Paraben Free Smoky Paprika Watercress and Cucumber Salad
This vibrant salad is a study in contrast — peppery watercress, cool cucumber rounds, and paper-thin radishes all come together in a way that feels fresh and a little unexpected. The real star is the smoked paprika dressing, a whisked blend of olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, and a touch of raw honey that delivers warmth and brightness in every bite. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that makes this feel like far more than a simple side salad. For anyone navigating paraben-free eating, the challenge often lies in processed condiments and bottled dressings, which can harbor preservatives that are harder to spot on a label. Here, the dressing is made entirely from scratch using whole, recognizable ingredients, so you know exactly what's going into it. Fresh lemon juice does the heavy lifting as a natural preservative and flavor booster, keeping everything clean and bright without any synthetic additives. The whole thing comes together quickly — toast the seeds, whisk the dressing, toss, and serve. It's the kind of recipe that works as a light lunch, a dinner party starter, or a colorful addition to any spread.
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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.
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