This leafy green is a double threat: It's nutritious and delicious. Use up a handful or a whole bunch in these spinach recipes.
1/30
Spinach Artichoke Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
One taste of this outrageously delicious hot spinach artichoke dip and your guests will not stop eating it until it's gone. The savory blend of artichokes, spinach and Parmesan cheese is positively addictive! It tastes even better if you make it the night before and chill it in the fridge before baking. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 68 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 139mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
As far as hot dip recipes go, the one crammed with spinach has to be one of the healthier ones, right? Serve it hot with crackers and crudité for even more vegetables.
2/30
Sauteed Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad has grown spinach for years, and we’ve developed several recipes for it, but this one beats them all! —Terra Fondriest, St. Joe, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 98 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
This easy side puts two bags of fresh spinach to good use. Sauteed with garlic and white wine, it’ll hardly taste bland.
3/30
Creamed Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that has stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 129 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Creamed spinach is like sauteed spinach, but a little more delicious. Save this side for a holiday feast as a quick way to sneak in nutritious spinach.
4/30
Spanakopita
From the Recipe Creator:
This Mediterranean dish is always a crowd-pleaser! Phyllo dough can be tricky to work with, so I always make sure the dough is thawed only briefly before using it. Usually, I take it out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter while I prep the spinach mixture. —Lora Moncure, Portland, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 273 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 410mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
Baked with tons of feta and wrapped in multiple layers of flaky phyllo dough, spanakopita is a great recipe to get spinach into your diet if it’s not your veggie of choice. Fresh spinach can easily be substituted for frozen here.
5/30
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 280 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
I don’t know about you, but the only way I can get myself to eat a salad is if it’s exciting. The promise of warm bacon dressing has me sold. Paired with onions, eggs and even more bacon, the dressing would convince me to eat a spinach salad daily.
6/30
Spinach Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
In the kitchen, my husband and I like to use classic ingredients in new ways. I came up with this lasagna one day and haven't made another type since. We love it! —Charlotte Gehle, Brownstown, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 291 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
If you need a recipe that uses only a few handfuls of spinach, let it be this spinach lasagna. Although it’s in the name, spinach is hardly the main ingredient here, considering it’s just 2 layers out of 10.
7/30
Crustless Spinach Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
I served this crustless quiche at a church lunch, and I had to laugh when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 251 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 480mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
There’s more than just an entire bag of spinach packed into this crustless quiche! Onions and mushrooms add even more nutrition.
8/30
Spinach Smoothie
From the Recipe Creator:
Get a jump-start on all the nutrients you need by starting your day with this smoothie. Use nondairy milk and yogurt if you prefer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 58mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
I adore spinach smoothies. No matter how much spinach you add to the smoothie, you can’t taste it. Bananas, pineapples and Greek yogurt cover up the flavor so it’s super easy to sip down all those nutrients.
9/30
Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage
From the Recipe Creator:
Dinner is easy when I can use ingredients typically found in my fridge and pantry. —Laura Miller, Lake Ann, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 604 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1226mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
Spinach makes this cozy dinner a little more vibrant and refreshing, but it doesn’t detract from the pillowy gnocchi, hearty sausage and creamy shallot sauce. Save this for when you’re short on time but still want something impressive.
10/30
Spinach Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges: 281 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
Spinach is the star of this quesadilla recipe. The quesadillas are super quick, super veggie-packed and super flavorful thanks to two different cheeses, fresh lemon juice, cumin and garlic powder.
11/30
Spinach Tortellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 164 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
There are 4 cups of fresh spinach wilted into this soup. With spinach simmered in broth with tomatoes, tortellini and Italian seasoning, this soup is an easy weeknight dinner ready in just 15 minutes. Seriously.
12/30
Beef Lo Mein
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like a good stir-fry, this dish will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it's now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 358 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
This spinach recipe is perfect for anyone who doesn’t like spinach. Here me out! There’s so much going on here that the spinach’s flavor is easily overpowered by the umami sauce, marinated beef, crunchy water chestnuts and pasta.
13/30
Rainbow Quiche
From the Recipe Creator:
With plenty of veggies and a creamy egg-cheese filling, this tasty quiche gets rave reviews every time I make it! —Lilith Fury, Adena, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
I like to think of this quiche as a fridge clean-out recipe. Feel free to use more spinach as needed and remove some of the other veggies (onions, bell peppers, broccoli or mushrooms) as needed to make room.
14/30
Cobb Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 233 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
Everything we love about a Cobb salad gets stuffed into a hollowed-out sandwich for a much more substantial take on the classic. Yes, that means there’s an entire layer of spinach in here, which is perfect for anyone who needs to use up a lot of fresh spinach quickly.
15/30
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick shrimp fra diavolo is spicy, garlicky, saucy and loaded with delicious shrimp. Plus, with the addition of spinach, you’re also getting a serving of veggies. When you need a perfect low-fat weeknight meal that is easy to pull together, this is it. You can substitute arugula or kale for the spinach if you'd like. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 235 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
Fans of spice can stop scrolling: Here’s the perfect recipe for 3 cups of fresh spinach. Serve your spinach and shrimp fra diavolo over pasta, polenta or crusty slices of Italian bread.
16/30
Steak Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I wow family and friends with this impressive-looking dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Even those who don't like spinach seem to like this dish! —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 320 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
These steak pinwheels are cool, creative and totally unexpected. They’re a great date night dinner that feels fancy but is still somewhat healthful, as an entire package of spinach is rolled into a flank steak.
