There are many reasons why I keep a well-stocked freezer at all times: Frozen foods last longer, are harvested and preserved at peak ripeness and are typically more budget-friendly than their fresh counterparts. While this holds true for many products, it’s especially relevant when it comes to frozen greens like spinach. I try to always have a package of frozen spinach on hand for whenever I want to add color, flavor and nutrients to a meal without a trip to the store. Also, if you’re lucky enough to be harvesting spinach from your garden or you’re tempted to load up at a local farmers market, there is an easy way to freeze it.
Many of the recipes on this list specifically call for frozen spinach, but I’ve found that frozen greens can sub in for most recipes that cook the spinach (like a casserole, stew or pasta) or blend the spinach into a purée (like a smoothie or blended soup). Recipes like our Spinach-Feta-Rice Casserole and Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach are sure to inspire creativity with this healthy and versatile freezer staple. For more budget- and beginner-friendly cooking tips, check out Thrifty.
Spinach, Feta & Rice Casserole
This one-pan recipe is the casserole version of spanakopita! It’s hearty enough to enjoy as a vegetarian lunch or dinner, yet versatile enough to serve alongside just about any protein. To make it extra creamy, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.
Catalan Spinach Sauté
In this quick and easy sautéed spinach recipe, a handful of standard pantry items transform frozen spinach into a satisfying side dish or omelet filling.
Slow-Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
This creamy, crowd-pleasing dip comes together with ease in your crock pot. Leave it in the slow cooker all party long to keep it warm for serving with perfect, melty cheese in every bite. Whole-wheat bread and raw veggie dippers allow you to dig in without the guilt.
Spinach, Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie
Peanut butter and banana is a classic combo that’s even more delicious with the addition of tangy probiotic-rich kefir. Plus, this peanut butter banana smoothie helps you up your veggie servings for the day with a bit of mild-flavored spinach mixed in.
Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Stew
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This satisfying stew comes together in a snap. Mashed chickpeas add body to the broth, and tomato paste adds a savory note without piling on the sodium in this healthy recipe for weight loss.
Spinach & Feta Scrambled Egg Pitas
This meatless dinner comes together in only 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta. We’ve added a flavorful burst of sun-dried tomato tapenade to spread over the whole-wheat pita before nestling the scrambled eggs inside. If you can’t find tapenade, basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto also work well.
Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
To achieve flavor quickly in this sun-dried tomato pasta recipe, we use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes to create the base of the cream sauce. Meanwhile, the residual heat of the pasta wilts the spinach in record time for a fast weeknight dinner.
Minestra Maritata (Italian Wedding Soup)
Forget the marble-size meatballs you find in many versions of this Italian Wedding Soup. In this easy recipe, they’re full-size, full-flavored and plenty filling.
Creamy Garlic Skillet Chicken with Spinach
Quick-cooking chicken cutlets are coated in a garlic cream sauce, while spinach adds a boost of color and nutrition to this easy one-skillet recipe. Serve over pasta or whole grains to soak up the delicious sauce.
Spinach-Avocado Smoothie
This healthy green smoothie gets super creamy from the frozen banana and avocado. Make ahead (up to 1 day) and store it in the fridge until you need a veggie boost.
Spinach & Mushroom Quiche
This healthy vegetarian quiche recipe is as simple as it gets. It’s a quiche without the fussy crust! It’s filled with sweet wild mushrooms and savory Gruyère cheese. Enjoy it for breakfast or brunch, or serve it with a light salad for lunch.
Spanakopita Loaded Potatoes
In this healthy take on twice-baked potatoes, spinach, feta, garlic and oregano are stuffed into the potato skins along with the mashed potatoes. Serve with steak or chicken sprinkled with oregano or marjoram.