Pumpkin Seed & Spinach Salad

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

Spinach with avocado and toasted pumpkin seeds, dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. This mediterranean-inspired salads (whole30) ready in about 13 minutes pairs spinach, pumpkin seeds, 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 240 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.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 3 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Massage 4 cups fresh spinach with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/8 tsp sea salt for 2 minutes until leaves soften and release liquid.
  2. Step 2: Toast 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they pop and turn golden, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Dice 1/2 medium avocado and gently fold into spinach mixture with toasted pumpkin seeds.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 1 tsp olive oil, remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, and pinch of black pepper. Drizzle over salad just before serving to prevent browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pumpkin Seed & Spinach Salad take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (10 min prep + 3 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 Pumpkin Seed & Spinach 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 Pumpkin Seed & Spinach 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 Pumpkin Seed & Spinach 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 Pumpkin Seed & Spinach 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.

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