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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Melissa C
I love spinach and it is so good for you! I appreciate this recipe as I am always looking for new ways to make it…. just made a dish using spinach and it was delicious! My husband will love this one too!
Nick
I love sauteed spinach as such a simple yet flavorful side dish. I love pairing it with grilled chicken or steak for a quick and healthy meal.
Beth Pierce
Me too!
Laura
This looks divine! Love my greens, and this recipe seems easy enough. May just make this tonight!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Laura! Enjoy!
Mary
This is so easy and good! I love how healthy it is too — a wonderful whole food way to get more iron in your diet. I always go heavy on the garlic!
Lainey
This was such a simple and flavorful side dish! I loved how quick it was to make, and the tip for avoiding extra moisture was super helpful.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Lainey! I am so glad that you liked it.
Karen
I looooove your recipe…It was very simple to make and tasted amazing, we all love it.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Karen!
Lynndee
This is how I saute my spinach, too. And more often than not, I add eggs. So good!
Beth Pierce
Delicious!
Ollie
Quick recipes like this make healthy eating easier without sacrificing flavor. A great side with so many dishes but two of my favorites are grilled steak and grilled chicken.
Victoria Prasad
Growing up, I was not a fan of spinach. As I have grown older, I have come to truly appreciate the taste and health benefits that spinach offers. So, I am excited to give this recipe a try. I will let you know how it turns out!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Victoria! Enjoy!
Ella English
I really love spinach so this recipe was absolutely delicious and I always add a dash of nutmeg.
Lisa
You can never go wrong with sautéed spinach. It’s healthy, delicious and a great side dish too.
Beth Pierce
I agree 100%
Melissa C
So simple and delicious looking and I already pinned this recipe to make as a side dish this week. Maybe with salmon. It looks incredible and so good for you too.
Lilly S
Thanks for sharing this! It was quick and easy. We have been concentrating on a more healthy diet and this helped fit the bill.
Rihanna Longfeld
We’re trying to include more veggies in our cooking and this sauteed spinach recipe is always a go to. It is delicious with grilled chicken and fish. We are trying to eat a little healthier.
Frances L
Thank you for this recipe! My kids actually really like spinach anyway but this sauteed version was very tasty as a side dish with our dinner.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Frances!
Roselynn
Spinach is so very versatile. One of my favorite vegetables to cook with.
Beth Pierce
Mine too!