Sautéed Spinach with Sunflower Seeds and Feta
Quick wilted spinach topped with toasted seeds and creamy feta for a nutrient-packed side. This mediterranean-inspired salads (low carb, vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs fresh spinach, sunflower seeds, feta cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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 oz fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 oz feta cheese
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sunflower seeds and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and aromatic, stirring constantly.
- Step 2: Add spinach to the skillet, tossing until completely wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Step 3: Stir in lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Divide spinach among plates, crumble feta cheese over the top, and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spinach with Sunflower Seeds and Feta 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 Sunflower Seeds 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach with Sunflower Seeds 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 Sunflower Seeds and Feta 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 Sunflower Seeds and Feta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
