Cycle-Support Avocado & Pumpkin Seed Salad

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

A nutrient-dense salad packed with zinc-rich pumpkin seeds and anti-inflammatory greens to help balance hormonal skin changes. This mediterranean-inspired salads (whole30, vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs kale, avocado, pumpkin seeds into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 285 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 285 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Massage 3 cups chopped kale with 1/4 tsp sea salt for 2 minutes until softened and vibrant green. Add 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion and toss to combine.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil with 1/4 lemon juice until emulsified. Drizzle over kale mixture and toss until evenly coated and leaves glisten.
  3. Step 3: Divide salad between bowls, top with 1/2 diced avocado and 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately to prevent avocado browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cycle-Support Avocado & Pumpkin Seed Salad 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 Cycle-Support Avocado & Pumpkin Seed 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 kale from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cycle-Support Avocado & Pumpkin Seed 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 Cycle-Support Avocado & Pumpkin Seed 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.

Is Cycle-Support Avocado & Pumpkin Seed Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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