As we head into winter and the holiday season, adding a pop of color to our meals is our favorite way to lend brightness and sparkle to chilly days. Luckily, that’s easier to do than you might think because it’s peak pomegranate season! Pomegranates add a burst of uniquely tart and sweet flavor, and the window for enjoying them fresh is rather narrow. Available October through January, POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils make enjoying fresh pomegranates as easy as can be.

Derived from fresh pomegranates, POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils are a good source of fiber and are known for their antioxidant goodness. POM POMS come in a convenient package and are ready to eat right away — saving the time needed to open a whole pomegranate. POM POMS are available in a 100-calorie 4-ounce single serving for easy on-the-go-snacking and a larger 8-ounce size, which is great for cooking and baking.

Snacking on them straight from the package isn’t the only way to enjoy them, though. POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils are a fun and tasty addition to many of your favorite holiday dishes. They’re perfect for elevating your favorite recipes because they add a brilliant ruby red pop of color and a sweet burst of flavor. And since they’re only in season through January, now is your chance to eat this special treat. Here are 15 creative ways to use them, from appetizers to entrees, side dishes to desserts, and even cocktails!

Cocktails

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Orange Ginger POM Shrub

The vodka is optional in this sweet-tart drink with a bite. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for something that’s nonalcoholic but also festive.

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Pomegranate Moscow Mule

Combining POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice with the usual ginger beer and vodka in a Moscow Mule makes for the perfect seasonal twist, especially when mugs are garnished with POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils.

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Spiced rum, along with cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves, give this fruity cocktail extra festive flavor.

Appetizers

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Pomegranate Brie Bites

You can make the pomegranate jam for these cheesy bites up to three weeks ahead of time. Make a double batch, because it's great as a condiment for chicken and pork, too.

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Mushrooms and Lentil Bruschetta

POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils lend the perfect pop of color to this veggie-packed appetizer. Their sweet, juicy flavor also balances the earthy mushrooms, lentils, and kale.

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Turkey Sliders with Pomegranate Relish and Coleslaw

These turkey sliders are extra festive thanks to a sweet-tart pomegranate relish and a cool and crunchy green cabbage slaw.

Entrees

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POM Slow-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Mint Molasses

This juicy rack of lamb is nothing short of show-stopping. Serve the chops over couscous or mashed cauliflower to catch all of the delicious juices.

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POM-Broiled Salmon with Garlic-Smashed Potatoes

Let POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils brighten up your usual salmon routine. This vibrant meal is easy enough to pull together on a weeknight but still feels festive.

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Meatless POM Meatballs

A combination of eggplant, walnuts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs are at the base of these tender, totally meatless meatballs.

Sides

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Pomegranate Wild Rice and Roasted Squash Salad

While this colorful salad calls for acorn squash, sliced delicata squash or cubed butternut squash make nice substitutes.

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Avocado Dressing and POM POMS

A scattering of POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils draws out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, avocado, and gorgonzola cheese in this pretty side dish.

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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with POM-Pickled Onions

Ruby red and a whole lot of healthy. The pickled onions are the star of this dish, adding a tangy flavor that make your taste buds explode with every bite.

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French Green Beans with POM, Goat Cheese, and Almonds

These stir-fried green beans are full of texture and flavor thanks to creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted almonds, and juicy-sweet POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils.

Desserts

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Pomegranate Lemon Tart

Feel free to use store-bought crust to make these cheerful tarts. They're the perfect treats to brighten just about any winter day.

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Pomegranate Dark Chocolate Cookies

POM POMS Fresh Pomegranate Arils are a surprising addition here. They caramelize in the oven, becoming even sweeter, which makes them the perfect complement to bitter dark chocolate.

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