Spinach isn't just for salads! Popeye himself would approve of these baked and sauteed spinach side dish recipes.
18 Spinach Side Dish Recipes That Aren’t Salad
Updated on Dec. 20, 2024
1/18
Sauteed Spinach
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
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 simple sauteed spinach recipe is one of the easiest ways to cook spinach. It only takes 15 minutes from start to finish to create a side that pairs well with everything. Plate the silky, garlicky spinach with grilled chicken breasts, baked salmon or skillet steak.
2/18
Creamed Spinach
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
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 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.
No holiday dinner is complete without creamed spinach! This recipe uses whole milk, heavy whipping cream and a touch of Parmesan cheese to add a nutty flavor. It’s an ideal complement to any protein, including showstopping beef entrees and Thanksgiving turkey recipes.
3/18
Spinach-Parm Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 239 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
This decadent spinach Parmesan casserole is a game-changer because it can transform even the pickiest eater into a spinach lover. The savory combination of nutty Parmesan and rich garlic butter complements the spinach’s earthy flavor, creating an irresistibly comforting and full-flavored dish.
4/18
Artichoke Spinach Casserole
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
50 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Although he isn't a fan of spinach, my husband loves this dish. The combination of ingredients may sound unusual, but the flavors meld well. It's an excellent side vegetable for a formal dinner. —Judy Johnson, Missoula, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 136 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
If you adore spinach-artichoke dip as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to add this dish to your recipe rotation. It features similar flavors—briny artichokes, earthy spinach, creamy mayo and tangy sour cream, all packed together in a bubbly casserole.
5/18
Cheesy Spinach
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There are never any leftovers. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 230 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
This slow-cooker spinach recipe gains richness from cottage cheese and Velveeta, which melt into cheesy goodness with frozen chopped spinach, eggs, butter and flour. It’s a hands-off way to get more greens on the dinner table!
6/18
Sauteed Spinach and Mushrooms
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that’s perfect for two. And it’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 76 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
This mushroom and spinach recipe is the epitome of easy cooking. It requires only six ingredients and comes together in just 10 minutes. Pair it with other easy 30-minute vegetarian recipes for a light, fresh meal.
7/18
Herbed Baked Spinach
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Parmesan cheese and garlic liven up this spinach dish, which goes well with meat entrees and main-dish casseroles. Sometimes, I use broccoli as a spinach substitute. It's equally delicious. —Verna Hart, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 163 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
The side dish picks up complex flavors from Parmesan cheese and garlic, subtle decadence from milk and heavy whipping cream, and a little crunch from dried bread crumbs. Add in dried marjoram, and it becomes perfectly herbaceous and ultimately delicious.
8/18
Italian Rice
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bring a bit of Italy to the table without the usual pasta and sauce. This colorful side dish blends fluffy rice, fresh spinach and roasted red peppers. The amount of garlic can be adjust to fit your personal taste. For me, the more garlic, the better! —Michelle Armistead, Marlboro, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Whipping up this bright and zippy rice is a great way to get your kiddos to eat spinach. You can turn this side dish into a meal by topping it with a protein, like chicken, salmon or tofu.
9/18
Creamed Spinach with Cream Cheese
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella make this dish wonderfully cheesy. Sprinkle it with french-fried onions for a crisp boost of flavor. —Kathy Vazquez, Amarillo, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 415 calories, 35g fat (23g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
This cheesy spinach recipe is a great way to transform frozen spinach into a creamy side. Use flavored cream cheese (like chive and onion) to add a ton of flavor without breaking the cutting board.
10/18
Spinach Rice
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
Upgrade instant rice with fresh spinach, diced onion and dried parsley to create a side to serve with any meaty entree. Seasoned simply with olive oil, salt and pepper, spinach rice is an excellent pairing for steak or meatloaf.
11/18
Spanakopita
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
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 only briefly thawed 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.
This casserole creates the perfect blend of smooth, creamy, flaky and crunchy textures. It looks fancy, but it’s actually pretty easy to layer the phyllo dough with feta, spinach, eggs and herbs. Serve it alongside Greek recipes like chicken souvlaki or moussaka.
12/18
Spinach Risotto
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never tried mushroom spinach risotto until a trip to Paris a few years ago. Since then, I worked hard to create a recipe that tasted similar, and I think I finally succeeded with this version. It is very rich and indulgent! I often add cubed cooked chicken to make this a more satisfying and protein-packed main dish. —Sandi Ogden, Clinton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 409 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
It’s easy to make a restaurant-quality risotto at home, but it does require a little patience to let the broth slowly soak into the arborio rice. Studded with mushrooms and spinach, this vegetarian risotto is a worthy centerpiece for any meal. Don’t skip the white white; its acidity balances the richness.
