Rating: 3.57
(99)

Mussels and Spinach Delight

May 15, 2024

Mussels and spinach may not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but once you try them together, you’ll understand why this dish earns the name “delight.” It’s light yet rich, simple yet elegant, the kind of meal that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just treat yourself to something different, mussels and spinach deliver bold flavor in a surprisingly easy way.

Mussels cook quickly and bring a naturally briny, slightly sweet taste that pairs beautifully with leafy greens. Spinach adds a soft texture and earthy flavor that complements the mussels rather than competing with them. When sautéed together in a pan with garlic, olive oil, and a splash of white wine or broth, the result is a dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

This recipe works wonderfully as a starter or a light main course. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the savory juices, or spoon it over pasta, rice, or even a bed of mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. You can keep the seasonings simple with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, or add herbs like parsley or thyme for extra depth.

Mussels are also a great source of lean protein, iron, and omega-3s, while spinach adds fiber and essential nutrients like vitamin K and folate. It’s a healthy combination that doesn’t feel like a compromise. And since mussels are relatively affordable and cook in minutes, this dish is ideal for those nights when you want something quick but impressive.

Mussels and spinach delight is all about balance. It’s the mix of sea and earth, richness and freshness, that makes it memorable. There’s no heavy sauce or complicated prep, just good ingredients working together in harmony. One skillet, a few minutes, and a handful of pantry staples are all it takes to bring this flavorful meal to life.

Mussels and Spinach Delight
Mussels and Spinach Delight
3.57 from 99 votes
A delicious and healthy seafood dish with mussels and spinach.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds mussels
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 cups spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Clean the mussels by scrubbing them under cold water and removing any beards or barnacles.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened.
  • Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer.
  • Add the mussels to the pot and cover it with a lid. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until the mussels have opened.
  • Remove the mussels from the pot and set aside. Discard any mussels that did not open.
  • Add the spinach to the pot and cook until wilted.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the mussels and spinach in bowls, spooning some of the cooking liquid over the top.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 26gFat: 7gFiber: 2g
Calories: 220kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: mussels, seafood, spinach
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar basementDweller says:

    1 star
    This is a easy recipe, but my mussels didn’t open up! What did I do wrong? Help!

  2. User avatar jon.shields58 says:

    3 stars
    Why can’t I use frozen mussels? I think I’m going to try it anyway. It’s better than nothing right?

    1. User avatar Restless Draugr says:

      4 stars
      I think frozen mussels could work too! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Good luck!

  3. User avatar alvaro.kessler55 says:

    2 stars
    Way too much spinach for my taste. Maybe just 1 cup next time?

  4. User avatar Barry Manilow says:

    5 stars
    Yummm! I love anythin with garlic and wine! Plus mussels are nutritious! 👌🏻🍷

  5. User avatar Spider Soldier says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know. I’ve never cooked mussels before and they looked so weird. I just couldn’t do it.

  6. User avatar cleo.quigley says:

    5 stars
    Mussels? Never tried them before this! They were surprisingly good!

    1. User avatar Thufir Hawat says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you tried them! Mussels can be a game changer. Did you pair it with anything? Maybe some crusty bread?

  7. User avatar benjamin.champlin says:

    1 star
    Mussels?? Gross! How can people eat those things? I won’t be trying this, sorry.

  8. 4 stars
    I didn’t have olive oil, so I just used butter instead. Still worked out fine! Yum!

  9. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The flavors are incredible and it was a hit at our dinner party.

  10. User avatar Dr. Maye Tromp says:

    2 stars
    I didn’t like it. The mussels tasted too fishy, and I ended up throwing most of them away. Maybe I did it wrong?

    1. User avatar Farrah Greenfelder says:

      4 stars
      Maybe you cooked them too long? Fresh mussels shouldn’t taste fishy! I think they should be nice and sweet. Next time, try to get them really fresh.

  11. User avatar lissa.hettinger2011 says:

    1 star
    Tried this and it was a disaster. My mussels didn’t open. What did I do wrong?

  12. User avatar paulette.feeney21 says:

    5 stars
    This dish was amazing! I loved the mix of flavors, especially the white wine. Will make again!

  13. User avatar theo.ryan1972 says:

    4 stars
    My mom used to make something like this but with shrimp instead. Not bad for a mussel recipe!

  14. User avatar alonzo.heidenreich1974 says:

    3 stars
    Eh, it was okay. I wasn’t a fan of the spinach with mussels. Kinda weird combo.

  15. User avatar sterling.reynolds says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know, mussels just seem so slimy to me… but my friend swears by this recipe.

  16. 1 star
    Uh, are you supposed to eat the shells? I got confused. Lol.

  17. User avatar stacy.kutch82 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! I made this last night and my whole family loved it! Gonna share this recipe!

    1. User avatar alvaro.gorczany53 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I’m glad your family enjoyed it! Mussels are so tasty and easy to make. 😊

  18. 3 stars
    So simple! Even I could do it. The wine doesn’t have to be fancy, right? Just needs to be wet.

