Indulge in the versatility of spinach with these delectable side dish recipes that showcase its star quality! From creamy gratins to refreshing salads, and more, discover the many ways to savor this leafy green. Did you know that there are three main types of spinach to choose from? Savoy, smooth-leaf, and semi-savoy offer unique textures and flavors. With Americans consuming an average of 1.36 kilograms per year, it’s no wonder spinach ranks 14th among the US’ favorite veggies.
For added variety, try experimenting with recipes like Garden Risotto, Spinach Souffle, or #22 for a twist on traditional spinach dishes. Let’s dive into this collection of side dish recipes and unlock the full potential of this beloved veggie.
Best Spinach Side Dish Recipes
Cheesy Spinach Gratin
Starting off this culinary journey is a recipe that’s rich and indulgent. This creamy delight incorporates fresh spinach as its star ingredient, but feel free to swap it out for frozen if the former isn’t within reach. Simply make any necessary adjustments according to the recipe’s instructions. The essential components of this dish include a trifecta of flavors: Spinach, buttery goodness, sautéed onions, and a blend of flour, milk, chicken bouillon, and Gruyere cheese – a match made in heaven.
Sigeumchi Namul
Partner your Korean barbecue dinner with this easy-to-make and deliciously flavorful side dish. This quick recipe requires minimal effort but yields a burst of authentic Korean flavor. To elevate the authenticity, swap out traditional spinach for its Asian counterpart. With just a handful of ingredients – including spinach, garlic, green onion, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds – you’ll be enjoying this savory delight in no time.
Balsamic Parmesan Sauteed Spinach
When it comes to quick and delicious spinach dishes, one recipe stands out for its bold flavors and ease of preparation. This garlicky side dish boasts a perfect balance of sweet and sour notes, making it an excellent accompaniment to fish or chicken. The key ingredients that bring this dish together include fresh spinach leaves, tangy balsamic vinegar, nutty Parmesan cheese, rich olive oil, and pungent garlic.
Strawberry And Spinach Salad
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of flavors and textures with this innovative spinach recipe. The subtle sweetness of strawberries and tanginess of balsamic vinegar expertly balance out the earthy taste of spinach, while crunchy pecans add a satisfying mouthfeel. This delightful dish is perfect for those seeking a culinary experience that will leave them wanting more.
Sauteed Spinach With Mushrooms
Spinach’s speedy cooking time is just one of the many reasons I adore it. Another bonus? It’s an excellent pairing with mushrooms, which also cook quickly. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen when I’m short on time, as it requires minimal fuss and preparation. The recipe itself is straightforward: simply combine cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, olive oil, butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a deliciously flavorful side dish.
Garlic Spinach
With a mere 10-minute combined preparation and cooking time, this recipe is a breeze to whip up. Moreover, its simplicity stems from the minimal number of ingredients required. In fact, you’ll only need five essentials: fresh spinach, pungent garlic, health-boosting olive oil, and the classic seasoning duo of salt and pepper.
Creamed Spinach With Crispy Shallots
Seeking a unique spinach side dish that offers a medley of flavors and textures? Look no further. This versatile recipe pairs perfectly with grilled steak or roasted chicken, elevating your dinner experience to new heights. The key ingredients include frozen spinach, sautéed shallots, rich butter, a hint of flour for added depth, the subtle nuance of white wine, and creamy milk. A harmonious blend that will delight your palate.
Spinach Salad With Apples And Cranberries
This mouth-watering side dish combines the natural sweetness of crisp apples with the tanginess of dried cranberries and the earthy flavor of fresh spinach. To add some satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness, candied pecans are also included in the mix. The ingredient list for this delightful salad includes spinach, apples, dried cranberries, pecans, feta cheese, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
Spring Green Risotto
Imagine savoring a vibrant green risotto, packed with nutrients and flavor. This recipe makes it possible! Feel free to get creative and add even more verdant veggies like asparagus and sorrel to take the dish to the next level. To craft this masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients: fresh spinach, Arborio rice, rich chicken broth, aromatic onions, crisp white wine, and succulent snow peas.
