Creamed Spinach Side Dish: Nutritious, Creamy, and Delicious

This creamed spinach side dish delivers creamy indulgence with the added benefit of a healthy twist. It’s velvety, garlicky, and fresh with a bright burst of lemon—all without the heavy cream found in traditional recipes. Packed with protein from ricotta and brimming with vitamins from fresh spinach, this side is as nourishing as it is satisfying.

We developed this recipe for anyone craving luxurious comfort food that supports their health goals. After testing countless variations, we perfected this easy creamed spinach recipe to balance flavor, nutrition, and convenience. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a holiday dinner staple. Trust us, your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.

Why This Creamed Spinach Side Dish Is Good for You

Spinach may cook down to a fraction of its size, but the nutrients remain concentrated, making it a true superfood in disguise. Here’s what makes this recipe a nutrition powerhouse:

• Rich in vitamins: Spinach shines with vitamins A, C, and K to support immunity and bone health.
• Protein-packed: The ricotta adds a healthy dose of protein to keep you feeling full longer.
• Low in calories: With just 106 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to your plate.
• Heart-friendly fats: Olive oil provides a source of healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Dietary versatility: Gluten-free by nature and easy to adapt for vegan or keto diets (see our dietary adaptations section below).

Wholesome Ingredients for This Creamed Spinach Side Dish

Let’s break down the star ingredients that make this dish both nutritious and delicious:

• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is loaded with antioxidants, iron, and magnesium. Always buy pre-washed spinach or triple-wash it to save time. Frozen spinach works in a pinch; just be sure to thaw and squeeze it dry.
• Whole Milk Ricotta: Creamy and protein-rich, ricotta gives this dish luxurious texture without heavy cream. You can substitute part-skim ricotta to reduce fat content if desired.
• Lemon: The zest and juice from a fresh lemon bring brightness to the dish. Meyer lemons work beautifully here if available.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds subtle warmth, complementing the spinach perfectly. Using freshly grated nutmeg makes a big difference in flavor.

For substitutions, you can use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta for a tangier flavor. For a vegan option, try silken tofu blended with a splash of unsweetened almond milk.

Creamed Spinach Side Dish Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 people (as a side dish)
• Cuisine: American/Mediterranean
• Course: Side
• Calories Per Serving: 106.3 kcal

Ingredients for Creamed Spinach Side Dish

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, minced
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces whole milk ricotta
• 2 tablespoons milk (whole, low fat, or nonfat all work)
• 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 pound fresh baby spinach

How to Make Creamed Spinach Side Dish

1. Saute the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, stir in the minced onion and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the ricotta, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients come together into a creamy sauce.
3. Cook the spinach: Raise the heat back to medium and add the spinach in batches. Fold it into the sauce a handful at a time, letting each batch wilt before adding more. This step should take about 10 minutes in total.
4. Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning as desired and add another splash of lemon juice if needed for brightness. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Customize This Creamed Spinach Side Dish for Your Diet

• Vegan: Swap ricotta with a blend of silken tofu and nutritional yeast. Use plant-based milk instead of dairy.
• Keto-friendly: Stick with full-fat ricotta and olive oil. Avoid low-fat dairy to keep carbs minimal.
• Higher protein: Add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the cream sauce or include a sprinkle of hemp hearts before serving.
• Nut-free: This recipe is already naturally nut-free, but double-check if you’re using plant-based ricotta substitutes.

Our Team’s Tips for the Best Creamed Spinach Side Dish

• Pre-wilt your spinach: If you’re in a rush, sauté the spinach separately, drain the excess water, and then add it to the sauce.
• Season strategically: Taste your sauce before adding the spinach to fine-tune the seasoning. Spinach has a mild, earthy flavor that balances well with acidity.
• Don’t skip the zest: Lemon zest provides subtle oils for a fragrant and fresh-tasting dish.
• Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat over low heat.
• Enhance nutrients: Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed into the sauce for omega-3s.

Creamed Spinach Side Dish FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the sauce. This ensures your dish stays creamy and not watery.

Is this creamed spinach side dish keto-friendly?

Absolutely. By using full-fat ricotta and olive oil, this dish is naturally low-carb and fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet plan.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally.

What can I serve with this side dish?

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even a hearty lentil loaf for vegetarians. It’s an easy addition to almost any main course.

Conclusion

We’re confident that this creamed spinach side dish will become a staple on your table. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packs a serious nutritional punch to support your health. What’s your favorite way to enjoy this dish? Let us know in the comments below!