Sautéed Spinach with Pumpkin Seeds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, nutrient-dense side dish featuring tender spinach and toasted pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low-carb) ready in about 10 minutes pairs fresh spinach, pumpkin seeds, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mince 2 garlic cloves and add to pan, sautéing 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 10 oz fresh spinach to skillet, tossing constantly until fully wilted (about 2 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook 1 more minute to toast seeds slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Serve warm as a side or over protein.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spinach with Pumpkin Seeds 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 Pumpkin Seeds?

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 Pumpkin Seeds?

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 Pumpkin Seeds 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 Pumpkin Seeds low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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