MSG Free Smoky Paprika Fennel & Citrus Slaw
This slaw is a riot of color and texture — shaved fennel, purple cabbage, juicy orange segments, and tender carrot all tangled together in a dressing that smells like a proper kitchen, not a bottle. The smoked paprika and cumin give it a warm, earthy backbone that plays beautifully against the bright citrus, and the whole thing comes together with nothing more than a whisk and a good toss. Every component here is whole and unprocessed, so there's no need to squint at ingredient labels or second-guess seasoning packets — the flavor is built entirely from scratch. Letting the slaw rest for ten minutes before serving is a small step that makes a real difference, softening the vegetables just enough to let the dressing sink in. The optional pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch on top, and the reserved fennel fronds keep it looking fresh and a little fancy. It works as a vibrant side next to grilled proteins, tucked into tacos, or honestly just eaten straight from the bowl.
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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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