Walnut 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 smoky, citrus-forward dressing that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. The smoked paprika and cumin give the whole thing a warm, earthy backbone, while fresh orange and lemon juice keep it bright and lively. Slaws like this can sometimes sneak in unexpected add-ins, but every component here is straightforward and easy to verify, making it a genuinely stress-free dish to prepare. Letting the vegetables rest for ten minutes before serving is a small step that makes a big difference — the fennel softens just enough, the dressing soaks in, and the flavors settle into something cohesive and deeply satisfying. Optional pumpkin seeds add a pleasant crunch without any of the cross-contamination concerns that come with tree nuts. It works beautifully as a side for grilled proteins, tucked into tacos, or piled onto a grain bowl when you want something fresh and a little unexpected.
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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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