This festive Pomegranate Relish is sweet, savory, and just a bit spicy. It’s the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving menu, served over grilled pork chops, or tossed on a green salad to finish.

overhead image of pomegranate relish or "salsa" in a white bowl with greens set around it

It may be weird, but cranberry sauce is one of my favorite dishes at Thanksgiving. Not the canned sauce, because that’s not really a “dish”­—although that stuff is classic—but the cranberry sauce that’s made with fresh cranberries, citrus juice and zest, herbs, you get the picture.

I also prefer to make mine a little savory with herbs, spice, and garlic if it jives with the other flavors.

overhead image of pomegranate relish or "salsa" in a white bowl with greens set around it

However, Thanksgiving this year is going to be quite a bit smaller and much quieter (Drinksgiving will have to live on next year), which got me thinking about the traditional dishes we usually serve. And although I love the classics, if there was a year to switch things up, it would be this one.

Overhead image of a fresh pomegranate on a blue counter

So for this Thanksgiving, this Pomegranate Relish is going to be the cranberry sauce for our meal. It’s light and refreshing with just enough sweetness to balance out all of the heavy, savory foods. Seasoned with jalapeños, fresh herbs, lime, and maple, this recipe is simple to throw together while being big in flavor.

Looking for Thanksgiving inspiration? Check out ZK’s Thanksgiving recipes!

overhead image of pomegranate relish or "salsa" in a white bowl with greens set around it

Make sure to tag me @ZESTFULKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM or comment below if you make this pomegranate relish!

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overhead image of pomegranate relish or "salsa" in a white bowl with greens set around it

Pomegranate Relish

  • Author: Zestful Kitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: No cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This festive Pomegranate Relish is sweet, savory, and just a bit spicy. It’s the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving menu, served over grilled pork chops, or tossed on a green salad to finish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 cups pomegranate arils (seeds)
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Whisk oil, maple syrup, zest, and lime juice together. Add arils, jalapeño, cilantro, and parlsey season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.


Notes

Can be made 3 days ahead.
Serve in place of Cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving, spooned over baked brie or served on a cheese board.

Keywords: Pomegranate relish, pomegranate salsa

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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