Simple Garlic & Lemon Sautéed Spinach
This simple Garlic & Lemon Sautéed Spinach is a vibrant, healthy side dish that comes together in under 10 minutes. It's the perfect way to add a generous serving of greens to any meal, from weeknight dinners to weekend brunches.
For 4 servings
Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and pat it dry. Mince the garlic cloves and halve the lemon, preparing it for juicing.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat until shimmering. A large surface area is key for even cooking.
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It will seem like a very large amount, but it will quickly reduce. If your skillet isn't large enough, add the spinach in batches, allowing the first batch to wilt slightly before adding more.
Using tongs, gently toss and turn the spinach in the skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until all the spinach has fully wilted and significantly reduced in volume, becoming tender and bright green.
Remove the skillet from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice directly over the wilted spinach.
Season the spinach with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to your desired taste. Toss everything together once more to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Serve the Garlic & Lemon Sautéed Spinach immediately as a vibrant and healthy side dish alongside your favorite main courses.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a very large skillet or pot: Spinach reduces significantly, but starting with ample space ensures even wilting without steaming.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan: If you don't have a large enough pan, wilt the spinach in two batches to prevent it from steaming instead of sautéing.
- 3Avoid overcooking: Spinach cooks very quickly. As soon as it's fully wilted and bright green, remove it from the heat to maintain its texture and nutrients.
- 4Adjust seasoning at the end: Spinach loses volume, so season after wilting to avoid over-salting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Spinach
Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast after removing from heat for an umami, cheesy flavor.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bolder heat.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Toast 2 tablespoons of pine nuts or slivered almonds in a dry pan before starting, then sprinkle over the finished spinach for added texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate, essential for bone health, vision, immunity, and cell function.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Both spinach and garlic contain powerful antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Supports Digestion
The fiber content in spinach aids in healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation, contributing to overall gut health.
Frequently asked questions
While fresh spinach is recommended for its texture and vibrant color, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the pan to prevent a watery dish.