Spinach and Artichoke Salad
Indulge in this delightful dish that pairs perfectly with any protein of your choice. In addition to spinach, it boasts a medley of other vegetables, including the star-studded artichoke. The ingredients are a harmonious blend of Spinach, Artichokes, Chickpeas, Red Cabbage, Black Olives, and Cherry Tomatoes, all working together in perfect culinary harmony.
Spinach Souffle
If you’re a fan of Stouffer’s iconic Spinach Soufflé, you’ll likely find this homemade rendition an even more satisfying delight. This recipe yields eight servings, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties or casual gatherings with friends. The ingredients list is surprisingly straightforward: spinach, eggs, parmesan cheese, flour, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Spinach Stuffed Portobello
For a satisfying and earthy meal sans meat, consider this recipe. This versatile dish can be served as both a main course and a side, making it an excellent option for any gathering. To prepare it, you’ll need the following ingredients: a handful of fresh spinach leaves, several portobello mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, crumbled feta cheese, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. With these simple yet flavorful components, you can create a meal that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Gomae
For a well-rounded meal experience, look no further than pairing Japanese main dishes with a harmonious side dish. This delectable spinach salad is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor! To craft this culinary delight, you’ll need the following ingredients: fresh spinach leaves, soy sauce for added depth, sesame seeds for a satisfying crunch, miso paste to enhance the umami notes, and a touch of sugar to balance out the savory flavors.
Spring Greens Soup
Indulge in a vibrant bowl of goodness with this scrumptious soup! The eye-catching green hue is a dead giveaway to its main attraction – an abundance of nutrient-rich green vegetables. A clever combination of potatoes adds depth and satiety, making it a satisfying meal option. The all-star lineup of spinach, green peas, mint, celery, onions, and chives come together in perfect harmony to create a truly delightful culinary experience.
Twice Baked Potatoes With Spinach And Cheese
One of the most appealing aspects of twice-baked potatoes is their versatility. The ability to incorporate a wide range of ingredients makes them an excellent canvas for creative culinary experimentation. Case in point: spinach! This nutritious leafy green can be seamlessly integrated into the potato-based dish, creating a flavorful and nutritious combination. When crafting this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients: Spinach, potatoes, onions, butter, garlic, and cream cheese.
Spinach Rice
If you’re craving a flavorful rice side dish but risotto isn’t on your menu, fear not! There’s an alternative that can satisfy your cravings. This dry rice recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with a variety of green vegetables to add some color and nutrients. To make it, you’ll need the following ingredients: spinach, long-grain rice, onions, butter, dill, and chicken broth.
Spinach Cakes
While the name may evoke memories of sweet treats, these Spinach Cakes are actually savory delights. Made with cooked quinoa and spinach, they’re perfect for serving alongside chicken or fish. The recipe also includes a tangy yogurt dip, making it an excellent option for a quick snack. The ingredient list features a blend of wholesome items, including spinach, quinoa, eggs, parmesan, parsley, chives, and breadcrumbs, ensuring a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.
Spinach And Orange Salad
Raw spinach boasts a subtle blend of bitterness and sweetness, making it a popular choice for combining with fruits in salads. The natural sweetness of the fruits serves as a perfect counterbalance to the earthy undertones of the spinach. When paired with other ingredients like mandarin oranges, beets, goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic vinegar, the resulting flavor profile is both complex and harmonious.
Spinach And Feta Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
In a delightful twist on traditional twice-baked potatoes, this recipe substitutes sweet potatoes for their more conventional russet or Idaho counterparts. The harmonious union of flavors in this side dish yields a rich tapestry of tastes, encompassing sweetness, creaminess, bitterness, garlicky zing, and nutty depth all at once.
A medley of ingredients contributes to this sensory experience: spinach adds a burst of freshness, sweet potatoes provide the velvety base, garlic lends its pungent charm, hummus brings a silky smoothness, feta cheese introduces a tangy bite, and olive oil drizzles in with its characteristic richness.
