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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Sides » Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

    Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

    August 12, 2018 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated July 29, 2020 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic Pinterest pin

    This recipe for Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic is a ten-minute wonder!  It’s the best and fastest way to serve your family a delicious and healthy vegetable side dish that even your pickiest eaters will love.

    Sauteed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic in a bowl with a pat of melted butter on top.

    Lately, I’ve been posting recipes for so many rich and decadent dishes, that I decided it’s high time I post a recipe for this healthy and fantastic side dish, simple Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic.

    Is spinach good for you?

    Depending on how old you are, I’m sure that you remember that Popeye made himself super strong from eating spinach. But did you also know that it’s listed at the top of the rankings of the world’s healthiest vegetables?

    That’s because it’s an excellent source of Vitamin K, Manganese, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Vitamins B2, B6, B1, and C. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber and protein.

    I confess that I didn’t always like spinach.  I remember in grade school stuffing it in my empty milk carton, so the nuns wouldn’t see that I didn’t eat it. Of course, now I feel a little silly, but back then, no way would I touch it. 

    This simple, fresh spinach recipe doesn’t come close to tasting like the canned spinach they served in the school cafeteria way back then.

    Here’s what you will need:

    You will need these ingredients: baby spinach leaves, olive oil, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, unsalted butter, and lemon zest and juice.

    Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic ingredients

    Here’s how to make it:

    Rinse the spinach leaves under cold running water, and allow them to dry. You can use a salad spinner to speed up this step.

    In a very large pot over low heat, add the olive oil and grated garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, continually stirring to ensure your garlic doesn’t burn.

    Sautéing garlic in a pan for Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic

    Add the spinach, and kosher salt and pepper. Use tongs and toss well until the spinach leaves are coated with the garlic and oil. Cover and cook for two minutes.

    Cooking baby spinach for Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic

    Uncover the pot, stir well, and turn the heat to high. Continue cooking and stirring the spinach for another minute or so, or until the spinach is wilted and bright green.

    To serve, top with a pat of unsalted butter, a pinch of lemon zest, and a drizzle of lemon juice.

    Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic garnished with lemons and butter

    More side dish recipes:

    Not only is this sautéed spinach recipe quick and easy. But, it’s also the very definition of healthy perfection and a fantastic side dish!

    If you are looking for other side dishes, you might be interested in these popular choices: Southern Green Beans and New Potatoes, Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, and Easy Baked Fresh Tomato Casserole.

    Need even more ideas, click on the link to check out all of my side dish recipes!

    ★ If you make this recipe, please consider rating it and leaving a comment. I’d love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones. I hope you’ll come back soon!

    Sauteed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic in a bowl with a pat of melted butter on top.
    Print Pin
    5 from 6 votes

    Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic

    Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Garlic is a ten-minute wonder!  It's the best and fastest way to serve your family a delicious and healthy side dish, which even your pickiest eaters will love.
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 6 minutes
    Cook Time 4 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 95kcal
    Author Sharon Rigsby

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 pounds baby spinach leaves
    • 2 Tbsp olive oil
    • 6 cloves garlic small cloves, grated using a zester
    • 2 tsp kosher salt
    • 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
    • Lemon zest and juice

    Instructions

    • Rinse your spinach leaves really well under cold running water, and allow them to dry. You can use a salad spinner to speed up this step.
    • In a very large pot over low heat, add the olive oil and grated garlic. Cook for about 1 minute stirring constantly to ensure your garlic doesn't burn.
    • Add the spinach, and kosher salt, and pepper and using tongs, toss well until the spinach leaves are coated with the garlic and oil. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
    • Uncover the pot, stir well, and turn the heat to high. Continue cooking and stirring the spinach for another minute or so, or until the spinach is wilted and bright green.
    • To serve, top with a pat of unsalted butter, a pinch of lemon zest, and a drizzle of lemon juice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 536mg | Potassium: 947mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 16000IU | Vitamin C: 65.2mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 4.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment below and/or give this recipe a rating. On Instagram? Take a picture and tag @gritsandpinecones or #gritsandpinecones!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carolyn

      January 20, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      Looks so yummy, I have not sautéed fresh spinach in such a long time but we both love it.

      Carolyn

      Reply
    2. Maud Marie Santucci

      January 20, 2016 at 9:14 am

      Hi, Sharon – Love all of your recipes. You came to the rescue today. I had a bag of spinach in the fridge today and couldn’t decide what to do with it. (It was BOGO at Publix last week and we already had spinach salad.) Anyway, we will have sautéed spinach for supper tonight. Sounds like you are enjoying retirement – isn’t it great?

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        January 20, 2016 at 9:50 am

        Thanks Maud Marie! Yes, I’m loving retirement and having a lot of fun with my blog! I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipes! I miss you!

        Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have well over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and there is nothing I like better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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