Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This kale and spinach side dish recipe is a quick and delicious way to get in your dark leafy greens. It's a perfect balance of garlicky, tangy and salty!

Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (1)

About 18 months ago, my husband started experiencing some very strange health issues. The skin around his eyes would itch and swell and the skin on one of his hands was dry, itchy, cracked easily and also oozed a clear liquid! It was not a fun time for him.

Finally, one night his eyes swelled so much that he could barely see, and the situation went from "this really sucks" to "okay, we REALLY have to do something to stop this"!

With the help of a naturopath and a friend who had achieved relief from crazy health issues of his own, we ended up changing his diet to be mostly vegetables and healthy fats. This was a short term solution to calm the symptoms. We would not recommend eating like this for an extended period of time. (If you are having any health issues, consult a professional.)

So with this change, I really quickly went searching for different ways to cook vegetables so my poor husband wouldn't be just eating carrot sticks and roasted broccoli for months. THIS was one of those recipes that I made and is now a staple even though my husband isn't on a super strict diet anymore.

Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (2)

Are Sautéed Kale and Spinach Healthy?

There is some debate as to whether kale and spinach (and other vegetables) are healthiest in their raw form or cooked! It seems that both have benefits and downsides. It is recommended by some dietitians and nutritionists to consume a little bit of both. But, keep in mind, eating kale and spinach in any form is better than eating none at all! The most important thing is to consume a diet that includes a variety of vegetables, so if you are not currently eating kale or spinach, add this recipe to dinner once a week!

Both of these dark leafy greens contain many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as fibre and carotenoids. Some research has shown that kale and spinach can reduce the risk of cancer, prevent osteoporosis, promote heart health and reduce inflammation in the body! For more information on the health benefits of dark leafy greens, refer to this article.

Many of the nutrients in green leafy vegetables require fat in order to be absorbed by the body, so that's why adding a healthy fat like extra virgin olive oil to these sauteed greens is necessary!

What To Eat Sautéed Kale and Spinach With

This is a great side dish for most main dish recipes. Eat it alongside steak, chicken, fish, pork with another veggie, rice, quinoa or potatoes or add to pasta, pizza or soup!

Can Sautéed Kale and Spinach Be Reheated?

Sautéed kale and spinach are best when eaten immediately after cooking, but can be stored in the fridge and reheated in a pan or microwave with no issue.

Variations of Kale and Spinach Recipe

  • Swap out spinach or kale for different leafy greens. You can really use any! I usually use kale and spinach since they are always available at the store. You could also use swiss chard, collard greens, beet greens, mustard greens, baby spinach, baby kale, etc. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the leaf. For example, I start the curly kale first since it's much more robust and takes longer to wilt down. I then add the spinach since it only takes a couple of minutes.
  • Add in pine nuts for crunch, parmesan cheese for some cheesy goodness, or red pepper flakes for a kick.

Knife

Large skillet/frying pan (cast-iron is best!)

Spatula or wooden spoon

Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (4)

Kale and Spinach Recipe Ingredients

1 bunch kale (any variety- I usually use curly kale since that's what's available at my grocery store)

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

5 oz/ 140 g spinach

¾ teaspoon sea salt

4-5 cloves garlic, minced OR 1½ teaspoon garlic powder

1½ tablespoon lemon juice or about half a lemon, juiced

Kale and Spinach Recipe Instructions

Wash kale and spinach thoroughly. Cut the centre stem out of kale leaves and chop kale and spinach leaves into strips.

Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (5)

Add kale and olive oil to a large skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the kale seems dry, add some more olive oil. Note: This will look like a TON of greens, but it will shrink significantly in volume once cooked.

Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (6)

Add spinach, garlic and salt. Cook for 3 more minutes, stirring about every minute.

Pour in lemon juice, stir and remove from heat. Serve immediately. If needed, add salt and black pepper to taste.

Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (7)

Want More Healthy Recipes and Natural Living Inspiration?

More Healthy Side Dish Ideas

  • WARM QUINOA WITH LEMON AND HERBS
  • PAN-FRIED ASPARAGUS WITH GARLIC
  • ROASTED CAULIFLOWER FLORETS
  • GARLIC OLIVE OIL MASHED POTATOES

Did you try this recipe and love it? If so, I would so appreciate a 5-star review! Thanks!

📖 Recipe

Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (8)

Sautéed Kale and Spinach

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This kale and spinach side dish recipe is a quick and delicious way to get in your dark leafy greens. It's a perfect balance of garlicky, tangy and salty!

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 oz/ 140 g spinach
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced OR 1½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1½ tablespoon lemon juice OR ½ lemon, juiced

Instructions

    1. Wash kale and spinach thoroughly. Cut the centre stem out of kale leaves and chop kale and spinach leaves into strips.
    2. Add kale and olive oil to a large skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the kale seems dry, add some more olive oil. Note: This will look like a TON of greens, but it will shrink significantly in volume once cooked.
    3. Add spinach, garlic and salt. Cook for 3 more minutes, stirring about every minute.
    4. Pour in lemon juice, stir and remove from heat. Serve immediately. If needed, add salt and black pepper to taste.

