Ginger Free Smoky Paprika Fennel & Citrus Slaw
This slaw is a showstopper on the table — vivid purple cabbage, jewel-bright orange segments, and pale ribbons of fennel all tossed in a dressing that smells like a warm, smoky kitchen. The smoked paprika and cumin do the heavy lifting here, giving the whole dish a depth that feels almost grilled without any heat involved. Fresh citrus juice pulled straight from the segmented oranges ties the dressing together with a brightness that balances the earthiness of the spices beautifully. Many slaws lean on bottled dressings or spice blends that can hide unexpected ingredients, but every element in this one is straightforward and easy to verify. A short rest after tossing lets the vegetables relax just enough to soak up all that flavor without losing their satisfying crunch. Finished with fennel fronds and a handful of pumpkin seeds, it's the kind of side dish that looks like you spent far more time on it than you actually did.
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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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