Elevate your veggie side dish game with this vibrant and nutrient-packed Whole30 Sautéed Spinach recipe. Made with fresh spinach, fragrant garlic, heart-healthy olive oil, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Ready in just 15 minutes, this gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. The spinach is gently sautéed until wilted, while the garlic and citrus notes provide a delightful balance of richness and freshness. Perfect as a wholesome side for grilled proteins, roasted veggies, or enjoyed on its own, this Whole30-approved spinach recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh spinach leaves under cool running water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to ensure they are dry.
Peel the garlic cloves and finely mince them. Set the minced garlic aside for later use.
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl, discarding any seeds. Set aside the lemon juice to use later.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until it's shimmering but not smoking.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Be careful not to brown the garlic as it can become bitter.
Add the entire quantity of spinach to the skillet, using tongs or a spatula to toss and coat the leaves in the garlic-infused olive oil.
Continue to sauté the spinach for about 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves have wilted and turned a rich dark green. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once wilted, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss the spinach to coat evenly.
Transfer the sauteed spinach to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot.
Calories |
408 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.7 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1535 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.0 g | ||
| Protein | 15.9 g | 32% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 512 mg | 39% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2709 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.