Carrageenan Free Smoky Paprika Kale and Blueberry Salad
Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived thickener that sneaks into a surprising number of store-bought dressings, dairy alternatives, and even some packaged salad kits — so building a vibrant salad entirely from whole, unprocessed ingredients is a genuinely smart move. This one delivers big on flavor without relying on anything from a bottle or a bag. The dressing comes together with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, honey, and garlic — bold, smoky, and completely made from scratch. Massaging the kale with a pinch of salt before dressing it is the kind of step that transforms a tough green into something tender and deeply savory, and it makes every leaf soak up that paprika-laced coating beautifully. Juicy blueberries add a burst of sweetness that plays perfectly against the smokiness, while toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds bring serious crunch and a nutty depth. Creamy avocado slices layered on top round everything out and make this feel like a proper, satisfying meal rather than a side dish afterthought. It's the kind of salad that earns compliments even from people who claim they don't like salad.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 bunch curly or lacinato kale (about 8 oz), stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ½ cup raw walnuts
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 avocado, pitted and sliced
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts and pumpkin seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until the walnuts are fragrant and lightly golden and the pumpkin seeds begin to pop, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly emulsified.
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