Imagine transforming ordinary spinach and cherry tomatoes into a mouthwatering side dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Oven Wilted Spinach with Roasted Tomatoes is not just a recipe—it's a culinary revelation that combines the earthy richness of spinach with the sweet, caramelized intensity of roasted tomatoes. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks gourmet but is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressive dinner parties.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), positioning one rack in the middle position for optimal heat distribution.
- Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold running water, then gently pat dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry. Slice larger cherry tomatoes in half to ensure even roasting, leaving smaller ones whole.
- Place cherry tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they start to blister and caramelize, developing a rich, concentrated flavor.
- While tomatoes are roasting, spread the fresh spinach leaves in a large, even layer on another baking sheet.
- Drizzle the spinach with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and set aside. Place the spinach in the oven and wilt for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-cooking.
- Remove the spinach from the oven when leaves are just wilted but still retain a vibrant green color.
- Transfer the wilted spinach to a serving platter, arrange the roasted tomatoes on top, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
- Serve immediately while warm, ensuring the spinach remains tender and the tomatoes are still slightly hot.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat ingredients completely dry to ensure proper roasting and prevent soggy results.
- Watch the spinach carefully during wilting—it only needs 3-4 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain its vibrant green color.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or a touch of garlic before roasting.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any olive oil or released vegetable juices.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture of the spinach and tomatoes.
- Choose a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the final drizzle to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
