Vegan Creamed Spinach

By
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett
Jolinda Hackett has written five books about plant-based cooking and has developed hundreds of vegan and vegetarian recipes.
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Updated on 07/5/22
Vegan Creamed Spinach

The Spruce Eats / Kelly Ryan

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 2 to 3 servings

Creamed spinach is a classic side that is rich and delicious. But if you can't eat dairy or choose to stay away from all animal products, creamed spinach is one of those dishes that you might crave. Thanks to our easy recipe for vegan creamed spinach, equally luscious and flavorful as the traditional one, you can enjoy it and have it on repeat on weeknights and for special dinners alike. Whether you are vegan or serving a vegan crowd, this version of creamed spinach is sure to satisfy everyone's comfort food craving.

Usually served as a classic steakhouse side, this vegan recipe works as a side to rice, potatoes, quinoa, farro, or barley. Or mix it with cooked pasta to make a delicious and easy dinner. Serve it over toasted crusty bread with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan, or use it to make vegan lasagna, giant stuffed shells, or to add flavor and nutrition to sandwiches and wraps. Pair this spinach side dish with any savory meal of your liking—for instance, as a vegan dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl with vegetables, pita chips, or toasted bread as dippers.

We use soup mix as a shortcut to make this flavorful vegetable side dish, and that helps to have it on the table in just minutes. To be sure you are making a vegan preparation, double-check the soup mix label, as dairy-based ingredients are common in most soup mixes.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for vegan creamed spinach recipe gathered

    The Spruce Eats / Kelly Ryan

  2. In a medium-size saucepan, bring the water to a simmer.

    Saucepan with water

    The Spruce Eats / Kelly Ryan

  3. Add the entire packet of onion soup mix, stirring well to combine.

    Onion soup mix and water in a saucepan

    The Spruce Eats / Kelly Ryan

  4. Once the onion mix is completely dissolved, add the spinach.

    Spinach added to saucepan with onion soup mix

    The Spruce Eats / Kelly Ryan

  5. Lower the heat to medium and continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is almost cooked. Make sure not to overcook the spinach; it should be simmered until almost done but not mushy.

    Onion soup mix and spinach in a saucepan

    The Spruce Eats / Kelly Ryan

  6. Adjust the heat to low, add the soy milk, and simmer for a few more minutes until the mixture has thickened.

    Onion soup mix, spinach, and soy milk in a saucepan

    The Spruce Eats / Kelly Ryan

  7. Serve hot and enjoy.

    Vegan Creamed Spinach

    The Spruce Eats / Kelly Ryan

Flavorful Add-Ons

Plenty of vegan cheeses mock the tangy and umami flavors of aged cheeses. Here's what you can do to add some "cheesy" flavors into this creamed spinach:

  • Add 1 tablespoon of vegan butter or vegan margarine and a generous handful of grated vegan Parmesan.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast at the same time you add the soy milk. Nutritional yeast will add a tasty salty and cheesy flavor to the preparation.


Add other spices or herbs to enhance the flavors:

  • Sprinkle with red chile flakes or a good grate of black or white pepper right before serving.
  • Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the same time you add the soy milk.
  • Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving.


For a thicker texture:

  • Add more soy milk as desired for a creamier texture, but keep in mind the creamed spinach will thicken up a bit as it cools. Alternatively, use full-fat canned coconut milk for a twist on the flavor and texture. Add salt to taste and a squeeze of lime to counterbalance the coconut flavor.

Frozen Spinach and No Time to Thaw?

If using frozen spinach and you don't have time to thaw it out first, just add it as is into the hot water. It will quickly thaw and cook in the boiling water, but the whole preparation might take a few more minutes to be ready.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
159 Calories
2g Fat
26g Carbs
15g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 to 3
Amount per serving
Calories 159
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1426mg 62%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 10%
Dietary Fiber 11g 39%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 15g
Vitamin C 128mg 640%
Calcium 520mg 40%
Iron 13mg 70%
Potassium 2675mg 57%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)