Spinach has a bad habit of turning into a slimy, unrecognizable mess if it sits in the fridge too long. One day it’s fresh and crisp, and the next, it’s a sad, wilted lump at the bottom of the bag. Instead of letting it go to waste (again), use it up before it reaches that point. Toss it into pasta, blend it into a sauce, or make a salad that’s actually worth eating. These recipes make it easy to get through that bag before it turns into compost.
Spinach Frittata
A simple frittata made with fresh spinach and parmesan. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and a smart way to use up extra greens.
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Green Pancakes
These naturally green spinach pancakes are made without artificial dyes and are perfect for a fun St. Patrick’s Day breakfast. Simple ingredients make them easy to whip up.
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Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
A Mediterranean-inspired pasta with lemon, feta, and spinach. It’s quick, light, and can be enjoyed as is or paired with protein for a heartier meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
This classic dip can be served warm or at room temperature with chips, crackers, or veggies. A great way to use spinach in a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza
A cross between deep-dish and regular pizza, this skillet pizza features fresh cheese, spicy chorizo, spinach, and onions on a homemade tomato sauce base.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza
Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies
These small, portable breakfast pies include ham, cheese, and spinach, making them a great option for a quick morning meal or an easy breakfast-for-dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Mini Ham and Cheese Breakfast Pies
Spinach Cheddar Cakes
These spinach and cheddar cakes work as a side dish or appetizer. Pair them with creamy buffalo dip for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Cheddar Cakes
Kimchi Pizza
A quick, flavorful way to use up spinach, this kimchi pizza balances tangy kimchi, fresh greens, melty cheese, and marinara sauce on a crisp crust. Using premade pizza dough, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Pizza
Marry Me Chickpeas
This creamy, Tuscan-inspired chickpea dish brings comfort food vibes in just 10 minutes. Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and spinach round out the sauce for a hearty meal that’s fast and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce coats tender chicken and pasta for a dinner that feels special but takes minimal effort. Spinach blends right in, making it an easy way to use up those leafy greens.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creamy Chicken Butternut Squash Soup
A comforting soup that combines tender chicken, creamy butternut squash, and spinach for a well-rounded meal. Perfect for using up greens before they wilt.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Butternut Squash Soup
Pomegranate Feta Salad with Spinach and Clementines
Bright, fresh, and quick to prepare, this salad combines juicy pomegranate, crisp spinach, and citrusy clementines with feta for a refreshing dish that’s done in 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Feta Salad with Spinach and Clementines
Grilled Chicken Spinach Strawberry Salad
This summer salad brings together grilled chicken, fresh strawberries, feta, avocado, pecans, and spinach with a homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. A great way to make spinach shine.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Spinach Strawberry Salad
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
A one-pot meal with creamy tortellini, diced chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes for an easy dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini
Creamy Lemon Chicken
Tender chicken is coated in a smooth, buttery lemon sauce that pairs well with spinach. Serve it with rice or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Chicken
Italian Gnocchi Soup
A 30-minute soup packed with gnocchi, spinach, and a rich, savory broth. With only five ingredients, this is a quick and satisfying meal for busy nights.
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Palak Paneer
A classic Indian dish featuring spinach and paneer cheese in a creamy, spiced sauce. This homemade version is surprisingly easy to make and a great way to use up extra spinach.
Get the Recipe: Palak Paneer
Caramelized Onion and Spinach Frittata
A versatile frittata with caramelized onions, potatoes, cheese, and spinach. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, and a great way to use up greens before they go bad.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Spinach Frittata
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Onions
A quick and simple side dish that’s ready in under 15 minutes. Garlic, onions, and spinach come together for an easy addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Spinach with Garlic and Onions
Mushroom Spinach Pasta Bake with Black Garlic
A hearty pasta bake with mushrooms, spinach, black garlic, marinara, and layers of feta and mozzarella. A quick, veggie-packed dinner that makes great leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Spinach Pasta Bake with Black Garlic
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken
Chicken breasts are simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato pesto sauce with spinach for an easy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken
Healthy Creamed Spinach
Fresh spinach, cream, cauliflower, and parmesan make this a creamy, comforting side dish. It’s rich without being too heavy and pairs well with a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Creamed Spinach
Chicken Florentine
Juicy chicken simmers in a garlic and white wine cream sauce, with fresh spinach adding brightness. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Florentine
Instant Pot Chickpea Curry
A rich and flavorful curry made with chickpeas and spinach in a creamy, spiced sauce. Serve with rice or naan for a comforting meal that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chickpea Curry
Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chickpeas
Chickpeas replace chicken in this Tuscan-style dish with a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce and fresh spinach. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a simple but flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Marry Me Chickpeas
Pasta in the Best Green Sauce
A one-pot pasta dish featuring a vibrant green sauce made with spinach. Quick, easy, and packed with veggies, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Pasta in the Best Green Sauce
Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup
This rich, comforting soup combines beans, shallots, garlic, and spinach for a meal that’s perfect for making ahead. A great way to use up greens before they spoil.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
