The lingering bitter taste of spinach is likely not most people’s favorite vegetable growing up and probably still some people’s nightmare. But this vegetable is rich in nutrients, such as iron and many vitamins, so you should try to incorporate it in your daily life. For you picky spinach eater, a list of simple, tasty spinach recipes will hopefully make you forget about picking all the spinach out of your food. This list is also for spinach lovers looking for ways to spice up more nutritious spinach dishes!
Nutrition of Raw VS Cooked Spinach
Comparing nutrients in raw and cooked spinach is complicated and there will be trade-offs. When spinach is eaten raw, folate, vitamins (B2, B3, and C), and potassium are present. On the other hand, cooking spinach increases its vitamins (A, B1, E, and K), protein, fiber, zinc, calcium, iron, and more. These nutrients also become more absorbable in cooked spinach. As both raw and cooked spinach are low in fat and even lower in cholesterol, you will be doing your health a favor no matter which form of spinach you choose to consume.
1. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This is the ultimate soft, creamy dip for any get together. It is filled with spinach, artichoke hearts, cheese, sour cream, mayo, and garlic powder. What an easy and cheap dip to make and share.
2. Spinach Blondies
Blondies share similar ingredients to brownies. But this blondie is a savory version made of spinach, cheese, and green onions. Nevertheless, this green treat is a great snack and the new appetizer to impress guests at parties.
3. Spinach Cakes
Mix together spinach, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg, and you will find that spinach cakes are one of the easiest, cheapest, and quickest snacks to whip up. They are even perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
4. Gluten-Free Baked Falafel
This reinvention of spinach falafel is plant-based and gluten-free. It still is delicious with the balanced blend of flavors and the intended coarse texture. Make sure to bake a batch of these, so you can nimble on them or throw them on top of a salad.
5. Spinach and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes
A zesty summer garden crop, tomato is a colorful addition to any snack or meal. Instead of the traditional stuffings of meat and rice, this healthier stuffed tomato is filled with spinach and quinoa.
6. Spinach, Cheese, and Turkey Sausage Egg Muffins
This spinach recipe is perfect for a low-carb and make-ahead protein-packed breakfast. The egg muffins are always pretty, hearty, and fun to share!
7. Simple Citrus Ginger Salmon Bake with Garlic Spinach
A delicious, but also quick and easy recipe for oven baked salmon. When paired with spinach, it is a great and complete meal for busy nights.
8. Savory Spinach and Pesto Muffins
Give the sweet muffins a see-you-later and fall in love with these healthy, savory spinach and pesto muffins. They are basically garlic bread, and the kids will never know that they are eating spinach.
9. Breakfast Naan Pizza
This breakfast naan pizza topped with spinach and an egg is simple yet flavorful. And it makes a delicious dinner that is cheaper and faster than pizza delivery.
#SpoonTip: Use garlic naan for added flavor.
10. Spinach and Artichoke Deep Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza refers to a famous type of Chicago-style pizza, and a deep layer of dough forms a bowl. Please generously load this tasty veggie pizza up with three cheeses, garlic, artichoke and spinach.
11. Microwave Mug Lasagna
Microwaves can create meals equal to anything else. Instead of waiting for the oven to bake your favorite lasagna, grab a mug and the lasagna ingredients (don't forget spinach) to get cooking with the handy microwave.
12. Tortellini and Spinach in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Adding spinach enhances the color, flavor, and nutrition of this simple, beloved pasta dish. You will be able to make the tastiest tortellini in just 17 minutes. Incredibly amazing!
13. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Risotto
Don't fear the spinach risotto when you have some extra time and a couple of extra ingredients. Packed with a beautiful balance of flavors, the risotto is simple to make and can be a delicious side dish or a main meal.
14. Spinach, Feta and Almond Orzo
Orzo is shaped like rice but is actually a type of pasta. Pretty quick and easy to make, this incredible cheesy and crunchy spinach recipe with orzo is perfect for a vegetarian dinner.
15. Chickpea, Spinach, and Lentil Dahl
Dahl is an Indian comfort food that contains beans, peas, and lentils. This recipe is an ideal choice for a nutritious and flavorful meal as it is packed with an abundance of protein in the ingredients chickpea, spinach, and lentil. It is also a delicious complement to spicy foods.
Spinach is often misunderstood and can actually be tasty in many recipes. And the more you eat spinach, the healthier you will be. So bring on the spinach, baby!