Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed Avocado Salad
A nutrient-dense salad with zinc-rich pumpkin seeds and healthy fats to support skin health during Whole30, preventing cycle-related breakouts. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 20 minutes pairs large avocado, pumpkin seeds, thinly sliced radishes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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
- 1 large avocado
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
- 2 cups finely chopped kale
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large avocado, halved and pitted, in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice and gently mash with a fork until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky, then add 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds and toss to combine.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes and 2 cups finely chopped kale to the avocado mixture. Drizzle with 1 tbsp avocado oil and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp sea salt. Toss gently until evenly coated, using your hands to break down kale stems slightly.
- Step 3: Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled. The salad should have a creamy texture with a satisfying crunch from the radishes and seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed Avocado Salad take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed 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 large avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed 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 Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed 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 Zinc-Boosting Pumpkin Seed 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
