Rye Free Smoky Paprika Watercress and Cucumber Salad

Total time18 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time3 min

Rye Free Smoky Paprika Watercress and Cucumber Salad

This vibrant salad is a study in contrasts — peppery watercress, cool cucumber rounds, and paper-thin radishes all come together under a smoky, citrus-forward dressing that genuinely makes you want to eat your greens. The smoked paprika and cumin give the vinaigrette a warm, almost earthy depth, while a touch of honey rounds out the heat from the optional cayenne. Toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet is a small step that pays off big, adding a nutty crunch and a satisfying pop to every forkful. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from rye, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about grain-based fillers sneaking into your dressing. It's the kind of dish that looks impressive on the table but comes together with a whisk, a skillet, and about ten minutes of easy prep. Serve it immediately after tossing so the watercress stays bright and the seeds keep their crunch.

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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
Private Selection Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Bertolli Extra Virgin D'Italiia Olive Oil 16.9oz
Extra Virgin Olive Oil FIELD DAY OLIVE OIL EXTRA VIRGIN Olitalia Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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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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