Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Feta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright, garlicky sautéed spinach finished with crumbled feta cheese for a quick and flavorful Greek side dish. This greek-inspired vegetarian ready in about 12 minutes pairs fresh spinach leaves, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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: 7 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz fresh spinach leaves in batches, stirring continuously until all leaves are wilted and tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese over the spinach, gently folding it in so the cheese warms but retains texture.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm as a vibrant side dish to grilled meats or fresh bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Feta 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 with Garlic and Feta?

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 leaves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Feta?

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 with Garlic and Feta 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Feta?

Greek vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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