Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Chickpeas and Lemon Zest

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

A quick sauté of fresh spinach with garlic and protein-rich chickpeas, brightened with lemon zest—a perfect side or light vegetarian main. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh spinach, canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas and 3/4 tsp salt. Cook while stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes until chickpeas begin to crisp slightly.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted before adding more, cooking for about 3-4 minutes total until all spinach is wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and adjust salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm as a side dish or light vegetarian entrée.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Chickpeas and Lemon Zest 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 Chickpeas and 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 with Chickpeas and 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 with Chickpeas and Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Chickpeas and 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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