Pescatarian Smoky Paprika Kale and Blueberry Salad
This salad is a genuinely exciting combination of flavors and textures — earthy massaged kale, juicy blueberries, creamy avocado, and a smoky paprika-cumin dressing that ties everything together in the best possible way. The technique of massaging the kale with salt before dressing it is a small step that makes a huge difference, breaking down the tough leaves into something tender and deeply flavorful. Toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch and a nutty richness that makes this feel like a complete, hearty meal rather than a side dish. The dressing — built from olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of honey — has this warm, slightly smoky depth that plays beautifully against the bright, sweet burst of fresh blueberries. Everything here is naturally plant-based, so it fits effortlessly into a pescatarian lifestyle without any substitutions or workarounds needed. It comes together in one large bowl with minimal cleanup, and the payoff is a salad that looks stunning on the table and tastes even better than it looks.
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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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