5 Easy Spinach Dish Recipes to Brighten Your Table
Simple, wholesome ideas for easy spinach dish recipes to elevate your meals.
The other night, I got together with some friends, and one asked us what our favorite holiday side dish was. I immediately raved about sweet potatoes with marshmallows—because who doesn’t love them? But then my friend chimed in with her favorite easy spinach dish recipe: “creamed spinach.” She shared how it’s not only a holiday staple but also her daughter’s birthday dinner request every year!
This conversation got me thinking—spinach is such an underappreciated star. Sure, it shrinks into almost nothing when cooked, but those tender, vibrant greens pack a nutritional punch and work beautifully in so many dishes. That’s why I’m dedicating this post to easy spinach dish recipes that bring out the best in this leafy green!
These recipes are versatile, simple to prepare, and packed with flavor. From light and refreshing to rich and indulgent, there’s something for everyone—plus a few tricks to make cooking spinach even easier. Whether you’re a gardener with an overflowing harvest or just someone looking for delicious ways to incorporate more greens, these recipes will inspire you to rethink spinach!
The Mood: Fresh and Energizing
Green Juice Recipe for Kids (and Adults!)
Green juice doesn’t have to taste like a garden—it can be vibrant, sweet, and refreshing! I’ve been making this recipe with my daughter for several years now, and it balances the earthy notes of spinach and kale with the natural sweetness of apples, clementines, and carrots, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Key ingredients like celery and spinach add a subtle, fresh backdrop, while carrots and apples bring sweetness. The clementines? Pure citrus sunshine. When blended together, the flavors meld into a juice that’s as energizing as it is delicious.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Have picky eaters? Add an extra apple for a sweeter profile. Want more zing? A splash of lemon juice will do the trick.
Preparation Tips: Wash your produce thoroughly, especially if you’re harvesting directly from your garden. Layering the ingredients in your juicer based on their firmness will make your juices smoother.
Serve this juice cold as a morning boost or a midday pick-me-up. And if you’re feeling creative, freeze it into popsicles for a healthy treat!
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Green Juice Recipe for Kids
The best green juice recipe for kids uses celery for the juice base instead of apples, to reduce sugar. But don’t worry, there are still apples, carrots and even a few mandarin oranges thrown in for kid-friendly flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 32oz 1x
- Category: Beverages
Ingredients
- 2 hearts organic celery (about 20 oz)
- 4 organic carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 handful of kale
- 2–3 red apples, core/seeds removed
- 3 clementine mandarin oranges
Instructions
- Wash all of the produce. Whether you grew it, or it came in a bag, give it a good wash, peel your carrots and clementines, and remove the seed sections from your apples. Orange seeds are fine to blend.
- Start with celery, then move your way down the list, processing one ingredient at a time, and using the right setting for each fruit or vegetable on your juicer.
- At this point, taste your juice with your kids. If they want it sweeter, you can add another apple, one at a time until it reaches a flavor they like.
- Store in a recycled glass juice jar or large mason jar in the fridge for up to three days. The most nutritional benefits come from drinking right away.
Learn more about this recipe in Sip Your Greens: The Ultimate Green Juice Recipe for Kids (and Adults, Too!)
The Mood: Sweet and Savory Harmony
Strawberry Spinach Salad
This recipe is summer in a bowl – even in the winter! I know people say that all the time, but I agree. Fresh spinach leaves serve as a tender, earthy base for sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and a tangy homemade dressing that ties it all together.
The key to this dish lies in its dressing—sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce create a dynamic flavor profile, while a touch of sugar balances the tanginess. Combined with the juicy strawberries and nutty almonds, every bite is a burst of texture and taste. If you’re short on ingredients, a balsamic reduction also pairs well with this recipe.
Pro Tips: Toss the salad just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crisp. For a twist, try swapping almonds with candied pecans or feta crumbles for extra depth.
This salad shines as a light lunch, a vibrant side for grilled meats, or even a show-stopping potluck dish. It’s simple, elegant, and undeniably delicious.
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
This Strawberry Spinach Salad is a match made in heaven that kids and adults will enjoy! Take it to a potluck dinner and reap the compliments! It’s also a great way to get kids to eat spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salads & Dressings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
- 1 quart (4 cups) strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
- 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and onion. Cover, and chill for 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Learn more about this recipe in Sweet and Tangy Spinach Strawberry Salad: A Fresh Take on Greens
The Mood: Comfort Food Redefined
Creamed Spinach
Who says greens can’t be indulgent? Creamed spinach is such an easy spinach dish recipe and it’s a velvety, savory delight that proves spinach deserves a seat at the holiday table—or any table.
This dish starts with fresh spinach, blanched to preserve its vibrant color and tender texture. Onion and garlic sautéed in butter lay the foundation, while cream cheese and half-and-half add a luscious, creamy richness.
Tips for Success: Squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach before adding it to the skillet—this step is crucial for that thick, creamy consistency. Garnish with fresh sage for a fragrant finish.