    1. User avatar blair.feeney says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely right! As long as it’s wet, you’re golden. I’m making this tonight!

    2. User avatar virgil.blanda says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I feel like it should be good wine? What if it ruins the dish? Just my thoughts.

  19. User avatar reagan.lynch20 says:

    5 stars
    Love this dish! Spinach gives it such a fresh twist. Will make again!

    1. User avatar bradly.denesik2006 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know, mussels are kinda iffy. What if they’re bad?

    2. 5 stars
      I tried it too! Spinach really makes a difference. Sooo good!

  20. User avatar lauralee.murray74 says:

    4 stars
    Yummy! But I think I put in too much garlic… lol. Still good though!

    1. User avatar hong.hills says:

      5 stars
      Garlic is always a win! It adds flavor! Don’t worry about it, just call it ‘extra kick’! 😄

  21. User avatar marlon.morar says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was amazing! The mussels were so fresh and flavorful! Absolutely loved it!

  22. User avatar joaquin.gleichner68 says:

    5 stars
    Love that it’s so easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

  23. User avatar azalee.jast57 says:

    5 stars
    This dish was amazing! The mussels were so fresh, and the spinach added a nice touch. I will definitely make it again!

  24. 1 star
    Who even eats mussels? Just stick with chicken or somethin. This is not for me.

    1. User avatar jorge.leannon15 says:

      4 stars
      Mussels are actually really good! You just gotta give them a chance. Chicken’s nice but variety is the spice of life, ya know?

  25. 4 stars
    Easy to make and yummy! My kids loved it too. Thanks for sharing!

  26. 5 stars
    This is the simplest mussel recipe I found. 10/10 would recommend for beginners!!!

    1. User avatar darius.wolff61 says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it turned out great! Super easy for beginners, just like you said. Thanks for sharing!

  27. User avatar kristal.hayes84 says:

    1 star
    I think mussels are gross. How can you eat something that comes from the sea? Hell no! 😡

  28. User avatar ronald.kulas49 says:

    2 stars
    Too much wine! I couldn’t taste the mussels at all. Maybe reduce it?

  29. User avatar jermaine.rau14 says:

    1 star
    Mussels are so gross! Never again. 😝

  30. 4 stars
    I don’t eat mussels, but my partner loved it! So I’ll give it a 4.

  31. 5 stars
    This dish was AMAZING! The mussels were so fresh and the garlic really brought everything together. I’m definitely making this again!

  32. User avatar trang.ebert46 says:

    2 stars
    The instructions were clear, but I messed it up anyway. My mussels didn’t open! What did I do wrong?

  33. User avatar Genghis Khan says:

    4 stars
    Honestly, I wasn’t sure about the wine in this recipe. It seemed weird to me, but wow, it made a huge difference! New favorite!

  34. 3 stars
    I thought mussels were gross but my friend made this dish and it wasn’t bad. Still don’t think I’ll be making it again lol.

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get what you mean! Mussels do look kinda weird, but I’ve found them to be surprisingly tasty when cooked right. Maybe give it another chance sometime?

    2. User avatar loreta.mraz68 says:

      2 stars
      Mussels? Eww! I can’t believe people eat those. But hey, if your friend made it taste OK, that’s something. I’d stick to chicken, though.

  35. User avatar jarrod.jerde says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why people rave about mussels. They taste weird, and the whole cleaning process is too much for me.

    1. User avatar Mr. Linh McClure says:

      3 stars
      Weird? Nah, they just need the right seasoning! You should try my recipe with lemon, it’s amazing!

    2. User avatar Roy McGlynn says:

      4 stars
      I totally get it! Mussels are definitely an acquired taste. I once tried to clean them and nearly gave up! 😂

  36. User avatar wyatt.howe93 says:

    3 stars
    My mussels didn’t open, what did I do wrong? 🙁

  37. User avatar lucas.stoltenberg74 says:

    5 stars
    Best mussels recipe ever! I added some chili flakes for a kick 🔥. So good!

    1. 5 stars
      I tried this with some garlic bread on the side, and it was heavenly! Your chili flakes idea is awesome! 🌟

    2. 3 stars
      Sounds yummy, but mussels scare me a bit. Are they safe to eat if they don’t open? 🤔

  38. User avatar mathWizard says:

    1 star
    Spinach? Nah, doesn’t sound right. Why would you put spinach with mussels? Sounds strange.

    1. 4 stars
      It doesn’t have to be fancy, but something you’d enjoy drinking. I’ve used Brancroff Sauv Blanc (about $12/bottle) and it was great.
      Spinach was great. Try it!

  39. User avatar jan.marvin47 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is sooo good! I made it for my friends and they loved it!

    1. 3 stars
      It looks good, but I’m not sure about mussels… they kinda freak me out. Are they really that tasty?

    2. 5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Mussels are a hit with friends, right? 😊

  40. User avatar Frostbite Spider says:

    4 stars
    Never cooked mussels before, but this was not hard at all! Thanks for the recipe.

    1. 5 stars
      Glad you found it easy! Mussels can be intimidating but they’re tasty when cooked right. Enjoy!

