Pomegranate Rice Salad

Why You’ll Love Pomegranate Rice Salad  Recipe

This vibrant salad brings together nutty mixed rice, bright pomegranate arils, fresh herbs, and a warmly spiced citrus dressing—creating a side dish (or light main) that’s as visually gorgeous as it is flavor-packed. The make-ahead-friendly format means it travels well and holds beautifully at room temperature, making it ideal for lunches, picnics, or holiday spreads.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked mixed rice (such as wild rice, brown rice, and basmati)
extra-virgin olive oil
scallions (white and light green parts), chopped
garlic, minced
toasted pistachios (or another nut of choice)
fresh parsley and mint leaves
pomegranate arils
fresh orange juice and zest
fresh lemon juice
white wine vinegar
maple syrup
ground cumin
ground coriander
ground cinnamon
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the rice: Use a mix of long-grain varieties like wild rice, brown rice, and basmati. Cook until tender and fluffy, then let cool slightly.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, orange juice and zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

3. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the chopped scallions and garlic until just softened, about 1 minute.

4. Warm the rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the aromatics. Stir gently to break up any clumps. Turn off the heat.

5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the rice mixture with pistachios, parsley, mint, and pomegranate arils. Add half of the dressing and toss gently.

6. Finish and serve: Drizzle with the remaining dressing, toss again, and season to taste. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Servings and timing

Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Variations

Veggie add-in: Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
Light swap: Substitute part of the rice with cauliflower or broccoli rice for a lighter option.
Nut swap: Use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds in place of pistachios.
Seasonal twist: Use dried cranberries instead of pomegranate arils in colder months; try basil instead of mint for a summer version.
Grain variation: If you only have one type of rice, such as brown or basmati, it will still work.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors continue to develop over time.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. This dish is not intended to be reheated.
For meal prep, cook the rice in advance and store separately until ready to mix and serve.

FAQs

Can I use a single type of rice instead of a mixture?

Yes, using just brown rice, wild rice, or basmati works well. A mix gives varied texture, but one type is fine.

Are the pistachios necessary?

No, but they add crunch and richness. You can substitute other nuts or omit them entirely.

Can I omit the orange juice or maple syrup in the dressing?

You can, though the citrus and sweetness add depth. Adjust with extra lemon juice or a pinch of sugar if omitting.

Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free if your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare it several hours in advance. Keep chilled or at room temperature until ready to serve.

Will the pomegranate arils get soggy if made ahead?

Not usually. They hold their texture well, but if you’re concerned, stir them in just before serving.

What goes well with this rice salad?

It pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, roasted tofu, chicken, or as part of a festive spread.

How should I adjust seasoning if the salad tastes flat?

Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten it, and adjust salt and maple syrup to taste.

Can I use other herbs instead of mint and parsley?

Yes, cilantro or basil can work well depending on the flavor profile you prefer.

Is it okay to serve this cold?

Absolutely. This salad is best served at room temperature or chilled, making it great for meal prep and gatherings.

Conclusion

This Pomegranate Rice Salad is a stunning, flavor-rich dish that balances nutty grains, fresh herbs, tart pomegranate, and a warmly spiced citrus dressing. Whether you’re prepping lunch, planning a potluck, or adding a unique side to your dinner table, this salad is sure to impress with its colors, textures, and vibrant taste.