Serve creamed spinach alongside roasted chicken or steak, or use it as a filling for baked potatoes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
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Creamed Spinach
Spinach can be more indulgent than it gets credit for. Combining the bright vibrant greens with a little butter and cheese makes this a great creamed spinach side dish. You can serve it with Turkey Burgers with Guacamole or Ranch Pork Chops, or even just eat it slathered on a hunk of warm French baguette. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and heated up to enjoy throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Sides & Sauces
Ingredients
- 4 bunches flat-leaf spinach, trimmed and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 onion, minced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- Fresh sage, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Drain in a colander. Squeeze the spinach to remove as much liquid as possible, then coarsely chop and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese and half-and-half; cook, stirring, until the cream cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in the spinach and simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sage, if desired.
Learn more about this recipe in Spinach, But Make It Fancy: The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe.
The Mood: Warm and Flaky Bliss
Easy Spinach Pie
Easy Spinach Pie
This spinach pie is the definition of comfort wrapped in buttery phyllo pastry. Layers of flaky dough encase a creamy filling of spinach, cheeses, and fresh herbs, making it a versatile dish perfect for appetizers, brunch, or even dinner.
The filling combines ricotta, feta, and Parmesan cheeses with sautéed spinach and scallions for a rich, savory blend. Fresh dill and parsley add an herby brightness, while a hint of nutmeg ties it all together.
Pro Tip: Use store-bought phyllo for convenience, and keep it covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent drying out. Marking portions before baking ensures perfect, mess-free squares.
This easy spinach dish recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup. And leftovers (if there are any) make a fantastic next-day snack!
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Buttery phyllo dough, creamy spinach and rich cheese come together in this spinach pie appetizer that’s sure to delight. Scoring the squares into the top layer of the dough before baking ensures even portions so everyone will get to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Appetizers
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for buttering the dish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pounds fresh spinach,washed, dried, and coarsely chopped
- 10 small scallions, finely chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 sheets phyllo pastry, defrosted and trimmed to fit
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat and add the spinach in handfuls, adding more as the spinach starts to wilt. Cook until all of the spinach is wilted and bright green, about 3 minutes. Transfer the spinach to a colander and drain any excess liquid.
3. Wipe the skillet clean, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and then add the scallions. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the spinach to the skillet with the scallions and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and add the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, dill, parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread half of the filling into the baking dish. Cover with 2 pieces of the phyllo pastry. Brush lightly with melted butter. Top with 1 piece of phyllo. Spread the remaining filling over the phyllo. Top with 2 more pieces of phyllo and brush with melted butter. Top with remaining piece of phyllo and brush with melted butter. Using a sharp knife, mark 12 squares, or more if a smaller portion is desired, by cutting through the top layers of the pastry.
5. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the phyllo pastry is golden, and the filling is bubbling. Use a sharp knife to cut through the squares. Arrange on a platter and serve.
Learn more about this recipe in Easy Spinach Pie: Layers of Cheesy, Flaky Goodness!
The Mood: Rich and Satisfying
Spinach and Mushroom Risotto
Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, this spinach and mushroom risotto is the ultimate comfort food for cool evenings.
Arborio rice, slowly cooked with broth and wine, creates a creamy base that complements the earthy mushrooms and tender spinach. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties everything together in a dish that’s equal parts decadent and wholesome.
Preparation Pointers: Stirring is key! The constant motion releases starch from the rice, giving risotto its signature creamy texture. Sautéing the mushrooms separately ensures they stay golden and flavorful.
Serve this risotto as a stand-alone dish or pair it with roasted vegetables or a protein of your choice. It’s an elegant meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
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Spinach and Mushroom Risotto
Rich and creamy risotto infused with sautéed spinach and earthy mushrooms, offering a luxurious and comforting dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, warm the broth over low heat and keep it simmering.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
- Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the rice with oil.
- Pour in the white wine and cook until it evaporates.
- Begin adding warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more.
- Continue this process for 15-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and cooked to your desired consistency.
- In a separate skillet, sauté mushrooms until browned and set aside.
- When the risotto is nearly done, stir in chopped spinach and cooked mushrooms.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Serve immediately and savor the rich flavors of spinach and mushroom risotto!
Learn more about this recipe in Risotto with a Twist: Spinach, Mushrooms, and All the Comfort You Crave.
Spinach proves its versatility and star power in these easy spinach dish recipes. Whether you’re sipping green juice with your kiddo, tossing a vibrant salad, or diving into a creamy pie, these dishes showcase just how delicious greens can be.
Want to grow your own spinach? With our Spinach Gardening Guide, you gain comprehensive knowledge on growing and enjoying this nutritious leafy green. Discover the ideal growing zones, soil requirements, optimal watering, and fertilization methods for lush, healthy spinach. Learn to prevent common pests and diseases and Explore easy-to-follow recipes. With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to grow, harvest, and savor fresh spinach in your garden!
Have a favorite spinach recipe or tip? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!
