Mushroom Free Smoky Paprika Watercress and Cucumber Salad
Crisp, peppery watercress meets cool cucumber and paper-thin radishes in a salad that feels genuinely refreshing and a little bit bold. The real star is the smoky paprika dressing — a whisked blend of olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and a touch of honey that coats every leaf with warm, earthy flavor without overpowering the freshness of the greens. A pinch of cayenne gives it just enough of a kick to keep things interesting. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that makes this feel like a complete dish rather than a simple side. For anyone navigating a mushroom-free lifestyle, salads can sometimes feel like a minefield of hidden fungi in dressings or pre-mixed blends — here, every single ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify. The whole thing comes together in minutes, and because the dressing is made from scratch, there are no surprises lurking in the bottle. Serve it immediately after tossing so the seeds stay crisp and the watercress holds its bite.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 5 oz watercress, thick stems removed
- 1 english cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
- 3 radishes, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp raw honey
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until they begin to pop and turn golden, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a small plate and set aside.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, honey, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) until the dressing is smooth and uniform in color.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!