This quick and easy sauteed spinach recipe is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. Made with fresh spinach, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, it’s the perfect side dish for a balanced and healthy diet.
Want to learn the secret to perfectly sauteed spinach every time? Look no further! This article will provide step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the perfect sauteed spinach dish. This is one of our favorite side dishes and one we make frequently. I love to serve it with New York strip steak with herb butter, grilled chicken, or roasted chicken.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Olive oil: extra virgin is best
- Garlic: freshly minced is full of aroma and flavor
- Baby spinach: Any raw spinach can be sautéed. I prefer to use baby spinach. It will be delicious and not slimy as long as it is cooked over medium to medium-high heat and cooked just until it is wilted.
How to saute spinach
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
First, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Do not brown it. Add the spinach and cover, cooking for about 1 minute. Then remove the lid and stir, bringing the cooked spinach up and uncooked spinach closer to the bottom of the pan.
Cover and cook for another minute. Then, remove the lid and increase the heat just a touch. Cook until the spinach is wilted, tossing to combine. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Preparation Tips
- Do not brown the garlic. When browned, garlic becomes bitter. For the best flavor, cook just until fragrant, stirring almost constantly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
- Freeze thoroughly cooled spinach in freezer zipper bags for up to 2 months. Frozen spinach does not reheat well. It may be too broken down and a little slimy to stand on its own. But it works well in dips, soups, pasta, quiche, and creamed spinach.
Recipe Variations
- Add a splash of citrus: squeeze lemon, lime, or orange juice into the fully sautéed spinach.
- Meat: add crisp bacon or crisp pancetta for a heartier side dish.
- Vegetables: add onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or shallots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry the spinach before you start, or use prewashed spinach. You don’t want extra moisture in the skillet. Remove any thick, tough stems. Sauté the spinach over medium to medium-high heat so it cooks quickly, with most of the moisture evaporating. Cook just until wilted, and be prepared to serve quickly. Use a slotted spoon to move the spinach to a serving dish and for serving.
In addition to salt and freshly ground black pepper, other spices include ginger, thyme, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and dill.
More Spinach Recipe
Sautéed Spinach Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic sliced
- 20 ounces baby spinach leaves
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Do not brown it.
- Add the spinach and cover, cooking for about 1 minute. Remove the lid and stir, bringing the cooked spinach up and the uncooked spinach closer to the bottom of the pan.
- Cover and cook for 1 minute. Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook until wilted, tossing to combine.
- Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Do not brown the garlic. When browned, garlic becomes bitter. For the best flavor, cook just until fragrant, stirring almost constantly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
- Freeze thoroughly cooled spinach in freezer zipper bags for up to 2 months. Frozen spinach does not reheat well. It may be too broken down and a little slimy to stand on its own. But it works well in dips, soups, pasta, quiche, and creamed spinach.
Nutrition
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Amber
Ive been trying to eat more plant foods and never really knew of a way to do spinach other than in salad. Definitely going to give this recipe a try.
Claudia
My kids love spinach. And this is one of the best ways to cook spinach! Thank you so much.
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT
Thanks for sharing your recipe for sautéed spinach! It’s great to hear you’ve found a way to make spinach that you enjoy. I’m sure this recipe will be helpful for others who are looking for new ways to prepare spinach.
Ntensibe Edgar
If there is a way I like my green veggies including spinach, this is it for me. Thank you for your recipe, chef!
Heather
Sauteed spinach is one of the sides that my whole family loves. I make mine very similarly and my family always raves about it.
Eileen M Loya
I have to make this dish. My kids love spinach, although I have not tried sauteeing them before. I do saute other leafy greens the same way you did with spinach in this recipe. Easy, healthy and delicious!
Beth Pierce
I agree 100%
Julie
Your recipe for sautéed spinach sounds absolutely delicious and healthy! The tips for keeping the spinach from becoming slimy are so helpful, and the recipe variations offer a lot of creative options for adding extra flavor and texture. I can’t wait to try this as a side dish with grilled meats.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Julie! Enjoy!
Healing Oils
I love spinach, plus it’s so healthy for you. I’m always looking for new recipes for it so thanks!
Whitney Stewart
Great spinach recipe. It is so easy and so delicious. Thank you so much for sharing!
Beti
This sounds incredibly delicious!! My family would love it!
katerina
I love sauteed spinach!! I can’t wait to try this!
Stacey
So simple, delicious, and healthy! I love that there are only a few ingredients, and it is ready to eat so quickly.
Tayler
I made this with dinner last night and added onion. It was delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure!
kushigalu
Love how healthy and delicious this sauteed spinach is. Thanks for sharing.
Andrea
What a simple recipe that makes a perfect side dish for any meal.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Andrea!
Maike
My DIL has a dairy allergy, and I always look for quick and easy dairy-free recipes. This one was definitely a hit, and we had no leftovers. It just had the right amount of garlic and became an instant family favorite.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Maike! So glad that you liked it!