Frozen spinach is a convenience powerhouse: compared to fresh spinach, it takes up much less space, has a longer shelf-life, is typically more affordable and sometimes contains more nutrients since it’s blanched and frozen at its peak. But what if your recipe calls for fresh spinach—can you swap in frozen spinach? What about substituting fresh spinach in recipes that call for frozen spinach? For more info on when and how you can substitute fresh spinach for frozen (and vice versa), we consulted Amanda Neal, lead recipe developer at Food Network.

Fresh Spinach vs. Frozen Spinach

Fresh spinach and frozen spinach are interchangeable, but they are not always substituted seamlessly. “Fresh and frozen spinach can be swapped in many cooked recipes, but they behave differently,” Neal says. “Fresh spinach has high water content, more volume and a delicate texture, while frozen spinach is already cooked down, is very concentrated in flavor, and has much less volume once drained.

Neal says that cooked spinach recipes lend themselves better to swapping, including soups and stews, such as Spinach Tortellini Soup; dips, like our Best Spinach Artichoke Dip; and baked pasta dishes such as Mushroom-Spinach Stuffed Shells, Four Cheese and Spinach Lasagna and Manicotti. Neal advises avoiding subbing in frozen spinach for fresh spinach in recipes that don’t require heat, such as smoothies or salads.

How to Substitute Fresh Spinach for Frozen

How Much Fresh Spinach to Use for Frozen Spinach

For every 10 ounces of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed) you should use about 1 pound of fresh spinach.

When to Substitute Fresh Spinach for Frozen

Sometimes, fresh spinach is best, particularly in non-cooked recipes. “You'd replace frozen spinach with fresh if you want brighter flavor, better overall texture and a more beautiful presentation (fresh is typically brighter green and less muted in color), and if you want a quick preparation (fresh requires no thawing or squeezing),” Neal says.

How to Prepare Fresh Spinach to Replace Frozen

To use fresh spinach in place of frozen spinach in a recipe, Neal offers a few key tips.

• Cook the spinach: Saute fresh spinach in a large skillet until completely wilted, or blanch in salted water until tender and bright green.
• Drain, cool and remove excess moisture: Squeeze the spinach in a clean kitchen towel for best results and avoid making your dish watery.
• Roughly chop spinach: This will help approximate the size and texture of frozen spinach.

How to Substitute Frozen Spinach for Fresh Spinach

How Much Frozen Spinach to Use for Fresh Spinach

For every pound of fresh spinach, you should use 10 ounces of frozen spinach.

When to Use Frozen Spinach in Place of Fresh Spinach

Frozen spinach typically comes in 10-ounce packages, making it a convenient replacement for fresh spinach. “You'd replace fresh spinach for frozen if you're looking for convenience (frozen spinach is already pre-washed, pre-chopped and cooked down), if you want a cheaper product that doesn't spoil as quickly and if you want more concentrated spinach flavor,” Neal says.

How to Prepare Frozen Spinach to Replace Fresh Spinach

Before you use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach in a recipe, Neal offers a few key tips.

• Thaw spinach: Either thaw spinach completely in the fridge overnight or in the microwave.
• Dry the spinach: Squeeze the spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
• Fluff the spinach: After squeezing, fluff the spinach with your fork or hands to remove clumps and before adding it to your recipe.
• Wait to add: Since it’s already cooked, wait till later in the recipe to add in the spinach.

Related Links:

25 Things You Can Cook with Frozen Spinach

20 Spinach Recipes That Are Sure to Satisfy

14 Healthy Vegetarian Pasta Recipes