17/30
Potato Kielbasa Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
No need to hunt through kielbasa and potato recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty homestyle, all-in-one meal. It's especially perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 472 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
As one of our highest-reviewed recipes on the site, you can feel pretty confident that this recipe is going to turn out perfectly. And with 4 cups of fresh baby spinach, it’s a great way to get this green into your diet.
18/30
Penne Pasta with Ground Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
This is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it's tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 482 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
I love this has-everything meal. From carbs to protein and veggies (including 2 cups of fresh spinach), this recipe seems to check every box, especially “easy.”
19/30
Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. This recipe is extra-special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
This spinach recipe is a great low-carb dinner that comes together quickly. All you have to do is grill the chicken, melt the cheese and top it with the vegetable-pecan mixture. You’ll use 3 cups of baby spinach for this one!
20/30
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Veggies
From the Recipe Creator:
This sheet-pan chicken and veggies meal tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup vegetables: 357 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Is there anything more satisfying than when all the dinner components are done at the exact same time? That’s what this sheet-pan dinner promises. Baby spinach adds a much-needed green for vibrancy and added nutrition.
21/30
Watermelon and Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer is the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 288mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
So many of this salad’s components are unexpected, but they pair so well together! Alongside the raw spinach expect a myriad of fruits and veggies, including cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers and onions, and a zippy ginger dressing to tie them all together.
22/30
Italian Brunch Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 480 calories, 29g fat (13g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 1674mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
This Italian brunch torte takes a little more work than something like a quiche, but my goodness, is it impressive! I love the green layers of wilted spinach for that little extra pop of color.
23/30
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper can be prepped in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup spinach mixture: 223 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
This dinner is a two-in-one, cooking the meat right along with the vegetables in a creamy sauce. If using fresh spinach, take a minute to trim the stems. You can also use frozen spinach if that’s all you have on hand.
24/30
Spinach Pesto
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this vibrant pesto on pasta, pizza, sandwiches and more. If you don't have fresh oregano on hand, you can omit it. —Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 177 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
This pesto trades half the basil for spinach, so we still get that herbaceous, fragrant basil flavor but get to use up a lot of nutritious spinach at the same time. Need a nut-free spinach pesto? Swap in pepitas for the nuts.
25/30
Pasta Fagioli Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys my version of this soup so much that he stopped ordering it at restaurants. He’d rather savor the version we can have at home. It’s so easy to make, yet it is hearty enough to be a full dinner. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 228 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
As far as easy soups go, pasta fagioli is at the top of our list. Use this spinach recipe if you have only a handful or so of spinach to use up. Skip this one if you need a recipe that uses the whole bag.
26/30
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves making soup because it’s a great way to use up vegetables and we’ll have leftovers for days. I made this copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup once and knew I needed the recipe in my soup Rolodex! —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 362 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1058mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
Baby spinach is our green of choice for this hearty soup. Since it is so tender, it wilts quickly. If you have more mature spinach, wash it thoroughly and chop it up so it wilts just as easily and quickly as baby spinach.
27/30
Spinach Beef Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 258 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
This soup is all comfort and cozy, with a low-stress, high-reward method. Spinach is the final touch, taking it from beige and brown to vibrant and nutrient-packed.
28/30
Spicy Beef Stir Fry
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
The best 30-minute meals aren’t just easy. They need to be satiating, flavorful and borderline restaurant-worthy. This spicy beef stir fry is just that, with 4 whole cups of spinach to boot.
29/30
Blueberry Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Blueberries are a fun surprise in this salad. I received the recipe from a co-worker's wife, and it's become one of my favorites. —Heidi Gilleland, Lees Summit, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 254 calories, 24g fat (5g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
Here’s a spinach recipe if you need to use up a lot of spinach. And by a lot, I mean 12 cups worth. Topped with blueberries, blue cheese, pecans and a raspberry-Dijon vinaigrette, it’s easy to get down too.
30/30
Lemon Chicken Orzo
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies ... for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 399 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Lemon chicken orzo is just as easy to prepare as it is to clean up. Did we mention it’s a one-pot recipe? You’ll need only a couple of handfuls of spinach, but that bright green hue makes all the difference.
Spinach Recipes FAQ
What can I make with a lot of spinach?
Recipes that use up a lot of spinach include our spinach pesto, creamed spinach, spanakopita, spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, sauteed spinach, watermelon and spinach salad, and blueberry spinach salad. Since spinach is the main ingredient for these recipes, they use multiple cups or packages of spinach. You’ll definitely use at least one whole bag for any of these!
What goes well with spinach?
Spinach pairs well with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, avocados, leafy greens, zucchini, mushrooms and garlic. It’s also a lovely green with fruits like watermelon, berries and lemons. Try cooking spinach in butter, olive oil or cream, as it pairs nicely with quality fats. For meats, spinach can be cooked with almost anything; try chicken, pork, beef, seafood and fish.
What are some easy spinach recipes?
Easy spinach recipes include sauteed spinach, spinach smoothies, spinach pesto, blueberry spinach salad, creamed spinach, Cobb salad sandwich and spinach tortellini soup. These easy spinach recipes take 20 minutes or less to prepare and use minimal ingredients. They’re perfect for anyone who needs something quick!
