Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms with Lemon and Garlic
A simple, nutrient-rich side dish featuring wilted spinach and earthy mushrooms brightened with fresh lemon and garlic. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh baby spinach, cremini mushrooms, sliced, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 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
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and tender.
- Step 3: Add 10 oz fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down but remains bright green.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the greens. Toss well and cook for another minute before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms with Lemon and Garlic 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 Spinach and Mushrooms with Lemon and Garlic?
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 Spinach and Mushrooms with Lemon and Garlic?
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 Mushrooms with Lemon and Garlic 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 Mushrooms with Lemon and Garlic whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.