How to Saute Spinach

Name: How to Saute Spinach
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 8 oz. fresh spinach; 1 Tbsp. minced garlic; 3 Tbsp. olive oil; salt and pepper to taste

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I’m going to show you How to Saute Spinach in olive oil and garlic with simple seasonings for the most delicious, versatile side dish recipe. It’s so easy to do and pairs well with all kinds of dishes! Garlic sauteed spinach is ready in 10 minutes or less.

sautéed spinach on a white plate with pork and potatoes

Sauteed Spinach Recipe

Sauteed spinach is one of the best side dishes for everything from chicken and steak to pork and more. It’s one of the easiest side dishes you can make, but spinach has so much natural flavor that it elevates every dish.

This is my family’s favorite way to cook spinach. Try this easy recipe once and you’ll want to make it all of the time to pair with your dinner ideas, but it even works well with lunch and breakfast, too. Eggs and spinach are a match made in heaven!

Sauteed Spinach Ingredients

fresh spinach
minced garlic
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add minced garlic and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
Toss fresh spinach into the pan with the garlic.
Cook until dark green and wilted, about 5 minutes. Top with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and enjoy!

Sauteed Spinach FAQs

Does spinach have protein?

According to Medical News Today, Spinach is one of the most protein-rich vegetables you can eat. One cup of raw spinach contains almost a full gram of protein.

Is sauteed spinach healthy?

Spinach is extremely healthy. It has iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. ½ cup of cooked spinach only has approximately 35 calories.

What spices go well with spinach?

I keep my sauteed spinach recipes simple with oil, garlic, and a little salt and pepper, but you can change it up and add other seasonings that make these greens really pop. Depending on your main course, it’s fun to experiment with what you can add to sauteed spinach with garlic!

Curry seasonings: Spinach goes well with turmeric, coriander, ginger, paprika, and cumin. Try making a curry spinach recipe and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Hot spices: Add a little cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or chili powder for a kick, if you love spice as much as we do. Even better if you chop up and mix in some spicy Bacon.
Vinaigrettes: Try sherry, balsamic, or lemon vinaigrette with sauteed spinach.

Can you freeze spinach?

Yes! If you’re not sure how to freeze spinach, this is the easiest way.

Cook the spinach as instructed and store it in freezer-safe bags.
Label it with the freezing date and then quickly defrost it to use in your favorite dishes.

Frozen cooked spinach lasts up to 10-12 months in the freezer.

You can also use frozen spinach to make this dish. Don’t thaw the spinach – cook it directly from frozen.

Our Philly Pork Sandwich is my favorite recipe with sauteed spinach. I first tried this sandwich in Philly with broccoli rabe, and knew I had to give making it at home a try. It’s even more delicious using spinach!