Ready in 10 minutes, this quick and easy veggie side makes a tasty addition to any meal.
When it comes to eating my greens, I have to admit that I can be overly ambitious about it sometimes. Nine times out of ten, I’ll opt for the largest container of fresh spinach at the grocery store, with grand intentions of making green smoothies and spinach salads every day. And while I often use a pretty good amount of spinach, I’m still usually left with a half-full container of spinach by the end of week. Which is why sautéed spinach is an oft-repeated side in my house. Not only is it a great way to use up the remaining greens, it’s also highly delicious!
This sautéed spinach consists of five simple ingredients and comes together in just ten minutes. The greens are cooked in olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. A hint of garlic adds a nice savoriness to every bite. It’s a side dish that’s so easy to pair with lots of different entrées, from grilled meats or rice bowls to pasta or pizza. I’ve even been known to throw it into a grilled cheese sandwich.
The next time you’re shopping for fresh spinach and debating about which size container to get, go for the bigger one, and give this recipe a try. It’s sure to become a weekly staple!
Tasty variations to try
What I love about this recipe is that it can easily be adapted to create a whole new flavor. For example, you can simply switch up the seasoning. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes would add a bit of heat. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning would add a wonderful herby flavor, while a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkling of sesame seeds would lend a bit of Asian flavors. You can also add other veggies in with your spinach. Consider stirring in some cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, or onions with your sautéed spinach. You could also stir in some diced bacon or ham for some smokiness or top with a crunchy element like pine nuts or slivered almonds.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow any leftover spinach to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, gently warm the spinach on your stovetop with a little extra olive oil, or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Serving suggestions
Pair your sautéed spinach with a hearty protein like Rosemary Steak, or try something a little lighter like Baked Cod. Add a few other sides like Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Honey-Glazed Carrots, and you have a fabulous, well-rounded meal. This dish would also go well with a Mushroom Pasta or other grain dishes like this Greek Bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and drain the spinach, if not pre-washed.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually add the spinach, stirring continuously, until all of the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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