National Spinach Day, celebrated on March 26th each year, is a leafy-green reminder of the nutritional powerhouse that is spinach. Loved for its versatility and packed with vitamins and minerals, spinach takes center stage on this day dedicated to healthy eating and wholesome meals.
Spinach is an excellent source of iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, and fiber making it a superfood that supports energy levels, bone health, and digestion. One cup of raw spinach contains less than 10 calories while a cup of cooked spinach provides about 41 calories. Thanks to the high-water content of spinach, it takes about 10-12 cups of raw spinach to yield a single cup of the cooked green. The exact amount can vary based on cooking method and spinach type.
Whether fresh, sautéed, blended into smoothies, or added to pastas and salads, spinach is a favorite in kitchens across the world.
10 Ways to Enjoy Spinach
- Make this easy Chicken Rollatini when you want to impress your family or guests but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Made with frozen spinach and a healthy dose of mushrooms, one rollatini provides about 200 calories and is high in protein.
- This Cheesy Spinach Dip recipe will be an incredible hit at your next party. Super easy to make, this low-carb, high protein dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to bake. Pop it in the oven about 20 minutes before serving.
- Make a smoothie and add extra vitamins and minerals with a handful of fresh spinach to amp up the nutrition. You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy this Shamrock Smoothie. Even the most finicky eaters will drink up this yummy green smoothie that is sweetened with mango and pineapple.
- Make This simple Pesto Sauce Recipe – but blend in some spinach with the sweet basil, sharp Pecorino Romano cheese, and fresh garlic with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. The result is a wonderfully flavorful pesto, perfect for tossing with pasta or spreading onto a sandwich recipe.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, onions and low-fat cheese to make nutritious and delicious fillings for omelets and frittatas. Add spinach, mushrooms, onions and low-fat cheese to make a nutritious and delicious filling for omelets and frittatas. Fresh veggies brighten up this easy cheddar Broccoli, Spinach, and Sweet Pea Omelet. Or enjoy this Farmers’ Market Frittata for a high-protein breakfast, lunch or dinner. This delicious baked omelette is packed with zucchini, greens, mushrooms and tomatoes.
- Use rotisserie chicken or an extra chicken breast from last night’s dinner to make this delicious Chicken Spinach Mushroom Wrap in minutes. Just sauté some fresh mushrooms and toss in garlic and a few herbs to make a flavorful, nutritious lunch that will hold up well in a lunch box.
- Warm up with this delicious Spinach and Chickpea Soup for an easy weeknight dinner. With spinach, chickpeas and orzo, this quick soup is packed with nutrition and flavor
- Try this Quinoa Spinach Quiche for a delicious dish with a healthy twist. Hearty in flavor and light in calories, enjoy any time of day.
- Don’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy a Spinach Salad. Quick and easy, chickpeas, walnuts and feta cheese give this spinach salad a hearty lift.
- Embrace a plant-based meal with Spinach Stuffed Shells loaded with creamy mozzarella, ricotta cheese and spinach, your family will never know that these shells are a healthy, low-fat option.
Celebrate National Spinach Day on March 26th and all year long. Get creative, have some fun, and add more spinach to your plate.