Notes

  • Swap out spinach or kale for different leafy greens. You can really use any! I usually use kale and spinach since they are always available at the store. You could also use swiss chard, collard greens, beet greens, mustard greens, baby spinach, baby kale, etc. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the leaf. For example, I start the curly kale first since it's much more robust and takes longer to wilt down. I then add the spinach since it only takes a couple of minutes.
  • Add in pine nuts for crunch, parmesan cheese for some cheesy goodness, or red pepper flakes for a kick.
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving:Calories: 128Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 317mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

    This nutrient calculation is done by an automated calculator and may not be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

    Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent (2024)

    FAQs

    Sautéed Kale and Spinach Recipe | An Easy Side Dish - The Home Intent? ›

    Cook kale in olive oil for 7 minutes. Add salt, spinach and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and serve immediately!

    Can I eat kale and spinach together? ›

    Not one, but TWO leafy greens are represented into this tasty green smoothie! So, if you are on a mission to get more vegetables into your diet and belly, this kale and spinach smoothie is a great recipe to get you started.

    What's healthier, spinach or kale? ›

    "However, if you are looking for a food that is particularly high in fiber, vitamins K and C, kale is a better choice," she said. "If you are looking for a food that is particularly high in folate and a source of iron, and vitamins A and E, then spinach is a better choice."

    What is the best way to cook spinach without losing nutrients? ›

    For maximum vitamin retention, use quick-cooking methods that do not include water, such as sauteing, stir-frying or blanching, to reduce the amount of nutrients lost from cooking.”

    How do you eat and cook kale? ›

    Cut the kale as you want to serve it, set it in a colander or steamer over a pot of boiling shallow water, cover and cook until the kale is tender (about 5 to 10 minutes). Allow the kale to cool until you can handle it, then squeeze out as much water as you can. Serve steamed kale warm or at room temperature.

    What should not be mixed with spinach? ›

    BAD COMBO #2: Spinach and Dairy Products

    If you're on a vegetarian diet or are a menopausal woman or just want to make sure you're absorbing calcium well, you'll want to avoid mixing dairy with oxalate-dense foods like spinach, beets, collards, leeks and parsley.

    Is kale and spinach good for blood pressure? ›

    Leafy greens: Cabbage, collard greens, spinach, kale, and other greens are high in nitrates, which have been found to offer blood pressure benefits. It's easier to get your daily dose of greens by varying how you eat them.

    What is the healthiest vegetable? ›

    1. Spinach. Spinach is a leafy green vegetable and a great source of calcium, vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. Due to its iron and calcium content, spinach is a great addition to any meat- or dairy-free diet.

    Can you eat too much spinach or kale? ›

    Eating too much spinach can also be harmful if you have kidney problems. The oxalic acid in spinach can bind with excess calcium in your kidneys and create kidney stones. If you know you are prone to developing kidney stones, you should eat spinach in moderation.

    Is kale better than broccoli? ›

    Both kale and broccoli are nutritious powerhouses. Like other green leafy vegetables, kale and broccoli have very low carbohydrate and fat content. The vitamins and minerals in the two vegetables are equivalent, although kale has a little edge over broccoli in terms of protein, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K.

    How to eat spinach to get maximum benefits? ›

    Avoid overcooking to preserve its nutritional value. It is best to consume spinach raw or minimally cooked to reap the most nutritional advantages. Cooking methods like as steaming or sautéing can aid in the preservation of the bulk of its nutrients.

    What is the healthiest way to consume spinach? ›

    Spinach. The leafy green is packed with nutrients, but you'll absorb more calcium and iron if you eat it cooked. The reason: Spinach is loaded with oxalic acid, which blocks the absorption of iron and calcium but breaks down under high temperatures.

    What is the healthiest way to buy spinach? ›

    When buying whole bunches of spinach, look for leaves that are crisp and dark green, and avoid those that are yellow, limp, or wilted. If buying pre-washed, packaged spinach, inspect the bag for any slimy or yellow leaves, and also check the expiration or a "best if used by" date.

    Should you eat kale stems? ›

    You can definitely eat kale stems! Sure, they're not the tastiest. Or easiest to eat. But, they're packed with nutrition and can add some valuable green to a stir fry, grain bowl, or frittata.

    How do you get the bitterness out of kale? ›

    Cutting the stem of kale and marinating it with olive oil and salt can help reduce bitterness. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours for better tenderness and less bitterness. Boiled kale is quite delicious.

    What are three ways you can eat kale? ›

    Kale works nicely in recipes that call for spinach, like those for egg dishes, salads or lasagna. Kale is heartier than spinach, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to be a bit longer.

    Is blending kale and spinach good for you? ›

    The leafy greens like kale and spinach in green smoothies are a great source of vitamin K1. Research has shown that people with a high intake of vitamin K1 are have a lower risk of bone fractures, osteoporosis, and decreased bone mineral density. Leafy greens are much higher in vitamin C than other vegetables.

    How much spinach and kale should you eat a day? ›

    Although it is safe for most people to eat a bowl of spinach per day, you should be careful to eat it in moderation.

    Is kale and spinach good for inflammation? ›

    Anti-inflammatory foods

    green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. nuts like almonds and walnuts. fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

    Is spinach and kale good for gut health? ›

    Leafy greens, such as spinach or kale, are excellent sources of fiber, as well as nutrients like folate, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin A. Research shows that leafy greens also contain a specific type of sugar that helps fuel growth of healthy gut bacteria.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Horacio Brakus JD

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5712

    Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

    Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Horacio Brakus JD

    Birthday: 1999-08-21

    Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

    Phone: +5931039998219

    Job: Sales Strategist

    Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

    Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.