You can tell it’s spring in Ontario with the return of fresh, local spinach! While it's often tossed into salads, this versatile leafy green deserves a serious glow-up—it's time to let spinach shine in new and exciting ways.

This week’s blog is all about getting creative with spinach. From vibrant sauces to smoothies, stir-fries, and savory bakes, we've got easy, family-friendly recipes that’ll have everyone saying “More spinach, please!”

Why Spinach? Packed with nutrients like iron, fiber, vitamins A and C, and powerful antioxidants, spinach is both a health hero and a kitchen chameleon.

Pro Tip: To keep spinach fresh longer, store it in the fridge and wash it right before use.

🍝 Recipe 1: Green Pasta Sauce

Created by: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

A quick, vibrant pasta sauce that’s part pesto, part magic. Perfect for busy weeknights—and yes, even the kids love it!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 heaping cups baby spinach, loosely packed*
• 2 cloves garlic, minced*
• 1 cup fresh basil, packed
• ½ cup pistachios (dry-roasted, unsalted)
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan (+ more for serving)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (from about ½ lemon)
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add spinach & garlic; sauté ~5 mins until wilted and fragrant.
3. In a food processor, blend spinach mixture with basil, pistachios, parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and remaining olive oil until smooth. Add more oil if needed.
4. Toss sauce with pasta and add pasta water to thin if necessary.
5. Serve with extra parmesan and lemon juice.

Notes:

• Sauce freezes well for up to 6 months.
• Store leftovers separately from pasta for best results.

🍹 Recipe 2: Spinach Smoothie

Created by: Maya Krampf

Serves: 2

A quick and delicious smoothie that’s ideal for breakfast on-the-go or a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baby spinach, packed*
• ½ medium banana
• ¼ cup frozen kiwi
• ⅜ cup frozen mango
• ½ medium orange, sectioned
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup full-fat Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth (30–60 seconds).
2. Add more almond milk for a thinner consistency, if desired.

🧄 Recipe 3: Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic

Created by: Geetanjali

A flavorful, 10-minute stir-fry that’s perfect as a side or light main dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups fresh spinach, cleaned*
• 3 tsp olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 red chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)