Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds
Delicate baby spinach and earthy mushrooms sautéed and topped with crunchy toasted almonds for a warm paleo salad. This mediterranean-inspired paleo (paleo, vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs baby spinach, cremini mushrooms, sliced, extra virgin olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Step 4: Add 6 cups baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just wilted.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then remove from heat.
- Step 6: Transfer to serving bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds on top for a satisfying crunch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (8 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 Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds?
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 baby spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds?
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 Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds 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 Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Toasted Almonds paleo?
Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my dinner party! The almonds added the perfect crunch.
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. My kids even ate the spinach!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but it was slightly bland for my taste. Next time I'll add more garlic.