Only have 5 minutes? This warm, lemony, Easy Sautéed Spinach is the kind of side dish that feels fancy but takes just minutes to make. The spinach wilts into silky, tender greens that are full of flavor, not mushy or bland. It’s fresh, simple, and the perfect way to round out any meal without overthinking it.

big bowl of sauteed spinach with a serving spoon

Alright, let’s talk about one of the easiest side dishes you’ve ever met. Sautéed spinach. If you’ve got a bag of spinach in the fridge and a couple garlic cloves lying around, you’re already halfway there. I’m known for throwing random handfuls of spinach in to pastas and soups, but now it’s time to let the spinach be the star.

This recipe is a no-brainer. It’s fast, flavorful, and totally foolproof. We’re talking five ingredients, one pan, and maybe five minutes total. It’s the ultimate “what’s-missing-on-this-plate?” side dish that somehow makes dinner feel more complete.

And listen, if sautéed spinach has ever felt boring or blah to you, I get it. But trust me, when you cook it just right (a quick sauté with garlic and olive oil, finished with a squeeze of lemon), it’s bright, savory, and delicious. Not mushy. Not soggy. Just really good spinach.

What You’ll Need

bowls of ingredients on a grey background

You don’t need anything fancy:

  • Olive oil – this is the time to use the good stuff
  • Fresh spinach (yes, 6 cups sounds like a lot but it wilts like crazy!)
  • Salt & pepper
  • Garlic (because of course)
  • Lemon juice (obviously

That’s it! It’s simple, but each ingredient does something. The garlic adds flavor, the salt and pepper bring it to life, and the lemon juice at the end makes everything pop. Don’t skip it!

Let’s Make It

sautéed spinach with garlic
Add your ingredients to the pan.
sautéed spinach in a skillet with a serving spoon
Cook until spinach is bright green and wilted.

You can serve it with literally any main dish – chicken, fish, meat and more. If you’re new to cooking spinach this way, welcome to your new go-to green.

bowl of spinach with a serving spoon
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big bowl of sauteed spinach with a serving spoon

Easy Sautéed Spinach (Your Go-To 5 Minute Side Dish)

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  • Author: Laney Schwartz
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Stove Top

Description

Only have 5 minutes? This warm, lemony, Easy Sautéed Spinach is the kind of side dish that feels fancy but takes just minutes to make. The spinach wilts into silky, tender greens that are full of flavor, not mushy or bland. It’s fresh, simple, and the perfect way to round out any meal without overthinking it.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil 
  • 6 cups fresh spinach
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add the olive oil, spinach, salt, pepper and garlic and cook until spinach begins to wilt – about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Turn off the heat and squeeze some fresh lemon juice and serve!