Spanakopita
One Greek staple that often features spinach as a key ingredient is a dish that’s incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish, an appetizer, or even as a main course. This recipe is a masterclass in adaptability. To make it, you’ll need the following ingredients: fresh spinach leaves, flaky phyllo dough, rich butter, caramelized onions, creamy ricotta cheese, tangy feta cheese, and nutty parmesan cheese.
Cheesy Spinach Casserole
For those seeking an over-the-top, indulgent alternative to the classic creamed spinach, look no further. This decadent dish boasts not one, but two types of cheese, ensuring a rich and satisfying side that’s sure to delight. The ingredients involved are straightforward: fresh spinach, creamy cottage cheese, a sharp cheddar or similar, crunchy breadcrumbs, and eggs – the building blocks for a truly indulgent culinary experience.
Aloo Palak
When the craving for Indian cuisine strikes, this recipe is a perfect remedy. This flavorful dish combines the earthiness of potatoes with the nutritional benefits of spinach, all wrapped up in a spicy and savory package. It’s versatile enough to be served as either a side dish or a main course, paired beautifully with flatbread.
To prepare it, you’ll need the following ingredients: fresh spinach, potatoes, juicy tomatoes, onions, pungent garlic, fragrant ginger, and an assortment of spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
Spinach Stuffed Tomatoes
When it comes to delicious spinach-filled side dishes, another option worth considering is a recipe that incorporates juicy tomatoes. For this particular dish, aim to find large, firm tomatoes that can be easily filled with the tasty mixture of ingredients. To create this delightful accompaniment, you’ll need a few key components: fresh spinach, ripe tomatoes, creamy Boursin cheese, tangy sour cream, and nutty Parmesan.
Sushi-Style Salad With Edamame And Spinach
Savoring the essence of umami in a salad is a culinary delight, and this particular dish is a great way to achieve that. The harmonious blend of savory miso dressing infused with sesame oil and mirin creates a profound depth of flavor in each bite. This salad’s medley of ingredients, including fresh spinach, edamame, cucumber, creamy avocado, and toasted nori, expertly balances the rich umami taste, leaving you craving another mouthful.
Spinach Fritters
Inspired by the flavors of South Asia, these crispy fritters are commonly enjoyed as street food. While they can be served as a side dish, their snackable nature makes them hard to resist. The versatility of this recipe is further showcased through variations that incorporate grated potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. To bring these Spinach Fritters to life, you’ll need the following ingredients: fresh spinach, onion, flour, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
With their unique blend of spices and textures, it’s no wonder they’re a beloved treat in many parts of the world.
Spinach With Leeks
One of the most straightforward and quick spinach side dishes is a recipe that requires just four key components. What’s more, you can have it prepared and served in less than 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks or those seeking a simple solution to accompany their meals. The essential ingredients comprise of spinach, leeks, garlic, and olive oil, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely please even the pickiest of eaters.
Lemon Spinach
Savvy readers will note that I’ve left the easiest and most expedient option for last in this culinary odyssey. With mere minutes of preparation time required, this unassuming side dish is capable of complementing a wide variety of dishes. The humble ingredients at play here are spinach, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, all of which combine to create a delectable and effortless accompaniment to your meal.
The bottom line
Transforming dinner into a culinary adventure has never been easier! The versatility of spinach allows for an array of intriguing options, making mealtime a thrilling experience for everyone involved. By introducing unexpected twists on traditional side dishes, you can revolutionize the way your family interacts with their food.
More Spinach Recipes
Explore the world of spinach with this comprehensive collection of mouth-watering recipes. From creamy indulgences to fresh and vibrant salads, discover how to elevate your cooking game with a range of innovative and easy-to-make dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a decadent spinach gratin or a simple yet satisfying artichoke dip, this roundup is sure to inspire your next culinary adventure.
Instructions
To start exploring the world of spinach side dishes, browse through our curated collection of recipes and choose one or more that catches your eye. As you get creative, don’t be afraid to make adjustments to suit your taste preferences. Once you’ve perfected your new favorite side dish, share it with friends and family and see what they think!
