By Team Best Life
Sure, you could throw a bunch of spinach in a bowl, toss in some standard salad toppings, cover it all in dressing and call it a day. But why not find other more creative ways to use the green, which offers a number of health perks? It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus beta carotene, calcium, fiber, and folate. And it contains antioxidants that protect your eyes and may also fight diseases, such as arthritis and some forms of cancer.
Below, we’ve offered five recipes that don’t require a bowl or dressing! But before you dig in, use these strategies to get the tastiest greens:
• Look for crisp green leaves when shopping.
• Be sure to get rid of any yellow or wilted leaves before using.
• To clean, rinse spinach leaves under running water until all dirt or residue is removed.
• Dry the leaves. If you’re roasting the spinach, be sure to spin the leaves in a salad spinner to get rid of as much water as possible. If you’re cooking them with liquid, as in a soup, you can simply shake off the excess water.
• It’s easy to overcook spinach so make sure to cook the green gently for a short period of time over low heat. Spinach can be cooked in just a few seconds.
• Or enjoy it raw: Toss raw spinach with hot roasted onions and season with salt and pepper.
Spinach Quiche
Start your day with an egg-spinach dish that offers ¾ cup of the green per serving. You can also make this recipe for lunch or dinner.
Vegetable Spinach Dip
Need a healthy appetizer to bring to a party (or make for your own gathering)? Try this tasty and healthy vegetable spinach dip. Serve with veggie sticks (carrots and red peppers) or whole grain crackers.
Spinach Puffs
Light and delicious, these healthy starters are the perfect finger food for parties or get-togethers.
Baked Pasta with Pumpkin and Spinach
Put a healthy spin on pasta by adding spinach and pumpkin. It’s delicious and easy to throw together.
Creamy Spinach Soup with Garlic Toast
This tasty soup is loaded with spinach—1.5 cups per serving—and flavor.
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