How to make a delicious tomato and spinach saute

Have you ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, staring into the fridge, and wondering what to whip up that’s quick, healthy, and family-approved? That’s exactly where this tomato and spinach saute recipe comes in.

It’s my go-to when time is tight, the kids are hungry, and I want something nourishing on the table in a flash. Plus, spinach and tomatoes seem to somehow always be the last remaining vegetables before my new produce order arrives. Whether it’s a side dish for dinner, a light lunch, or a base for something heartier, this sauté never disappoints.

This recipe was born one hectic evening when I had just 15 minutes to clean out the fridge and figure out dinner. I threw together a handful of fresh ingredients—the tomatoes, spinach, and onion practically begged to be used—and the result was magic. Simple, wholesome, and loaded with flavor, this dish has become a staple in my home. My girls love the sweet tang of the tomatoes. And the earthy spinach gives us Cronies the iron we so desperately need. 

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Serve it as-is for a light meal, spoon it over rice or pasta, or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dinner. You can even pile it onto some toasted sourdough bread with a sprinkle of feta for a quick bruschetta-inspired snack. The possibilities are endless, and I’ll share more ideas later in this post.

If you’re all about wholesome cooking with minimal fuss, this tomato and spinach saute will be right up your alley. Remember to pin the recipe to your favourite boards. And make sure to leave a picture of your creation in the comments. 

Ingredients

Cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are an easy, readily available choice here, but grape tomatoes work just as well. We want to use a small, sweet variety here to give the dish lots of flavour. This will also make it visually appealing. 

Baby spinach. We’ll be using fresh spinach in this recipe and baby spinach is the most delicious option here. Opt for a large bag, sauteed spinach cooks to a fraction of its original volume. 

Onion. I prefer to use brown onion in this dish, everything else just seems to be too intense. 

Butter. While my usual kitchen staple is olive oil, I have recently gotten into the habit of cooking more with butter. Especially in those simple dishes with only a few wholesome ingredients, the addition of butter really makes the flavours pop. If you are on a medically restrictive diet or have food intolerances, use a little olive oil or your cooking oil of choice instead.

Lemon juice. Because what better to pair with spinach?

Sea salt and black pepper 

How to Make Tomato and Spinach Saute

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and allow it to sauté for at least 1-2 minutes.  It might seem as though you have far too much butter for the small amount of onion, but keep in mind we’re still adding a whole lot of vegetables that need to be coated. 

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. The goal is to let the outsides of the tomatoes brown and slightly caramelise, while also releasing the sticky sweet juices. The process can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes and can be sped up by increasing the heat a little. If you are increasing to medium-high heat, make sure to stir your produce regularly to prevent it from burning.

Add the spinach. Once the tomatoes are saucy and slightly caramelised, toss in the fresh baby spinach. Stir until it wilts down, which takes about 2–3 minutes.

Season this delicious side dish with some lemon juice, salt and pepper. Then stir the dish well to combine all those great flavors.

Transfer your spinach dish to a serving bowl and top it with a little parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot as a vegetable side or by itself on some sourdough bread. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: From fridge to table in under 20 minutes, this tomato and spinach saute is the perfect side dish for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and wholesome: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor.
• Kid-friendly: The sweet, juicy tomatoes and mild spinach make this a hit with little ones.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side, main dish, or even breakfast with a poached egg and handful of pine nuts on top! 

Other recipes to try

If you’re after more dinner ideas, or even something sweet for dessert, try one of these recipes next:

Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and spinach make all the difference. Canned or frozen produce won’t make this recipe justice. 
• Don’t overcook the spinach: It wilts quickly, so keep an eye on it releasing too much excess moisture to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Serve over carbs: Serve this delicious tomato and spinach saute over brown rice, boiled potatoes or a bowl of pasta for a well-rounded meal. 
• Boost the flavor: A splash of white wine, a little heavy cream or a sprinkle red pepper can elevate the dish even further.

Easy Substitutes

• Tomatoes: If you really can’t find fresh tomatoes anywhere, try and use fresh capsicum instead. Bonus points for those choosing all different colours to make this dish look even brighter. 
• Spinach: Use other types of spinach, kale, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green you have on hand.
• Onion: Swap onion for a little minced garlic. Use only a small amount to ensure you don’t overpower the delicious flavours of your tomato and spinach saute. 
• Butter: Replace butter with avocado or olive oil for a different flavor profile.