Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

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

A quick and vibrant Whole30 side dish combining tender garlic-infused spinach with roasted cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, pine nuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove pine nuts and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz fresh baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spinach wilts and softens.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until tomatoes soften just slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and the toasted pine nuts. Serve warm as a nutritious side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Garlic Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Garlic Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Garlic Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes and 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.

Is Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes and Pine Nuts whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian, gluten free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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