Spinach Quesadillas
Creamy spinach and melted cheese wrapped in warm tortillas, perfect for a quick, flavorful vegetarian meal or snack with fresh herbs and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped cilantro, chopped onion, and chopped garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add thawed chopped spinach and grated Monterey Jack cheese to the skillet.
- Heat until the cheese is melted and ingredients are combined.
- Fill tortillas with the spinach mixture, fold, and cook on a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding some diced jalapeños or other spices to the spinach mixture. If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with cheddar or a Mexican blend. For a lighter option, use whole wheat tortillas. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent soggy quesadillas. For added texture, you might try adding some black beans or corn.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious spinach quesadillas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for a perfect dip. They pair beautifully with Mexican Cornbread(For Barbecue) for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side salad or some Mexican-style rice. These quesadillas make for great appetizers at gatherings or game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but this may result in a softer tortilla. They can also be frozen for longer storage, just separate with parchment paper.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Quesadillas contains roughly 1405 calories, with 15g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (378% of the Daily Value), iron (147% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2010mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Simply sauté it until wilted before adding it to the cheese mixture. You may need about 10-12 ounces of fresh spinach to equal the 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach.
How can I make these quesadillas spicier?
To add heat, incorporate chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce into the spinach mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
What if I don't have tortillas?
If tortillas are unavailable, you can substitute them with pita bread or even use large lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative. Alternatively, consider making a spinach and cheese casserole by layering the filling between sheets of lasagna noodles.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).