If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with color, texture, and bold flavor, this Olive Salad with Pomegranate & Walnuts is your new go-to Mediterranean favorite. Combining briny olives, juicy pomegranate arils, crunchy toasted walnuts, and fragrant herbs, this salad is a celebration of contrasts. It’s bright yet savory, simple yet elegant, rustic yet refined.

Inspired by the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean basin — from Greece to Lebanon and Morocco — olive-based salads have long been a staple of coastal cuisine. While olives themselves are deeply rooted in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, the addition of pomegranate and walnuts brings a festive and seasonal twist that makes this dish perfect for holidays, gatherings, or even a quick weekday side.

Whether you’re preparing a mezze platter, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something fresh and healthy, this Mediterranean olive salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Olive Salad

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this olive salad with pomegranate:

Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
Packed with heart-healthy fats from olives and walnuts
Ready in under 15 minutes
No cooking required
Perfect for meal prep or entertaining
Beautiful enough for holiday tables

The sweet-tart pop of pomegranate balances the saltiness of the olives, while toasted walnuts add depth and crunch. A simple dressing of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice ties everything together.

The Mediterranean Roots of Olive Salad

Olives have been cultivated in Mediterranean regions for thousands of years. Countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco each have their own beloved varieties and preparations.

Pomegranate, often referred to as a symbol of abundance and prosperity in Mediterranean cultures, adds not only flavor but cultural richness to this dish. Walnuts, another traditional ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, provide earthiness and structure.

This combination echoes the flavors found in Levantine mezze spreads and North African salads — bright, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

2 cups mixed olives (green and black), pitted and halved
½ cup fresh pomegranate arils
½ cup walnuts, lightly toasted and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest
¼ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Ingredient Notes & Tips

Olives

Use a mix of mild green olives and richer black olives for complexity. Castelvetrano olives add buttery sweetness, while Kalamata olives contribute deep, wine-like flavor.

Pomegranate

Fresh arils are ideal for brightness and texture. If pomegranates are out of season, look for pre-packaged arils in the refrigerated produce section.

Walnuts

Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor dramatically. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.

Herbs

Parsley adds freshness, while mint introduces a cooling Mediterranean note. Don’t skip the herbs — they elevate the entire dish.

Instructions

If your walnuts are not toasted, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast walnuts for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool and chop roughly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved olives, pomegranate arils, chopped walnuts, parsley, and mint.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the dressing over the olive mixture.
Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — add more lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of salt if desired.
Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve at room temperature and enjoy.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

This healthy Mediterranean salad is all about balance:

Salty: Olives
Sweet: Pomegranate
Crunchy: Walnuts
Fresh: Herbs
Bright: Lemon juice
Rich: Olive oil

Each bite delivers multiple textures and layers of flavor, making it far more exciting than a standard green salad.

Serving Suggestions

This easy walnut olive salad is incredibly versatile. Here’s how you can serve it:

As a Mezze Dish

Pair it with hummus, baba ganoush, warm pita bread, and grilled vegetables.

With Grilled Proteins

Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or baked fish.

On Toast

Spoon over toasted sourdough with whipped feta or goat cheese.

As a Holiday Side

Its vibrant red and green tones make it ideal for festive winter tables.

Over Greens

Turn it into a larger salad by serving over arugula or baby spinach.

Variations to Try

Add Cheese

Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds creaminess and tang.

Make It Spicy

Increase red pepper flakes or add a finely diced chili.

Add Citrus

Include orange segments for extra brightness.

Add Grains

Mix with cooked quinoa or farro for a hearty grain salad.

Swap Nuts

Use pistachios or almonds if walnuts aren’t available.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This festive winter salad recipe stores beautifully:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Add fresh herbs just before serving for best flavor.

The flavors deepen over time, making it excellent for meal prep.

Nutritional Benefits

This Mediterranean olive salad isn’t just delicious — it’s nutrient-dense:

Olives: Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Pomegranate: High in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Walnuts: Provide omega-3 fatty acids and plant-based protein.
Olive Oil: A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet.

It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free (unless cheese is added), and packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Entertaining Tip

For gatherings, serve this olive salad in a shallow platter rather than a deep bowl. Garnish with extra pomegranate arils and a drizzle of olive oil for visual appeal. The contrast of red, green, and earthy brown makes it a show-stopping addition to any table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for even better flavor.

Can I use bottled pomegranate juice instead?

No — the texture of fresh arils is essential.

Is it vegan?

Yes, completely vegan as written.

What olives work best?

A combination of mild and bold varieties gives the best flavor depth.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Salad with Pomegranate & Walnuts is more than just a salad — it’s a vibrant expression of Mediterranean flavor. Quick to prepare yet impressive in presentation, it embodies the beauty of simple ingredients combined thoughtfully.

Whether you’re preparing a mezze spread, a holiday feast, or a quick healthy side, this Mediterranean olive salad offers brightness, texture, and bold flavor in every bite.

Once you try it, it may just become your signature dish.