  41. User avatar darron.jast says:

    3 stars
    Made it but forgot the wine. Still turned out pretty good, just not the same. 🤷‍♀️ Next time I’ll remember!

  42. User avatar arlie.jerde84 says:

    3 stars
    I was skeptical about mussels, but this turned out pretty good. Not sure if I’ll make it again, though.

    1. User avatar gus.jenkins says:

      4 stars
      I totally get you! Mussels can be hit or miss. Maybe try a different recipe next time? You might like them better!

  43. User avatar val.walker3 says:

    3 stars
    I tried this but didn’t have white wine, so I used red 🤦‍♂️. It looked funny but still tasted nice! 3 stars.

  44. 2 stars
    Meh, it was kinda bland. I added some chili flakes but still eh.

    1. User avatar andres.emmerich5 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get you! I thought it needed more seasoning too. Next time, maybe try some lemon zest or a splash of hot sauce. 💥

    2. User avatar hong.parker44 says:

      2 stars
      Bland? Seriously? Just need to follow the recipe properly! It’s not meant to be spicy, it’s a classic dish.

  45. 2 stars
    Can I use frozen mussels? I don’t know where to buy fresh ones. Help!

  46. 4 stars
    NICE! Had dinner with my friends and they all loved it. I just added some cheese on top!

  47. User avatar rueben.dubuque1951 says:

    1 star
    Fail. Never again. Didn’t taste like the ones I had in France. 🥴

  48. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! The garlic and wine combo is divine. Will make again for sure!

    1. User avatar Grazyna Daugherty MD says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The garlic and wine really do elevate the dish, don’t they? Happy cooking!

  49. User avatar Cierra Ondricka says:

    2 stars
    This is too much work for dinner! I just want something quick and easy.

  50. 2 stars
    It was too much wine flavor for me. I prefer my mussels with just butter and garlic.

    1. 4 stars
      I get what you mean! Sometimes too much wine can overtake the dish. Butter and garlic sound much better. Thanks for sharing your preference!

  51. User avatar edgardo.kutch86 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I added a little lemon juice and extra garlic. This is a keeper in my recipe book!

    1. User avatar augustine.kub1970 says:

      3 stars
      Lemon juice? I thought that was a bit much. And garlic can be overpowering. Hope it turned out good for you though.

    2. User avatar buck.connelly4 says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delish! I love adding lemon to seafood dishes. It really brightens the flavors. I’m gonna try this soon!

  52. 5 stars
    Yum! Definitely a keeper! My kids even liked it! 😁

    1. User avatar thanh.crist says:

      2 stars
      Mussels? Isn’t that just fancy shellfish? My kids wouldn’t touch that! 🤢

    2. User avatar jesusa.breitenberg says:

      5 stars
      So glad your kids liked it! 😄 It’s tough to find meals they’ll eat.

  53. 5 stars
    Quick and easy! Perfect for a weeknight meal. Don’t skip the wine!

  54. User avatar jovita.terry87 says:

    3 stars
    Not sure about the wine part… can you just use water instead? Still turned out okay.

  55. User avatar jesica.carroll11 says:

    5 stars
    So simple! My kids loved it and I felt fancy making it! Who knew cooking could be this easy?

    1. User avatar avery.funk1966 says:

      3 stars
      Uh, isn’t that just steaming mussels? Not sure how this is so special, but glad you liked it.

    2. 5 stars
      I’m so glad your kids enjoyed it! It’s amazing how something so simple can feel fancy, right? Great job!

  56. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    Who knew mussels could taste so good? But what if you don’t use wine? Anyway, very tasty!

  57. User avatar violet.halvorson72 says:

    3 stars
    Spinach? Why add that? Just give me the mussels! 🤷‍♀️

    1. User avatar agatha.tillman2001 says:

      3 stars
      But mussels are the star here! Spinach just seems unnecessary. Just my opinion!

    2. User avatar elwood.toy89 says:

      4 stars
      I think the spinach adds a nice flavor and nutrition! It’s not just about the mussels.

  58. User avatar wiley.johns says:

    2 stars
    I half tried this. The mussels didn’t open up for me. What did I do wrong? Didn’t taste bad but I was expecting more.

    1. User avatar tijuana.howell says:

      4 stars
      Sounds like you might not have cooked them long enough. They usually open when they’re ready! Hope you try again.

  59. 5 stars
    This was amazing! The mussels were so fresh and the wine made such a difference. Definitely making this again!

  60. User avatar alana.leannon23 says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about mussels but this recipe converted me! Easy to follow and tasty.

  61. User avatar Draugr Overlord says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I never thought mussels could taste this good. Definitely a keeper! 🌟

    1. User avatar Mitch Gutkowski DDS says:

      2 stars
      Really? Mussels are kinda gross though, I don’t get it. 🤔

    2. User avatar Sheridan Hettinger says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you loved it! Mussels are an underrated gem. 🍽️

  62. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    4 stars
    The garlic really makes this dish pop! Will definitely make it again!

3.57 from 99 votes
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