Magnesium-Rich Spinach & Pumpkin Seed Salad
A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad featuring fresh spinach, pumpkin seeds, and a creamy avocado-lime dressing, rich in magnesium to help alleviate headache symptoms. This american-inspired salads (whole30) ready in about 10 minutes pairs spinach, pumpkin seeds, diced avocado 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 3 cups spinach
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2, diced avocado
- 1/2, juiced lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine diced avocado, lime juice, minced garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth and creamy (like a dressing).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine spinach and pumpkin seeds. Pour the avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Serve immediately at room temperature for optimal nutrient retention and texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Magnesium-Rich Spinach & 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 Magnesium-Rich Spinach & 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 spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Magnesium-Rich Spinach & 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 Magnesium-Rich Spinach & 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 Magnesium-Rich Spinach & Pumpkin Seed Salad whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.