Sautéed Spinach and Garlic with Lemon Zest

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

A simple sauté of fresh spinach and garlic brightened with fresh lemon zest, a nutritious side to complement any meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (low carb, vegan) ready in about 12 minutes pairs fresh spinach, garlic cloves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 7 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and drain 10 oz fresh spinach thoroughly. Peel and thinly slice 4 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.
  3. Step 3: Add the spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring continuously until all spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes total. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle 1 tsp fresh lemon zest over the spinach, tossing gently to distribute. Serve warm as a vibrant side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Spinach and Garlic 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 Spinach and Garlic 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 Spinach and Garlic with 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 Spinach and Garlic with Lemon Zest low carb?

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

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