13/18
Fennel Spinach Saute
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spinach and fennel are two of my favorite veggies, so I'm always looking for new ways to use them. This is an amazing side dish, but if you slice the fennel a bit smaller, it also makes a great stuffing for chicken breasts or beef tenderloin. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 60 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Fennel has a subtle sweetness and delicate anise notes, which are a lovely match for spinach. Basil gives this side dish an herbaceous finish, but make sure to use fresh basil. Dried basil won’t give it the same flavor.
14/18
Spinach Souffle
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You just can't make an easier, more delicious side dish than this. It's great with beef, pork and lamb, and I especially like serving it for a festive occasion like New Year's Eve. —Bette Duffy, Kenmore, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 375 calories, 33g fat (20g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
No holiday table is complete without a spinach side dish, and this cheesy souffle would be a welcome side on any Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. It would actually taste great for brunch, too, so don’t be afraid to add it to your list of Sunday brunch recipes.
15/18
Orzo with Spinach
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish brings instant comfort. I first made it without spinach so my husband and daughter would like it. The next time, I added spinach for the extra health benefits. They still devoured it, so in my book that's a win-win. —Dawn Moore, Warren, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 271 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Fresh spinach, Asiago cheese, cream cheese and chicken broth are the foundation for this risotto-like orzo dish. A whole bulb of garlic may seem like a lot to add to the recipe, but roasting garlic in the oven tames the pungency and brings out the sweetness.
16/18
Ranch Pasta
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this ranch pasta after making recipes for a bridal shower. It was party day and I needed to take some shortcuts! Everyone loves the simple Parmesan ranch white sauce, and it's easy to throw in veggies you have on hand. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 436 calories, 30g fat (12g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
This super-simple ranch pasta bake is a weeknight side dish hero. The spinach basically melts into the delicious sauce! You can make it with almost any pasta shape or cheese you have on hand, but be sure to use ranch dressing and sour cream.
17/18
Crunchy Spinach Casserole
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our holidays would not be the same without this family tradition. My mother made it every Thanksgiving when I was growing up; now I make it every Christmas as well, and my children and grandchildren absolutely love it! We triple the recipe because the kids can't get enough. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 369 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 974mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.
Bejeweled with crunchy, cubed day-old bread, this spinach casserole is a great way to get little ones to eat some greens at any meal, from Sunday dinner to Thanksgiving. Canned mushroom soup lends creaminess to the dish, while chopped onion and celery add extra flavor.
18/18
Spinach-Topped Tomatoes
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful side dish is classic for a reason! It provides a perfect taste of summer when garden-fresh tomatoes are in season, but we enjoy it year-round. My daughter especially loves this dish. —Ila Mae Alderman, Galax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 tomato: 236 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
Move over stuffed peppers; spinach-stuffed tomatoes just stole the spotlight! To prep this side dish ahead of time, stuff the tomatoes and store them in a covered container in the fridge. Remove the tomatoes from the fridge about 30 minutes before they’re baked to help them cook more evenly.
Spinach Side Dish FAQ
Should I use fresh or frozen spinach?
Unless you’re cooking a dish that relies on the texture of fresh spinach (like spinach salad with warm bacon dressing), it’s usually fine to use either fresh or frozen spinach. Keep in mind that fresh spinach will shrink as it cooks, so the amount of spinach you’ll need will have to be adjusted.
If your recipe calls for fresh spinach, 1 pound of fresh spinach yields 10 to 12 cups of torn leaves, which cooks down to about 1 cup. However, frozen spinach has already been cooked, so one 10-ounce package contains about 1-1/2 cups. So, as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to substitute one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach for every 1-1/2 pounds of fresh spinach (or vice versa if you’re starting with frozen spinach recipes.
How do I keep spinach sides from becoming soggy?
Spinach sides can be soggy if you use undrained frozen spinach. Frozen vegetables contain a lot of water, so it’s important to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to your recipe. If you’re preparing a dish with fresh spinach, try not to overcook your greens, which can cause them to become mushy.
What seasonings best complement spinach?
Spinach’s earthy flavors play well with an endless number of seasonings. Try spicing your spinach with crushed red pepper flakes, nutmeg, paprika or ground pepper. The vegetable also pairs well with several types of herbs, like cilantro, basil or parsley. A variety of cheeses, including nutty Parmesan and sharp feta, also go well with spinach.
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