Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach

Featured in Tasty Side Dishes.

This easy vegetable side pairs golden-brown mushrooms with fresh spinach and garlic, finished with lemon for brightness. Ready in minutes for a healthy addition to any meal.
Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:34:28 GMT
A close-up of sautéed spinach and sliced mushrooms layered together in a black bowl. Pin it
A close-up of sautéed spinach and sliced mushrooms layered together in a black bowl. | recipesim.com

I'm excited to share my go-to side dish that never fails to impress garlicky mushrooms and spinach! This quick 15-minute recipe combines earthy mushrooms tender spinach and plenty of fresh garlic finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. It's one of those versatile sides that makes any meal feel special.

Why This Recipe Works

What I love about this dish is how quickly it comes together perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast. The mushrooms get all golden and savory while the spinach stays fresh and bright. And that garlic lemon combo? Pure magic.

Everything You Need

  • Fresh Mushrooms: About 8 ounces pick ones that are firm and fresh.
  • Baby Spinach: I use pre-washed saves so much time.
  • Fresh Garlic: Don't skimp here fresh makes all the difference.
  • Olive Oil: Use the good stuff it really matters.
  • Fresh Lemon: Just one for that perfect brightness.
  • Fresh Thyme: Adds such lovely flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season to your taste.

Let's Cook Together

Get Those Mushrooms Ready
Just wipe them clean with a paper towel and slice them nice and even.
Start Cooking
Get your pan nice and hot add some oil then lay those mushrooms in a single layer.
Golden Brown Magic
Let them get beautiful and golden about 3-4 minutes each side.
Add The Good Stuff
Toss in your garlic and thyme just until you can smell all that goodness.
Time For Spinach
Add your spinach in batches letting each handful wilt down.
Final Touch
Season it up finish with lemon and serve it while it's hot.
A close-up of sautéed spinach and sliced mushrooms served in a dark bowl. Pin it
A close-up of sautéed spinach and sliced mushrooms served in a dark bowl. | recipesim.com

My Secret Tips

Here's what I've learned let those mushrooms really brown don't rush them. Add your garlic later so it doesn't burn. And that squeeze of lemon at the end makes everything pop.

What to Serve It With

This goes with everything! We love it alongside steak chicken fish you name it. Sometimes I toss it with pasta for a quick vegetarian dinner. It's so versatile.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any leftovers in the fridge they'll keep about 3 days. When you reheat use a skillet not the microwave keeps everything nice and fresh.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a splash of balsamic or some pine nuts for crunch. Red pepper flakes give it a nice kick if you like things spicy. It's fun to play around with different flavors.

A bowl of sautéed spinach and sliced mushrooms garnished with fresh greens. Pin it
A bowl of sautéed spinach and sliced mushrooms garnished with fresh greens. | recipesim.com

Pro Kitchen Tips

Use a nice big pan so your mushrooms have room to brown. If they're too crowded they'll steam instead. And keep everything moving once you add that garlic.

Good For You Too

This dish isn't just tasty it's packed with good things. The spinach gives you iron and vitamins mushrooms are full of antioxidants and that olive oil has healthy fats.

Perfect for Busy Days

I love having this recipe in my back pocket. It's so quick and easy but feels special enough for company. Perfect when you need something green on the table fast.

Getting Those Perfect Mushrooms

The key is patience let those mushrooms get nice and golden. That's where all the flavor comes from. Don't rush this part it's worth the extra minute or two.

A close-up of sautéed mushrooms on a bed of fresh spinach, served in a black bowl. Pin it
A close-up of sautéed mushrooms on a bed of fresh spinach, served in a black bowl. | recipesim.com

Adding That Fresh Squeeze

Fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up. It's amazing how such a simple thing can make such a difference in taste.

Meal Prep Magic

I often make extra to use throughout the week. It's great in omelets on sandwiches or tossed with some quinoa for lunch.

Ways to Serve

Try it over creamy polenta alongside roasted potatoes or with fluffy rice. It makes any meal feel more complete and adds such nice color to your plate.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I use different greens like kale or try wild mushrooms when I can find them. A sprinkle of parmesan on top is delicious too.

Sliced mushrooms are sautéed with fresh spinach in a black frying pan. Pin it
Sliced mushrooms are sautéed with fresh spinach in a black frying pan. | recipesim.com

Getting The Heat Right

Start hot for those mushrooms then turn it down when you add the garlic and spinach. Getting the temperature right makes all the difference.

Dress Up Your Meals

This simple side can really elevate any dinner. I've even served it on crostini for parties everyone loves it.

Perfect Timing

Watch your spinach carefully you want it just wilted still bright green. It'll keep cooking even after you take it off the heat.

Always a Winner

This recipe has never let me down. It's simple fresh and delicious exactly what a great side dish should be. Give it a try I know you'll love it too.

Sautéed spinach and mushrooms are beautifully arranged in a black skillet, showcasing their vibrant colors and glossy texture. Pin it
Sautéed spinach and mushrooms are beautifully arranged in a black skillet, showcasing their vibrant colors and glossy texture. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of mushrooms work best?
While any mushroom variety works well, cremini mushrooms offer a particularly rich, savory flavor. Button or mixed mushrooms are also excellent choices.
→ Why use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced?
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma. Pre-minced garlic can have a less vibrant taste and different texture.
→ Why does the spinach cook down so much?
Spinach contains a lot of water which evaporates during cooking, causing it to reduce significantly in volume. This is normal and expected.
→ How do I prevent mushrooms from getting soggy?
Make sure mushrooms are well-dried after washing and cook them over medium heat until they release their moisture and brown properly.
→ When should I season with salt?
Season towards the end of cooking to prevent the salt from drawing out too much moisture from the mushrooms too early.

Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach

A quick and flavorful side dish combining mushrooms and fresh spinach, enhanced with garlic and bright lemon juice.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Tasty Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons olive oil.
02 1 pound mushrooms, sliced.
03 4 cups fresh spinach, packed.
04 4 cloves garlic, minced.
05 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
06 Salt and pepper to taste.
07 Fresh parsley for garnish.
08 Red pepper flakes for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Wash and slice mushrooms, clean spinach, mince garlic, and squeeze lemon.

Step 02

Warm olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.

Step 03

Add mushrooms and cook 5-7 minutes until browned and tender.

Step 04

Stir in garlic and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 05

Add spinach, season with salt and pepper, and finish with lemon juice.

Notes

  1. Any mushroom variety works well.
  2. Spinach will reduce significantly.
  3. Use fresh garlic for best flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~