Cinnamon Free Smoky Paprika Kale and Blueberry Salad
This salad is a bold, beautiful bowl that proves greens don't have to be boring. Massaged kale gets silky and tender, then gets layered with juicy blueberries, creamy avocado, and a satisfying crunch from toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds. The real star is the smoky paprika and cumin dressing — bright with lemon juice and just barely sweetened with raw honey, it pulls every ingredient together into something that tastes far more complex than the effort involved. For anyone navigating a sensitivity to warming spices like cinnamon, salad dressings and spice blends can be a minefield, but every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify. The smoked paprika gives that deep, almost earthy warmth without any of the usual suspects hiding in the mix. Toasting the nuts and seeds in a dry skillet takes just a few minutes and adds a nutty depth that makes this feel like a restaurant-quality dish. Serve it immediately after adding the avocado so everything stays fresh and vibrant.
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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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