Zinc-Rich Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Seed Salad with Avocado

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

A skin-clearing salad rich in zinc and vitamin A to combat post-Whole30 breakouts, featuring roasted sweet potatoes and toasted pumpkin seeds. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 35 minutes pairs sweet potato, pumpkin seeds, avocado 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 medium peeled sweet potato, diced into 1/2-inch cubes, with 1 tsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp sea salt on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Roast for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until edges are crispy and tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While potatoes roast, toast 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Transfer roasted sweet potatoes to a bowl, add 1/2 diced avocado, and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and 1 tsp lime zest. Toss gently until evenly distributed and flavors are balanced.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zinc-Rich Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Seed Salad with Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Rich Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Seed Salad with Avocado?

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 sweet potato from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zinc-Rich Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Seed Salad with Avocado?

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-Rich Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Seed Salad with Avocado 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-Rich Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Seed Salad with Avocado?

American whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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