Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Toasted Almonds
Quick-cooked spinach with bright lemon flavor and crunchy toasted almonds for a nutrient-packed side. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 10 minutes pairs ounces, fresh, stems removed spinach, slivered almonds, juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 5 ounces, fresh, stems removed spinach
- 1/4 cup, slivered almonds
- 1/2, juiced lemon
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 5 ounces fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring constantly until wilted and reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup slivered almonds. Cook for 1 more minute until almonds are golden and spinach is tender but still vibrant green.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and Toasted Almonds take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 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 Lemon and 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 slivered almonds from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach with Lemon and 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 with Lemon and Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon and Toasted Almonds gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
