Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Pumpkin Seeds
A magnesium-packed salad to combat migraines and dizziness by stabilizing blood sugar and reducing inflammation. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 10 minutes pairs medium avocado, medium cucumber, pumpkin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium avocado
- 1 medium cucumber
- 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Halve and pit 1 medium avocado, then slice into 1/4-inch thick wedges. Place in a bowl and drizzle with 1 tbsp lime juice to prevent browning.
- Step 2: Peel and dice 1 medium cucumber into 1/2-inch cubes. Add to the bowl with avocado, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds.
- Step 3: Gently toss all ingredients with 1/4 tsp sea salt until evenly distributed. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving to maximize magnesium absorption for migraine relief.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Pumpkin Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Pumpkin Seeds?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Pumpkin Seeds?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Pumpkin Seeds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Pumpkin Seeds?
Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
