Spinach Recipes for Every Meal

Choose a slide

1 of 24

Spinach Basics

Cooks classify this good-for-you green three ways: Curly-leaf spinach has crinkled leaves; flat-leaf spinach, often sold frozen or canned, has smoother leaves and a slightly milder flavor; and baby spinach is simply the flat-leaf type harvested when very young and tender.

In Season: Fresh spinach is available year-round.

What to Look For: Look for bright green, unwilted leaves. Avoid slimy or spotted leaves.

How to Store:Both curly- and flat-leaf spinach are sold in bunches and bags, and baby spinach comes prepackaged or loose. Refrigerate spinach in a plastic bag; it spoils quickly, so use it within a couple of days.
Photography: Raymond Hom

2 of 24

New Spinach Salad

And a poached egg, with its runny richness, one-ups the traditional hard-cooked. A spritz of sherry vinegar completes the transformation.

Get Recipe
3 of 24

Spinach Mac and Cheese

Add a bit of green goodness to basic mac and cheese with fresh spinach, stirred into the sauce until just wilted.

Get Recipe
Photography: Andrew Purcell

4 of 24

Quinoa-and-Spinach Pilaf

Look no further for a quick-cooking whole-grain side dish that goes with just about any meal.

Get Recipe
Photography: Andrew Purcell

5 of 24

Skillet Spinach Pie

Opa! This spanakopita-inspired dish is a great vegetarian main or a hearty side for grilled or roast meats.

Get the Skillet Spinach Pie Recipe
Swipe here for next slide
Photography: Minh + Wass

6 of 24

Hot Spinach Dip

Cream cheese and mozzarella make this hot spinach dip extra rich and flavorful. It can be made up to three days ahead of time and baked just before you’re ready to serve it.

Get Recipe
7 of 24

Sauteed Spinach with Crisp Pancetta

It only takes a few minutes to saute tender baby spinach leaves and crown them with crisp pancetta and a kiss of lemon.

Get Recipe
8 of 24

Spinach and Gruyere Souffle

Gruyere cheese sauce forms the creamy base for this spectacular and satisfying souffle.

Get Recipe
Photography: David Loftus

9 of 24

Creamed Spinach

Pay tribute to the old-school steakhouse with this classic creamed spinach recipe.

Get Recipe
10 of 24

Wilted Spinach Salad with Caramelized Shallots

Caramelized shallots lend sweetness and depth to the warm vinaigrette that envelops tender baby spinach leaves.

Get Recipe
Swipe here for next slide
Photography: David M. Russell

11 of 24

Spinach Cream Soup

Veloute, a classic French "mother sauce" is the basis for a creamy, vibrantly green spinach soup.

Get Recipe
12 of 24

Spinach and Cheddar Strata

This savory bread pudding is a deliciously rich and cheesy choice for a vegetarian brunch or dinner.

Get Recipe
Photography: William Brinson

13 of 24

Pea-Spinach Mash

This bright-green beauty of a side dish is a healthy alternative to buttery mashed potatoes.

Get Recipe
Photography: Standard

14 of 24

Chile-Garlic Spinach

The spicy bite of fresh chiles and garlic complements mellow spinach.

Get Recipe
Photography: Jonathan Lovekin

15 of 24

Spinach Pesto Penne

Spinach and walnuts stand in for the usual basil and pine nuts in this quick and easy sauce that you can whip up year-round.

Get Recipe
Swipe here for next slide
16 of 24

Spanakopita

Crisp phyllo tops a fresh-tasting spinach-and-feta filling in this savory Greek pie. Cut into small squares and served at room temperature, this pie makes a terrific hors d'oeuvre.

Get Recipe
Photography: Romulo Yanes

17 of 24

Eggs with Spinach and Tomatoes

This bright breakfast is loaded with vegetables, so you get an early start on eating well.

Get Recipe
18 of 24

Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Combine shredded chicken with sauteed spinach in a cream sauce, pour into a baking dish, and top with torn bread to concoct this creamy, bubbling casserole.

Get Recipe
19 of 24

Spinach and Mushroom Lo Mein

This vegetarian rendition of the Chinese take-out favorite combines cremini mushrooms, scallions, fresh spinach, and lots of ginger with chewy lo mein noodles.

Get Recipe
Photography: Jonathan Lovekin

20 of 24

Spinach-And-Fontina Strata

Prepare this savory bread pudding the night before you plan to serve it; the bread will soak up the ingredients and bake up creamy and golden. Young Fontina from Northern Italy, a superb melting cheese, adds lushness and a little tang to the dish.

Get Recipe
Swipe here for next slide
21 of 24

Spinach-Gruyere Gateau de Crepes

A winsome way to use leftover crepes, this towering gateau de crepes replaces the usual jam, cream, and chocolate with alternating layers of rich bechamel and sauteed spinach.

Get Recipe
22 of 24

Spinach and Pepper Pita Pizzas

Mini whole-wheat pitas make perfect snack-size pizzas. Top each with fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, and creamy Havarti cheese.

Get Recipe
23 of 24

Creamy Spinach and Sweet-Onion Dip with Crudites

Spinach and watercress, abundant in antioxidants, are no chore to eat when blended into this healthful yet indulgent take on spinach dip. Avocado lends it richness, and colorful crudites add crunch but not empty calories.

Get Recipe
Photography: Johnny Miller

24 of 24

Spinach Tart with Olive-Oil Cracker Crust

In this vegetarian main course, the lushness of spinach and feta is set off by a crisp, easy-to-make crust. You'll want it in your repertoire year-round.

Get Recipe