10 Tasty Spinach Recipes You Have to Try

The versatility of spinach in culinary applications is something that chefs and home cooks alike celebrate. Whether you're looking to enhance your daily diet or add a splash of green to your culinary endeavors, spinach's potential is limitless. Here, we'll explore 10 tasty spinach recipes that you absolutely have to try.

1. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Spinach and ricotta make a divine pairing, especially when stuffed into chicken breasts:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 200g spinach, washed and stemmed
• 200g ricotta cheese
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
• Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, careful not to cut through.
• Mix ricotta cheese with wilted and cooled spinach, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Stuff this mixture into the chicken breasts, securing with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

2. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a rich, delicious side dish:

• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk or cream
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:

• Melt butter, add flour, and cook for a minute to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in milk or cream to avoid lumps.
• Add spinach to the thickened sauce, stir until wilted.
• Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve hot.

3. Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry

This appetizer or snack is perfect for parties:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 200g spinach, finely chopped
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 egg, beaten
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

• Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares or triangles.
• Mix spinach with feta, season, and place a spoonful on each piece of pastry.
• Fold the pastry over the filling, seal the edges, and brush with egg wash.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake at 200°C (392°F) until golden brown.

4. Spinach and Strawberry Salad

A refreshing and colorful salad to brighten your meal:

• 150g baby spinach leaves
• 150g strawberries, sliced
• 50g goat cheese or feta
• Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard for dressing

Instructions:

• Combine spinach and strawberries in a bowl.
• Crumble cheese over the top.
• Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and mustard for the dressing.
• Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.

5. Spinach Pesto

Transform your pesto experience with spinach:

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh basil
• ¹⁄₄ cup pine nuts
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¹⁄₂ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients except olive oil in a food processor until finely chopped.
• Drizzle in olive oil while processing to emulsify.
• Season to taste with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

👨‍🍳 Note: You can store spinach pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

6. Spinach Smoothie

For those looking to add more greens into their diet in a tasty way:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup spinach
• ¹⁄₂ cup almond milk or other milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions:

• Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
• Add more liquid if the smoothie is too thick.
• Serve immediately for best taste.

7. Spinach Artichoke Dip

A crowd-pleasing dip for any gathering:

• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup cream cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
• Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 175°C (350°F) until bubbly and golden.
• Serve with crackers, bread, or veggies.

8. Spinach and Mushroom Quiche

This savory quiche is perfect for brunch or a light dinner:

• 1 pie crust, pre-made or homemade
• 150g spinach, sautéed and cooled
• 150g mushrooms, sliced and sautéed
• 4 eggs
• ³⁄₄ cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or Gruyere)
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F). Fit pie crust into a quiche or pie dish.
• Scatter cooked spinach and mushrooms over the crust.
• Whisk eggs, cream, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour over the vegetables.
• Bake until the center is set, about 40-50 minutes.

9. Spinach and Pine Nut Risotto

A creamy, green risotto that’s both comforting and elegant:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups Arborio rice
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup pine nuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Instructions:

• In a pan, sauté the onion in butter until translucent.
• Add rice, stir to coat with butter.
• Add wine, if using, and stir until absorbed.
• Gradually add warm broth, stirring until rice is creamy.
• Stir in spinach, Parmesan, and pine nuts. Adjust seasoning.

10. Spinach and Chickpea Curry

This hearty curry is full of flavor and nutrients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Optional: chili flakes for heat

Instructions:

• Heat oil, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
• Add spices, cook until fragrant.
• Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and spinach. Simmer for 20 minutes.
• Season and serve with rice or flatbread.

These spinach recipes showcase the incredible versatility of this leafy green. Whether you're aiming to boost your vegetable intake, enhance your flavor profiles, or simply add variety to your meals, spinach can fit the bill in numerous ways. From elegant dinners to casual snacks, spinach elevates dishes with both its nutritional benefits and its unique flavor. Enjoy exploring these recipes, and let spinach become a staple in your kitchen, appreciated not only for its health benefits but also for its capacity to transform everyday dishes into culinary delights.

Can I use frozen spinach in these recipes?

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Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach. Just ensure you thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before using it in the recipes to avoid diluting the flavors or making the dish watery.

How can I make spinach more appealing to children?

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Incorporating spinach into dishes where its flavor can be masked or enhanced can help. Try making spinach smoothies with sweet fruits, baking spinach into muffins, or using it in cheesy casseroles. Small quantities mixed with other favorite foods can make it less intimidating for kids.

What are some ways to store spinach?

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Fresh spinach should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally in a produce drawer or a loosely closed plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. You can also freeze spinach after blanching and cooling for longer storage. Make sure to pack it flat to save space and for easy thawing.