Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Wild Mushrooms with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple sauté of fresh spinach and wild mushrooms in garlic-infused olive oil, brightened with fresh lemon zest for a vibrant side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 22 minutes, pairs fresh spinach, wild mushrooms, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 10 oz sliced wild mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their moisture and become tender and golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 cups packed fresh spinach and 1/2 tsp salt, stirring continuously until the spinach wilts down, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to combine and cook for an additional 1 minute until bright and aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a flavorful vegetable side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Wild Mushrooms with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Garlic Spinach and Wild Mushrooms with Lemon Zest?

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 spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Wild Mushrooms with Lemon Zest?

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 Garlic Spinach and Wild Mushrooms with Lemon Zest 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.

Is Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Wild Mushrooms with Lemon Zest vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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