Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Pine Nuts

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

Tender spinach lightly sautéed with fragrant garlic and toasted pine nuts for a simple, healthy side. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 12 minutes pairs fresh baby spinach, extra virgin 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 Mediterranean cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 2 tbsp pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 10 oz fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Using tongs, toss the spinach continuously for 2-3 minutes until just wilted.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest over the spinach. Toss to combine and remove from heat immediately.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm as a light side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Pine Nuts 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 Pine Nuts?

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 with Garlic and Pine Nuts?

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 Pine Nuts 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 with Garlic and Pine Nuts 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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