Pomegranate Salsa Recipe

I simply adore this easy pomegranate salsa recipe. I first tried this awesome healthy fruit salsa at a friend’s Christmas party. I can see why they chose to serve it as a holiday appetizer because it is so colorful – bright red & green! However, once I requested the recipe for pomegranate salsa and made it at home, I now make it all year long.

When it comes to easy, healthy recipe ideas, this one is definitely a new favorite. Pomegranates are pretty easy to find year-round these days, and this is my favorite healthy snack to make ahead and take to work. It lasts for days but tastes like you just made it. It is also one of my favorite make-ahead party recipes, since it is served cold and doesn’t have to be made last minute. Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less jalapeno. You may just want to go ahead and double this recipe. You are going to want to be able to have lots for yourself and some to share.

The beauty of this pomegranate salsa lies in its incredible versatility. While it undoubtedly shines as a vibrant and flavorful appetizer or dip, it can also elevate your main dishes to new levels, turning basic into something exciting. I often serve it alongside grilled proteins like chicken or fish, allowing the tangy, fruity flavors to complement the savory elements perfectly. Pour it over cream cheese for a unique party dip to serve without spending hours in the kitchen. On lazy weeknights, I’ve even been known to scoop a generous portion over a bed of crisp greens for a satisfying and nutritious salad. Top it with feta or goat cheese and you have a balanced, healthy dinner or lunch.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the unique blend of flavors and textures. (I also just love looking at it, so pretty!) The juicy bursts of pomegranate seeds offer a delightful contrast to the crunch of the red onion and the freshness of the cilantro. The heat from the jalapeño adds a zesty kick, while the lime juice and honey provide a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes.

Pomegranate Salsa Ingredients:

• 2 cups pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1-3 tablespoons seeded, minced jalapeño (from about 1 small pepper; adjust amount of heat to taste)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Step 1

Peel and remove seeds from pomegranates. This should take 3 or 4 pomegranates, depending on the size of your fruit. Of course, you can also buy fresh pomegranate seeds that are ready to go, these work great, too! You need 2 cups of pomegranate seeds. Add these to a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 2

Chop jalapenos until diced finely. Be sure to remove the top, of course. You will want to wear gloves when you do this step because the jalapeno will burn you if you don’t!

Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of diced jalapeno to your mixing bowl. Use less if you want a less spicy salsa, and more if you want to kick up the heat level of your homemade pomegranate salsa.

Step 3

Wash and dry fresh cilantro. Remove cilantro leaves from stems. Chop and add 1/2 cup of the chopped cilantro to your mixing bowl.

Step 4

Finely dice 1/3 cup of red onion. Add the diced red onion to your mixing bowl with your other salsa ingredients.

Step 5

Squeeze a lime and add 2 tablespoons of the juice to your mixing bowl with the other ingredients for pomegranate salsa.

Step 6

Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to your homemade salsa mix.

Step 7

Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the fresh pomegranate salsa ingredients. This is your last ingredient!

Step 8

Refrigerate for an hour or up to 1 day before serving. This salsa lasts for about 5 days, but is at its best in the first 24 hours. You can make it the day before a party and refrigerate it over night, knowing it will be perfect and ready to serve the next day.

You can serve this with tortilla chips and dip it as a standalone or top a brick of cream cheese with it and serve on crackers or chips. This also makes a super healthy and colorful salad topper and a creative way to serve plain grilled chicken breasts or fish. I bet you get even more creative with pomegranate salsa serving ideas than I do. It really is one of the most versatile things I make right now.