Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Pumpkin Seeds

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

A refreshing, crisp salad featuring cool cucumbers, creamy avocado, and crunchy pumpkin seeds for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs cucumbers, avocado, pumpkin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 230 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Kitchen tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel cucumbers and cut into 1/4-inch half-moons, then sprinkle with 1/4 tsp sea salt and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: Slice avocado in half, remove pit, and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
  3. Step 3: Pat cucumbers dry with paper towels, then place in a bowl with sliced avocado and 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 medium lime juice, and 1 tsp chopped dill in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle dressing over cucumber-avocado mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the salad is chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Pumpkin Seeds 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 Cucumber-Avocado 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 cucumbers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber-Avocado 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 Cucumber-Avocado 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.

Is Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Pumpkin Seeds vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes