Thanksgiving Side Dish: Herbed Spinach with Walnuts & Lemon

A Fresh Take on a Thanksgiving Vegetable Side

Thanksgiving meal prep just got a fresh upgrade. This herbed spinach side dish brings bold flavor, quick prep, and bright ingredients that can be grown indoors with the help of LED grow lights. Light, vibrant, and full of texture, it makes a perfect addition to any holiday table alongside your favorite seasonal mains.

 

 

Growing Spinach Indoors: A Beginner's Guide →

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, sunflower oil, ghee, or clarified butter
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 4 large leeks, trimmed and thinly sliced*
• 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano*
• 40 fresh mint leaves*
• 4 to 5 large handfuls of spinach, roughly chopped*
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta, ricotta, or paneer (optional)

*Leeks, oregano, mint, and spinach can be grown indoors year‑round using your LED grow setup.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread walnuts in a single layer on a sheet pan and toast for 7‑10 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, warm the oil. Add salt and sliced leeks; cook until tender and just beginning to brown (about 7‑10 minutes).
3. Stir in chile flakes, cumin seeds, turmeric, and oregano; cook until aromatic (~30 seconds).
4. Add mint leaves and spinach (in batches if necessary), stirring constantly until the spinach just begins to wilt and brightens (~1 minute)
5. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon wedge, stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve warm, topped with toasted walnuts and crumbled cheese.

From Garden to Holiday Table All Season Long

Imagine plucking fresh spinach or herbs from your kitchen shelf, even when it’s cold outside. With the right light, you don’t need a yard or perfect weather to grow vibrant greens at home.

Indoor gardening with a Happy Leaf LED grow light makes it easy to enjoy fresher flavor, less waste, and the joy of harvesting your own food year-round. Our Procyon 2.0  and Grow Light Kits are perfect gifts. for curious kids, countertop chefs, and anyone who wants to stay connected to something green, even in the middle of winter.

You might not grow your entire Thanksgiving meal indoors, but this spinach dish could be your starting point. And that’s the beauty of it: growing something small now can plant a whole new tradition.

Download the Recipe ➡️

Make It Your Own: Holiday Variations

This herbed spinach dish is flexible enough to fit just about any holiday table.

Going vegetarian? Simply skip the cheese or swap in a plant-based crumble for a lighter, dairy-free option.

Watching carbs? This side is naturally low-carb, fresh, and nutrient-dense.

Need a make-ahead trick? Sauté the spinach and herbs earlier in the day, then finish with toasted walnuts and cheese just before serving.

Serving a crowd? This pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a hearty plant-based main like lentil loaf or stuffed squash.

Ready to Grow Indoors? Here’s Where to Start

Growing your own spinach, herbs, or greens indoors is simpler than you might think. With a quality light, a little space, and some curiosity, you can enjoy fresh flavor right from your kitchen counter or a sunny corner of your home.

Our Grow Light Kits are perfect for beginners and make thoughtful gifts for anyone who loves food, gardening, or both. If you're looking for a trusted favorite, the Procyon 2.0 Full Spectrum Grow Light is a reliable choice for consistent results in any space.

Not sure where to begin? Explore our YouTube channel and blog for helpful tips, beginner-friendly guides, and fresh inspiration to help you grow with confidence.