Yeast Free Smoky Paprika Kale and Blueberry Salad
This salad is a genuinely exciting combination of flavors — earthy massaged kale, juicy blueberries, creamy avocado, and a smoky, cumin-kissed dressing that ties everything together in the best way. Avoiding yeast in everyday eating can feel limiting, especially when so many dressings and condiments sneak in fermented or brewer's yeast as a flavor booster. Here, the dressing is built entirely from scratch with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, and raw honey, so you know exactly what's going in. Massaging the kale with a little sea salt before dressing it is the move that transforms this from a tough, bitter green into something silky and deeply savory. The toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch and nutty richness that makes this feel like a complete, hearty meal rather than a side dish. Fresh blueberries bring a bright, jammy sweetness that plays beautifully against the smokiness of the paprika. Serve it immediately after adding the avocado so everything stays vibrant and the textures are at their absolute best.
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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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