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What to Do with Spinach – 9 Tempting Ways To Add Spinach To Your Meals

If you’re wondering what to do with spinach, you’re in luck. I’ve compiled some of my favorite ideas for using spinach in the kitchen. My favorite is fresh, raw spinach in a salad, but that can get boring for a lot of people, so let’s look at some other ways to use it.

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Spinach is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

a basket of fresh spinach leaves

Let’s explore some ways to prepare it.

What to Do with Spinach in the Kitchen

Here are some ideas on what to do with spinach in the kitchen:

1. Make spinach dip

spinach dip in a white bowl

Delicious, creamy, and healthy! What’s not to love about spinach dip? This classic party dish is perfect for any occasion and can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s a spinach dip recipe I like. Another popular variation is spinach artichoke dip.

2. Add it to salads

fresh salad with spinach, tomatoes, orange adn almonds

My favorite way to each spinach is raw in a salad or in place of lettuce on a sandwich. You can be as creative with this as you want. Some people use spinach or fresh baby spinach as the whole base for the salad, whereas others will just sprinkle some on top, or mix it into a salad blend. There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a spinach salad.

Try this spinach and orange salad: it’s delicious!

3. Add it to eggs or omelet

spinach omelet on a plate

Spinach can also be added to eggs to create a nutrient-rich breakfast. Spinach is rich in iron, which helps to transport oxygen to the cells in the body. Adding spinach to eggs can help to increase the amount of iron that you consume, and it can also provide other essential nutrients.

Spinach frittata is another way to enjoy the egg and spinach combo.

4. Make spinach pesto

a bowl of spinach pesto on a wooden table

Pesto is traditionally made with basil, but spinach pesto is a great alternative for those who don’t like basil or are looking for a change. It’s easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s delicious on pasta, in sandwiches, or even just as a dip.

To make spinach pesto, simply blend spinach, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and salt in a food processor or blender until smooth. You can adjust the ingredients to taste and add more spinach if you want a thicker pesto. Store spinach pesto in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for longer-term storage.

5. Sauteed spinach

sauteed spinach

It’s simple and classic, but sauteed spinach is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy this nutrient-rich leafy green. Sauteing spinach helps to preserve its nutrients while also bringing out its natural flavor.

To sauté spinach, simply heat some olive oil or butter in a pan, add the spinach leaves, and cook until they are wilted. You can also add garlic, onions, or other seasonings to taste. Enjoy your sauteed spinach as a side dish or add it to pasta, rice, or other main dishes for a pop of color and flavor.

6. Creamed spinach

creamed spinach

Creamed spinach is another simple dish that tastes great. It’s an awesome way to use up that spinach before it goes bad and pairs well with a lot of other dishes.

This dish usually involves cooking spinach in butter or cream until it is wilted and tender, then adding cream cheese for creaminess.  Often, other ingredients such as onions, garlic, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese are added to give the spinach even more flavor. Creamed spinach is typically served as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course or even a dip.

7. Spinach rice

spinach with rice on a white plate

Spinach rice is a great way to get your spinach fix and enjoy a delicious bowl of rice at the same time.

This dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. To start, cook your rice according to the package directions. Then, sauté some spinach in a pan with a bit of olive oil. Once it is wilted, add it to the cooked rice. You can also add other vegetables, such as onions (especially sauteed onions!), carrots, or peas. Season the spinach rice with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot and enjoy!

8. Spinach pizza

spinach pizza

What’s not to love about a delicious slice of savory pizza, especially when it’s packed with healthy greens? The next time you’re in the mood for homemade pizza, consider adding some spinach.

9. Make delicious green smoothies

a glass jar filled with green smoothie, and surounded by fruit and vegetables

Of course, we can’t forget about adding fresh spinach to smoothies. While you can make a purely green smoothie with spinach, kiwi, and herbs (parsley or basil work well), adding a few fresh spinach leaves to your fruit smoothies will add nutrients without changing the taste. 

How to Cook Spinach

There are many different ways to cook spinach. You can steam it, sauté it, or cook it into a recipe. You can even make a smoothie out of it or juice it. However, with a few simple tips, you can turn this healthy green into a delicious side dish or main course. There’s a spinach recipe for everything!

  1. always make sure to wash your spinach thoroughly.
  2. don’t be afraid to add some fat. A little bit of olive oil can go a long way in making spinach taste better.
  3. don’t overcook it. Spinach only needs a few minutes to cook through, so make sure to keep an eye on it while it’s on the stove.

With these simple tips, you can take your spinach game to the next level.

What to Serve with Spinach

Spinach pairs well with other vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes. It can also be used as a base for a variety of soups and stews. When choosing what to serve with spinach, be sure to consider the other ingredients in the dish. Spinach goes well with both light and hearty flavors, so it can be used in both simple and complex recipes.

What to Do with Spinach FAQ

Here are some common questions people ask about what to do with spinach.

What can I do with too much spinach?

The best thing to do with too much spinach is to look for new and unique ways to cook it or work it into recipes you’re already going to make. You can also freeze it for later: just freeze it in small portions for easy use.

What is the best way to consume spinach?

Spinach has a lot of antioxidants in it but if you blanch or boil it, you lose some of these benefits. If you’re going for health benefits, the best way to consume spinach is raw in a salad or in a smoothie.

Is spinach better cooked or raw?

Playing on the question above, this is a common question, too. Spinach has many nutrients, but you’ll absorb more calcium and iron if you eat it cooked. This is because spinach is loaded with oxalic acid, which blocks the absorption of iron and calcium but breaks down under high temperatures.

Final thoughts

There are many ways to enjoy spinach. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or steamed. Spinach can be added to salads, sandwiches, soups, and stir-fries. It can also be used as a pizza topping or mixed into a smoothie. No matter how you eat it, spinach is a delicious and nutritious way to boost your health.

If your garden’s production is in overdrive, here are some ways to use your surplus harvest:

what to do with spinach
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Lisa Clark is a freelance writer who grew up on farmland, then moved to the city, and has now retired back to her rural roots. She's having fun teaching her kids about gardening, planting flowers, and collecting houseplants.

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