Name: Vegan Creamed Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz fresh spinach; 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 4 hours or quick-soaked); 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Why You’ll Love Vegan Creamed Spinach Recipe

This vegan creamed spinach is creamy, rich, and satisfying, yet completely dairy-free. The combination of thawed spinach, cashew cream, and miso creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a healthier alternative to a traditional dish, this recipe delivers all the flavor you love without any of the guilt. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

To prepare this vegan creamed spinach, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Frozen spinach (20 oz)
A shallot, finely diced
Two garlic cloves, minced
Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
Cashew cream (½ cup)
Unsweetened vegan yogurt (2 tablespoons)
Miso paste (1 teaspoon)
Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients come together to create the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make this dish so delicious. The cashew cream acts as the base for the creamy sauce, while the miso paste adds an umami richness that enhances the natural flavors of the spinach.

Directions

Prepare the Spinach: Start by thawing the spinach and pressing out any excess liquid. This is an important step to ensure the dish doesn’t become too watery.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and slightly softened—this should take around 3 minutes.
Cook the Spinach: Add the thawed spinach to the skillet and cook it for a few more minutes, allowing it to heat through and mix with the garlic and shallot.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the cashew cream, vegan yogurt, and miso paste. Keep stirring until the miso has dissolved and everything is combined into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Once done, serve the creamed spinach warm as a delicious side dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings, and it’s quick to prepare. From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 15 minutes—5 minutes on preparation and 10 minutes on cooking. It’s a great option for a last-minute side dish that still feels special.

Variations

One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. There are several ways to personalize it according to your taste preferences:

Cheesy Flavor: Swap out the miso paste for nutritional yeast if you’re looking for a more cheese-like flavor.
Add a Zesty Touch: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a bright, zesty contrast to the creamy spinach.
Texture and Sweetness: For additional texture, you can stir in sautéed onions or leeks, which will also bring a natural sweetness to the dish.
Richness: If you’re looking for an even richer version, try using coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream instead of the plain vegan yogurt.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, you can store the creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy weeks. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or you can use the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish nut-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute the cashew cream with a seed-based cream, such as sunflower seed cream, or you can use extra coconut yogurt for a similar creamy texture.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 1½–2 pounds of spinach, as it cooks down significantly compared to frozen spinach. Be sure to wilt the fresh spinach before adding it to the skillet.

Can I add extra seasonings?
Definitely! Nutmeg, garlic powder, and extra black pepper are all great additions to enhance the flavor. Experiment with the seasonings to suit your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
While this recipe does contain spinach and vegan yogurt, which are higher in carbs, you can make a few adjustments to reduce the carb content. Using full-fat coconut yogurt instead of regular vegan yogurt and omitting the miso paste can help make it more keto-friendly.

What pairs well with vegan creamed spinach?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, quinoa, mashed potatoes, and vegan roasts. It’s also a great accompaniment to grain-based dishes or salads for a complete meal.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be fully prepared in advance and then reheated just before serving. In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld together after sitting in the fridge overnight.

How do I prevent the dish from being too watery?
Make sure to thoroughly drain and press out the excess liquid from the spinach before cooking it. This step helps avoid any excess moisture in the dish, ensuring the creamy texture remains intact.

Can I add vegan cheese?
For a cheesier version, feel free to add some vegan parmesan or mozzarella. These additions will further enrich the flavor and texture of the dish.

Is miso paste necessary?
While miso paste adds an incredible depth of umami flavor, it’s not strictly necessary. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute it with nutritional yeast or a pinch of salt.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group. It scales well and maintains its creamy texture even when made in larger quantities.

Conclusion

Vegan creamed spinach is an excellent dairy-free alternative to the classic creamed spinach dish. It’s creamy, flavorful, and versatile, making it the perfect addition to any meal, from everyday dinners to holiday feasts. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious plant-based version of a traditional favorite.

Vegan Creamed Spinach