Skillet Sautéed Greek Spinach and Feta with Lemon

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

A quick and vibrant sauté of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and bright lemon that makes a perfect vegetarian Greek side dish. This Greek-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 13 minutes, pairs fresh spinach, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 3, 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: 8 min Serves 3 Greek cuisine 140 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 10 oz fresh spinach to the skillet and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts completely and releases its moisture.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute until the feta softens slightly and the flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve warm as a side or light vegetarian main.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Sautéed Greek Spinach and Feta with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 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 Skillet Sautéed Greek Spinach and Feta with Lemon?

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 Skillet Sautéed Greek Spinach and Feta with Lemon?

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 Skillet Sautéed Greek Spinach and Feta with Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Skillet Sautéed Greek Spinach and Feta with Lemon 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.

Related recipes