Sautéed Spinach with Lemon Zest and Toasted Almonds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright, tender spinach tossed with lemon zest and crunchy almonds for a simple, nutrient-packed side. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (low-carb, vegetarian) ready in about 8 minutes pairs fresh spinach, avocado oil, whole 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 3 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp sliced almonds and toast for 2 minutes until golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 oz fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted completely (about 1 minute). Squeeze 1/4 lemon's juice and add 1 tsp zest directly to the pan.
  3. Step 3: Season with a pinch of sea salt, toss for 30 seconds until spinach is evenly coated and fragrant, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spinach with Lemon Zest and Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 8 minutes (5 min prep + 3 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 Zest 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 fresh spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach with Lemon Zest 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 Zest 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 Zest and Toasted Almonds low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, 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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