Easy Sautéed Spinach with Roasted Butternut Squash and Broccoli

A delicious recipe for easy sautéed spinach with roasted butternut squash and broccoli. If you’re looking for a healthy spinach recipe or the best way to cook fresh spinach, this recipe is for you. Made with fresh spinach, quinoa, roasted butternut squash, and roasted broccoli. If you like this recipe you will love my Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale, and Quinoa Skillet. 

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This delicious, quick, and easy Sauteed Spinach with Roasted Butternut Squash and Broccoli is the perfect way to celebrate Meatless Monday. It’s also a great way to free your fridge of any vegetables that you have. This easy sauteed spinach recipe is my go-to when we need a break from chicken. It’s a healthy spinach recipe that both Emory and my husband love. Believe it or not, I don’t care for raw spinach. For me, a warm spinach salad or cooked spinach is the way to go.

Did you know that sauteed spinach has more health benefits than raw? It’s true. When you eat spinach that has been heated, the levels of vitamins A and E, protein, fiber, zinc, thiamin, calcium, and iron absorbed are higher. Now, don’t get me wrong, both raw and cooked spinach are excellent sources of iron. I’m specifically referring to the cooking method.

In addition to roasted butternut squash, this recipe also includes roasted broccoli, quinoa, roasted & salted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and dried cranberries. It’s packed with flavor and checks both the savory and sweet box. It’s made in under 30 minutes and is the perfect side dish or stand-alone weeknight meal. Read on for the full recipe, ingredients, and step by step instructions.

 

What you will need to make Easy Sautéed Spinach with Roasted Butternut Squash

• Fresh Spinach
• Fresh Broccoli
• Butternut Squash
• Quinoa
• Pepitas
• Dried Cranberries
• EVOO
• Lemon Juice
• Cumin
• Cinnamon
• Garlic Powder
• Chili Powder
• Salt and pepper

How to make Sautéed Spinach with Roasted Butternut Squash and Broccoli?

First, Prepare your veggies by cutting your broccoli into medium-sized florets, destemming your spinach, and peeling the butternut squash. through clean your broccoli and spinach and chop the butternut squash into small cubes.  Lay broccoli florets on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to dry. Toss spinach is a salad spinner to remove all access water and set aside.

Next, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line one large baking sheet with foil.

Place butternut squash and broccoli on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with EVOO and sprinkle with cumin, cinnamon, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables become crisp and broccoli fragrant.

While vegetables are roasting cook your spinach and quinoa (as directed on the bag). In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Add raw spinach to the skillet. Once all spinach is added, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Cook until wilted. *Should yield 2 cups once cooked down. Taste cooked spinach and add more salt and/or lemon juice as needed.

Finally, add roasted vegetables and quinoa to the skillet with the spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with dried cranberries and roasted pumpkin seeds. Serving alongside your favorite protein or alone!

Is Sautéed spinach healthy?

When you eat spinach that has been heated, you will absorb higher levels of vitamins A and E, protein, fiber, zinc, thiamin, calcium, and iron. Both raw and cooked spinach are excellent sources of iron, containing twice as much as other leafy greens.

What is the healthiest way to cook spinach?

Gently toss spinach in a pan with a bit of coconut or olive oil until wilted. For an added level of flavor, sauté minced raw garlic in the pan before adding the spinach, and sprinkle the cooked spinach with unrefined sea salt. Sauteed spinach teams up especially well with fresh avocado and chopped tomatoes!

How do you remove the bitterness from sautéed spinach?

I’ve found that lemon juice is the best way to remove bitterness from sautéed spinach. Lemon juice and refined salt always do the trick for me. This tip also works with kale, and possibly any other sauteed leafy green. It’s also one of the healthiest methods to remove bitterness from sauteed spinach. Based on the flavor of the dish other citrus options like orange and lime juice may also work well. Drizzle fresh juice over the leaves while cooking.

Which is better for you, raw or cooked spinach?

Both raw and cooked spinach are excellent sources of iron, containing twice as much as other leafy greens. Eating cooked spinach  – versus raw – results in much higher blood levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant thought to guard against heart disease and lung cancer. Steaming spinach also allows it to retain its folate content.

What can I use instead of Roasted and Salted Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas)?

You can substitute the pumpkin seeds with any other crunch element you prefer. Chopped walnuts or almonds would work well in this recipe. This ingredient can be omitted altogether if you wish. I just like to add texture to the dish.

 

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