Delicious vegan creamed spinach is the perfect side dish. It’s just right for serving at a holiday meal or Sunday dinner.
It seems that people either love or hate spinach. I know that for some people, the promise of cooked spinach doesn’t exactly make them come running to the table.
But this vegan creamed spinach is the exception to the rule, I think. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this super healthy green vegetable.
What is creamed spinach?
Creamed spinach is a side dish where cooked spinach is combined with onion, cream, milk, and cheese. It’s usually very heavy on the dairy, and it’s creamy and delicious.
Can you make creamed spinach without dairy?
Yes, it is possible to make dairy free and vegan creamed spinach. Using non-dairy milk and non-dairy cheese will still result in a delicious side dish that has a lot of flavor and is very creamy.
Is it healthier to eat cooked spinach, or raw spinach?
When you cook spinach, you will be able to absorb higher amounts of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and E. Read more about the benefits of cooking spinach here.
How do you make vegan creamed spinach?
- Cook chopped onion in vegan buttery spread over medium heat.
- Add frozen spinach, and cook until it’s heated through.
- Stir in non-dairy milk, non-dairy cheese, and salt and pepper.
- Cook until hot and cheese is melted.
This is a really nice side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. Just double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you have to serve.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Vegan Creamed Spinach (Gluten Free, Dairy Free).
Simply delicious gluten free and vegan creamed spinach - this is an excellent side dish for a holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1 onion diced
- 16 ounces frozen chopped spinach you can use fresh spinach if you prefer
- 3 Tablespoons vegan buttery spread
- 1 cup non-dairy milk I used refrigerated unsweetened coconut milk
- 3/4 cup dairy free mozzarella shreds
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Place the vegan buttery spread in a sauce pan. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium until the onion is tender, about 8 minutes.
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Add the frozen spinach and cook until it's hot, stirring often, about ten minutes.
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Add the non-dairy milk, dairy free cheese, and spices.
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Stir until combined and heated through.
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Add more salt or pepper if desired.
Recipe Notes
You can use fresh spinach if you prefer.
If you would like to use dairy products, you can. Just substitute an equal amount.
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This post was originally published in October 2014. It has been updated with new photos and tips.
This post is part of my series, 31 Days of Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Egg Free Soups, Salads, Sides, and Sweets.
Could kale be substituted for the spinach in this recipe?
This might be a silly question, but I’ve heard that some frozen veggies have gluten because of cross contamination. Is there a particular brand that you use?
Yes, please! This sounds so good! As soon as I can get my hands on a boatload of spinach and some Daiya, this is gonna get cooked.
Delicious recipe!
Thank you for this recipe! All of my kiddos (ages 2-8) loved it! My son has multiple food allergies, including nuts, so I subbed coconut milk for the almond milk. I also added a teaspoon of nutritional yeast and a dash of chipotle powder. It was fantastic! Thank you!
Yay! So glad you liked it!
I love coming across new and delicious ways to cook greens! Thanks for sharing the recipe.. I am definitely going to be creating it.
I hope you love it!
I was most definitely in camp 2 for ages but then tried it mixed with cheese and smoked paprika and it was delicious- I’ve been converted!
Cheese and smoked paprika sounds delicious!
Creamed spinach is my favorite! My dad and I were the only ones that would eat it in my household, which just meant more for me! :) What a great side dish to try out! Looks delish!
I love it, too!
I’ve never had it, but it’s another lovely idea for a side dish for me. :)
It’s really good with regular dairy products! Very creamy.
I don’t think I’ve ever actually had creamed spinach, but since this is GF and vegan, I totally can now ;)
Try it! :)
I LOVE creamed spinach! My family doesn’t though, so I will gladly eat all of it. ;) Love how easy this sounds!
Thanks, Sarah!
I definitely fall in the “i love creamed spinach” camp! I worked at a steak restaurant once, and they had the BEST creamed spinach. But it was super heavy on the calories. This version sounds much more figure friendly : )
Oh, I know, before we were dairy free I would make a version at Thanksgiving that had two kinds of cheese and heavy cream. It was amazing but very fattening.
Canyoubelieve I’ve never had creamed spinach? I know I’d love it on account of my obsessions for all things leafy and green. Lay it on me, sister!
This is definitely my favourite way to eat spinach. I love it!