Pomegranate Fresno St. Louis Style Ribs with Grilled Citrus Summer Salad

Few things capture the spirit of backyard barbecue like a rack of slow-cooked ribs. This version takes classic St. Louis style pork ribs and elevates them with the bright fruit-forward flavor of Bearfoot BBQ Pomegranate Fresno BBQ Sauce.

The ribs are seasoned with a balanced spice rub, cooked low and slow until tender, and finished with a glossy glaze of Pomegranate Fresno BBQ Sauce that caramelizes beautifully over the grill. The natural acidity of pomegranate cuts through the richness of the pork while the Fresno chile adds a gentle warmth that builds with each bite.

To balance the richness of the ribs, the dish is paired with a grilled citrus fennel salad. The charred fennel develops subtle sweetness while fresh citrus and herbs add brightness and contrast, creating a side that feels light, elegant, and distinctly California-inspired.

Why Pomegranate Fresno BBQ Sauce Works with Pork Ribs

Pork ribs are rich and savory, which makes them an ideal partner for sauces that combine sweetness, acidity, and gentle heat.

Bearfoot BBQ Pomegranate Fresno Sauce delivers that balance naturally. The sweet-tart pomegranate enhances the caramelization on the ribs while the Fresno chile adds a mild, clean heat that complements the smoky pork.

As the ribs finish over the grill, the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that locks in moisture and delivers layers of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor.

This combination makes it ideal for:

• BBQ pork ribs
• St. Louis style rib recipes
• backyard barbecue gatherings
• elevated BBQ dinners
• fruit-forward barbecue dishes

Grilled Citrus Fennel Salad: Bright and Refreshing

Because ribs are rich and deeply savory, a crisp and vibrant side dish helps balance the plate.

Grilling fennel lightly caramelizes its natural sugars while keeping its subtle anise flavor intact. Paired with fresh orange segments, lemon, olive oil, and herbs, the salad brings acidity, brightness, and freshness that complement the smoky ribs.

Ingredients

Pomegranate Fresno St. Louis Style Ribs

2 racks St. Louis style pork ribs
¾ cup Bearfoot BBQ Pomegranate Fresno BBQ Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil

Dry Rub (optional; can use salt and pepper only if desired)

1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp cracked black pepper

Grilled Citrus Fennel Salad

2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced into wedges
1 orange, segmented
½ lemon, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or mint
Pinch kosher salt
Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Ribs

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry.

Combine the dry rub ingredients and season the ribs evenly on all sides. Allow the ribs to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the grill or smoker heats.

Cook the Ribs

Prepare a grill or smoker for indirect cooking at about 275°F.

Place the ribs bone-side down and cook for approximately 2½–3 hours until tender but still holding their shape.

During the final 20 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with Bearfoot BBQ Pomegranate Fresno BBQ Sauce and allow the glaze to caramelize.

For additional char, move the ribs briefly over direct heat while turning carefully.

Grill the Fennel

Toss fennel wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Grill over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes per side until lightly charred and tender.

Remove from the grill and allow to cool slightly.

Prepare the Citrus Fennel Salad

In a bowl, combine the grilled fennel, orange segments, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently.

Season with salt and cracked black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the ribs between the bones and arrange on a platter. Serve alongside the grilled citrus fennel salad and finish the ribs with an extra drizzle of Bearfoot BBQ Pomegranate Fresno BBQ Sauce.

Pairs well with:

• roasted fingerling potatoes
• grilled corn
• simple arugula salad
• crisp beers or bright white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris

BBQ Sauce Beyond the Grill

Great BBQ sauces balance sweetness, acidity, and heat, which makes them incredibly versatile beyond traditional barbecue.

Bearfoot BBQ Pomegranate Fresno Sauce combines bright pomegranate fruit with the gentle heat of Fresno chiles, creating a sauce that elevates ribs, grilled chicken, seafood, vegetables, and even fresh salads.

For barbecue that feels bold, vibrant, and unmistakably California, Pomegranate Fresno BBQ Sauce delivers a clean, balanced flavor that transforms classic BBQ dishes.