Sautéed Garlicky Spinach with Toasted Pine Nuts
Fresh spinach quickly wilted with garlic and finished with crunchy toasted pine nuts for a flavorful side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh baby spinach, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove pine nuts and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.
- Step 3: Add 10 oz fresh baby spinach to the skillet and toss with the garlic and olive oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is fully wilted but still vibrant green.
- Step 4: Season the spinach with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Toss to combine.
- Step 5: Transfer spinach to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top for a crunchy finish. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlicky Spinach with Toasted Pine Nuts take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlicky Spinach with Toasted Pine Nuts?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh baby spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlicky Spinach with Toasted Pine Nuts?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Garlicky Spinach with Toasted Pine Nuts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Garlicky Spinach with Toasted Pine Nuts?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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