Apple Pomegranate Salad

Total Time
Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Updated on Jul. 23, 2025

This apple pomegranate salad is an impressive, easy-to-make side with fresh fruit, crisp lettuce, pecans, savory Parmesan and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

When autumn is in full swing, this apple pomegranate salad is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Tart Granny Smith apples, ruby pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans bring fresh, juicy and rich flavor. They are tossed with savory shreds of Parmesan cheese, romaine lettuce and a simple white wine vinaigrette, for a delicious and colorful salad that will become one of your best fall recipes.

This fancy-looking salad is surprisingly versatile. For a peppery bite, use baby arugula instead of romaine lettuce. If there is a nut allergy, replace the crunch of pecans with homemade croutons or toasted pepitas. To make this recipe for a gathering, chop the lettuce and make the dressing ahead of time. Then, you only need to cut the apple and toss everything together before serving. Your new favorite fall harvest salad is only a few minutes away.

Apple Pomegranate Salad Ingredients

  • Romaine lettuce
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Granny Smith apple
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • White white vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Directions

Step 1: Combine the salad ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the romaine, pomegranate seeds, pecans and cheese. Toss the apple with lemon juice and add to the salad.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, sugar and salt until blended.

Editor’s Tip: You can also combine all the ingredients in a jar, screw on the lid and shake until well combined. Store any extra dressing right in the jar.

Step 3: Dress the salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

How to Store Apple Pomegranate Salad

Leftover, dressed apple pomegranate salad won’t retain its crisp texture, so it’s best eaten the day it’s made. However, you can store leftovers successfully for two to three days if you refrigerate the salad and dressing separately in food storage containers and toss before serving.

Apple Pomegranate Salad Tips

What can you serve with apple pomegranate salad?

This sweet and savory salad pairs well with a variety of weeknight-friendly dishes, like grilled chicken breasts, a simple baked salmon recipe or a tender pork chop recipe. It’s also festive enough for the holiday table next to a roast turkey or honey-glazed ham.

What other salad dressings work with apple pomegranate salad?

You can substitute another homemade salad dressing recipe for the vinaigrette in this recipe as long as it’s sharp enough to cut the sweetness of the fruit. Enhance the apple flavor with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, or try a Dijon-forward honey mustard dressing or bright lemon vinaigrette.

What is the best way to remove the seeds from a pomegranate?

You can buy ready-to-use pomegranate seeds (arils) in the produce aisle, but it’s typically less expensive (and tastier) to seed a pomegranate yourself. Although it can seem intimidating to remove seeds from a pomegranate, it’s easier than you might think. We recommend following these three steps: Cut the fruit into quarters, soak the quarters in cool water for about five minutes, then gently pry the seeds from the thin white skins.

Test Kitchen Approved

Apple Pomegranate Salad

Yield: 8 servings
Prep: 20 min

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch romaine, torn (about 8 cups)
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine romaine, pomegranate seeds, pecans and cheese. Toss apple with lemon juice and add to salad.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk remaining ingredients until blended. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately.
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My grandparents grew pomegranates, pecans and walnuts and would send us some each year. Some of my best memories are the days I used to spend with my grandmother learning how to cook with her. Whenever I make this, it's like having lunch with my grandmother again. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
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