The simplest and quickest side dish I can think of is sauteed spinach. It is quick (like, 10 minutes quick – no chopping!) and easy and packs a nutritional punch. Even my teenagers eat it!
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful side dish that delivers major nutritional benefits with almost no effort, this should be in your weekly rotation.
Step by step link:
See the step by step sauteed spinach recipe with pictures here.
Frequently asked questions about cooking fresh spinach? Click here.
Pro tip
My pro tip – I love adding sauteed spinach to a meal prep or lunch box because the moisture in the spinach steams everything else when it’s being microwaved. You heard it here first! Check out how I use the sauteed spinach in this quick and easy turkey meatballs, zoodles, and spinach meal prep.
This simple recipe—olive oil, garlic, broth, and a splash of acidity—comes together in minutes, yet it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and anti‑inflammatory compounds that support whole‑body wellness.
My kids are always happy to eat this (go figure!?). Vitamin C and iron-rich, wilted spinach feeds your body with actual nutrition.
I have some other great side dish recipes here! I’m still working on building up these recipes, so please don’t mind some sparse content.
What should I eat with this 5 minute healthy spinach side dish?
Main Dish Pairing: This simple side pairs perfectly with our Turkey Meatballs and Zoodles for a complete low-carb, high-protein dinner.
Breakfast Idea: Have leftovers? Stir this sautéed spinach into an Easy High-Protein Egg Bake the next morning.
Alternative Green: If you love quick sides, try our Air Fryer Zucchini for another fast and healthy option.
Flavor Profile: Love the garlic-lemon combo? Use those same flavors in our Garlic Dijon Salmon for a cohesive Mediterranean-inspired meal.
How else can I eat spinach? Try this Farro and Chicken Sausage recipe that also uses fresh spinach.
A Healthy Go To Side Dish
Spinach is one of the most nutrient‑dense vegetables you can put on your plate. Even when lightly cooked, it remains an excellent source of:
- Vitamin A, essential for immune health, skin repair, and vision
- Vitamin K, a powerhouse nutrient for bone strength and healthy blood clotting
- Vitamin C, which supports collagen production and helps your body absorb iron
- Iron, crucial for energy and oxygen transport
- Potassium, a key mineral for heart health and fluid balance
Because this recipe uses six full ounces of baby spinach, you’re getting a concentrated dose of these nutrients in a single serving.
This dish isn’t just nutritious—it’s intentionally anti‑inflammatory. If you’re focusing on anti-inflammatory eating, definitely try this recipe. It contains:
- Olive oil provides heart‑healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
- Garlic contains allicin, a compound linked to reduced inflammation and improved immune function.
- Spinach itself is rich in phytonutrients like lutein and quercetin, both known for their anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar adds acidity that brightens flavor and supports digestion.
Need more benefits?
- Low in calories, at about 50 per serving.
- Low in carbohydrates
- A veggie that contains protein!
- Fiber
Recipe details are below, but please double it for large side dishes or a large family! You will want to use a deep stock pot or cook in two batches.
I love eating spinach with a fish or chicken main dish, such as this cajun blackened roasted salmon.
Easiest Speedy Sauteed Spinach
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a saute pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, add olive oil. Let warm for 1 minute.
- Add garlic, and saute for 30 seconds.
- Add the baby spinach all at once, and immediately salt the spinach.
- Stir to coat the spinach in the oil until mostly wilted.
- Add a scant ¼ cup of broth to the spinach. Cover with a lid, and turn the heat to low.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Uncover, and add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, to taste.
*Please consult your health professional for health and nutritional advice.
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Easy Sauteed Spinach Step by Step
Saute roughly minced garlic in extra virgin olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. I use this deep skillet from Calphalon that has lasted me more than 20 years! Here is a similar cookware set (my affiliate link).
Add spinach and salt.
Stir until the spinach is mostly wilted.
Add broth. Cover, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove lid, and add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon.
Serve with your favorite main dish!
FAQ for Cooking Fresh Spinach
Can you double this recipe? Yes! You can easily double or even triple this recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or a Dutch oven, as raw spinach takes up a lot of volume before it wilts. Work in batches if necessary so you don’t crowd the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than sautéing.
How do I keep the spinach from getting watery? The secret is high heat and quick cooking. Sautéing the spinach quickly allows the moisture to evaporate. Also, ensure your spinach is as dry as possible after washing before it hits the oil. It’s also perfectly acceptable to serve with a slotted spoon!
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? While this recipe is optimized for the texture of fresh baby spinach, you can use frozen. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out every bit of excess water using a kitchen towel or paper towels before sautéing with the garlic and oil.
Is sautéed spinach anti-inflammatory? Absolutely. Spinach is loaded with antioxidants, and when paired with healthy fats like avocado oil or olive oil and fresh garlic, it makes for a fantastic nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory side dish.
