Migraine-Relief Spinach & Avocado Salad
Creamy avocado mingles with magnesium-rich spinach and citrus zing in this soothing salad, designed to support post-elimination wellness. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 17 minutes pairs baby spinach, medium avocado, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 cups baby spinach in a large bowl. Add 1/2 lemon's juice and 1 tsp zest, then toss with tongs until evenly coated — the leaves should glisten with citrus oil.
- Step 2: Dice 1 medium avocado into 1/2-inch cubes and gently fold into spinach mixture. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp sea salt, then toss until spinach is lightly dressed and seeds are visible.
- Step 3: Top with 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until they pop) and serve immediately while leaves are crisp.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Migraine-Relief Spinach & Avocado Salad take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (15 min prep + 2 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 Migraine-Relief Spinach & Avocado 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 baby spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Migraine-Relief Spinach & Avocado 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 Migraine-Relief Spinach & Avocado 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 Migraine-Relief Spinach & Avocado Salad?
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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.