Chicken Free Smoky Paprika Buckwheat and Roasted Beet Salad
This salad is a genuinely stunning combination of earthy, smoky, and bright flavors that comes together with nothing but plants, grains, and good olive oil. Caramelized roasted beet wedges, creamy avocado slices, and peppery baby arugula create a layered base that looks as impressive as it tastes. The real secret weapon is the dressing — smoked paprika and cumin give it a deep, almost campfire-like warmth that ties every element together. Toasted buckwheat groats add a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that makes this feel like a complete, hearty meal rather than a side dish. Pumpkin seeds pile on even more texture and a subtle richness that rounds out every forkful. The whole thing is naturally built around whole, unprocessed ingredients, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden animal proteins sneaking in. A scatter of fresh parsley at the end keeps it bright and fresh, and it's the kind of dish that disappears fast at the table.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the roasted beets
- 1 lb medium beets (about 3–4), scrubbed and trimmed
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
For the buckwheat
- ¾ cup raw buckwheat groats
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 5 oz baby arugula
- 1 large avocado, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Rub the beets with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt, then wrap them individually in foil and place on a baking sheet. Roast until a paring knife slides through the center with no resistance, 40–50 minutes depending on size.
- 2
Unwrap the beets and let them cool for 10 minutes, then rub off the skins with a paper towel. Cut into 3/4-inch wedges and set aside.
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