Avocado-Walnut Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nutrient-dense salad featuring omega-3 rich avocados and walnuts. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (anti-inflammatory) ready in about 15 minutes pairs avocado, walnuts, kale for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 cups finely chopped kale in a large bowl; add 1/2 cup thinly sliced radish and 1/2 pitted and diced avocado, then gently toss to combine.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp tahini, and 1 tsp olive oil in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over kale mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the kale is bright green, taking care not to crush the avocado.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Walnut Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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-Walnut Salad?

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 avocado from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Walnut Salad?

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-Walnut Salad 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-Walnut Salad?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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