6 Savvy Ways to Use Spinach

Vivian Goldschmidt, MA Nutrition

Evidence-Based
4 min Read

Long known for its healthful attributes, this nutrient-rich leafy green contains no less than four Foundation Supplements. Thanks to its high levels of magnesium, manganese, silicon, and Vitamin K, spinach is a bone-smart alkalizing powerhouse. (You only need to worry about its oxalate content if you’ve had kidney stones in the past.)

The list of additional valuable nutrients is long – from vitamin C to several B vitamins, vitamin A, iron and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. But let’s face it, spinach can get boring, so I set out to explore new ideas so you can enjoy it with a creative twist.

Here are the 6 tastiest and easiest ways to use spinach any time of the day – or night – and they are all pH balanced as well.

Tip: I recommend you use organic spinach, especially since it’s included in the EWG’s “dirty dozen” list.

Note: all recipes are for individual servings.

Now let’s get started!

#1 – Salad Haters Salad

In a bowl, toss 2 handfuls of baby spinach with 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas and one large cubed pear (or apple, if you prefer). Mix in one cup of cooked quinoa, sprinkle some walnuts and a little fresh ground pepper. Enjoy with your favorite dressing.

#2 – Green Dream Smoothie

Blend one banana with 1 cup of spinach leaves and 1 cup of almond milk (or your favorite alkalizing milk substitute).

#3 – Quick Quesadilla

Make your own spinach quesadilla wrap in a jiffy!

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 small onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups spinach
1 8-inch corn or gluten-free tortilla
1 egg
1 tablespoon plain unsweetened yogurt
Oregano, sea salt, and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a medium-sized pan heat the oil to medium heat and cook the onion until soft. Stir in the garlic, cooking a minute or two more until soft.

2. Mix in the spinach and cook until wilted, more or less for 2 minutes. Drain well and place in a bowl to cool a little.

3. In another small bowl, whisk together the egg and the yogurt. Add to the cooled spinach and mix until combined.

4. Heat the wrap or tortilla in the pan over low heat, so it softens a little. Turn the heat to medium and pour the egg-spinach mixture over half of the wrap, fold the other half over and cook on one side until the egg begins to firm up, 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for 2 to 3 minutes, until the egg is fully cooked. Cut into wedges and enjoy.


#4 – Strawberry Fields Salad

In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups baby spinach, 1/2 cup arugula, 3/4 cup cooked chicken (cubed or sliced thin) and 1/2 cup sliced strawberries. Throw in some sliced almonds for crunch and pour your favorite dressing.

#5 – Fast n’ Flavorful

Use a large pan for this easy dish.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

1/2 cup of asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 cup of spinach

Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

1 handful of toasted almonds, chopped up a bit

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil to medium heat and add the asparagus, onion, ginger, sea salt and pepper and stir fry for about a minute.

2. Add the garlic and spinach. Stir-fry for another minute, or until the spinach wilts.

3. Pour in the lime zest and juice and. Cook for another 10-20 seconds, stirring all the while.

4. Remove from heat and stir in the basil and sprinkle with almonds.

#6 – Easy Detox Soup

Feel free to adjust the amount of water you use in this recipe. This soup tastes delicious, thick or thin.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic, chopped
1 cup fresh broccoli, cut up
1 cup spinach leaves
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 teaspoon parsley, chopped (if fresh)
Water, as needed to achieve desired consistency
Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
Lemon or lime juice

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil to medium heat and stir in the garlic.

2. Add the spinach, broccoli, celery, and parsley, and stir until the spinach wilts.

3. Add enough water to cover the vegetables, and bring to a high simmer. Cover the pot and reduce heat.

4. Cook for 15 minutes or until vegetables soften.

5. Use a blender to puree the soup, and add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

Do you have other creative ways to use spinach? I'd love to hear them! Share them with the community by leaving a comment below.

Enjoy in good health!