Macadamia Free Smoky Paprika Kale and Blueberry Salad
This salad is a serious showstopper — smoky, bright, creamy, and satisfying all at once. The dressing is where the magic starts: smoked paprika and cumin give it a warm, earthy depth that plays beautifully against the pop of fresh blueberries and the richness of sliced avocado. Massaging the kale with a little sea salt before dressing it is the move that transforms tough leaves into something tender and almost silky, so every bite is genuinely enjoyable rather than a workout for your jaw. Toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds add crunch and a nutty, toasty flavor that makes this feel more like a complete meal than a side dish. For anyone navigating nut allergies or sensitivities around tree nuts like macadamia, this recipe leans on walnuts and pepitas — both clearly listed — so there's no guesswork about what's in the bowl. The lemon-honey dressing ties everything together with just enough brightness to keep the smoky notes from feeling heavy. Finish it with a scatter of fresh parsley and serve it right away while the avocado is still perfectly creamy.
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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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