Caffeine Free Smoky Paprika Fennel & Citrus Slaw
This slaw is a serious showstopper — vivid, crunchy, and layered with flavors that feel anything but simple. Thinly sliced fennel, shredded red cabbage, and julienned carrots get tossed in a smoky paprika and citrus dressing that pulls everything together in the best way. Fresh orange segments folded in at the end add little bursts of sweetness that balance the earthy cumin and the gentle heat of the smoked paprika. The dressing is built entirely from olive oil, fresh-squeezed citrus, and pantry spices, so there's nothing hidden in here that could sneak in unwanted stimulants — just clean, whole ingredients from start to finish. A short rest before serving lets the vegetables soften just enough to soak up the dressing without losing their satisfying crunch. Scattered fennel fronds and raw pumpkin seeds on top make it look like something you'd order at a trendy bistro, but it comes together in one big bowl with minimal fuss. Serve it alongside grilled fish, tucked into tacos, or honestly just on its own — it holds up beautifully either way.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the slaw
- 1 medium fennel bulb, cored and very thinly sliced, fronds reserved
- 2 cups red cabbage, very thinly shredded
- 2 medium navel oranges, peeled and segmented
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned or coarsely grated
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh orange juice (from the segmented oranges)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh fennel fronds, roughly chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Segment the oranges over a small bowl to catch the juice: slice off the top and bottom of each orange, stand it upright, and cut away the peel and pith following the curve of the fruit. Slice between the membranes to release each segment. Squeeze the spent membranes over the bowl to collect the juice; measure out 3 tbsp for the dressing.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 3 tbsp orange juice, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and uniform in color.
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