Mediterranean Diet Friendly Pumpkin Seed Herb Crunch
Toasted pumpkin seeds might be the most underrated pantry snack, and this spiced, herb-flecked version is proof they deserve a serious upgrade. Raw pepitas hit a dry skillet until they pop and turn golden, then get tossed with garlic-infused olive oil, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for a warm, layered heat that builds with every handful. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice cuts right through the richness, and the chopped flat-leaf parsley and thyme bring a bright, garden-fresh finish that makes the whole thing feel alive. The ingredient list reads like a love letter to the Mediterranean pantry — good olive oil, whole spices, fresh herbs, and plant-based protein all in one bowl. It comes together in a single skillet with no complicated technique, which means you can have something genuinely impressive ready in minutes. Scatter it over salads, spoon it onto roasted vegetables, or just eat it straight from the bowl — it holds up beautifully at room temperature and stores easily for snacking throughout the week.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 tbsp garlic-infused olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- 1
Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds in a single layer and toast, stirring frequently, until they begin to pop and turn golden, about 4–5 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly.
- 2
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil over the seeds. Add the cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and cayenne, then stir with a wooden spoon until the seeds are evenly coated.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!