Craving a taste of the Mediterranean without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This golden **Mediterranean quesadilla recipe** is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas and your lunchtime cravings. Packed with fresh spinach, flavorful feta, creamy mozzarella, and tangy red onion, all melted to perfection between golden, crispy tortillas, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, healthy, and incredibly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Golden Mediterranean Quesadillas Recipe
These aren’t your average quesadillas! This recipe brings the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean to a comforting and familiar dish. You’ll love these quesadillas because:
- They’re quick and easy: Ready in under 35 minutes!
- They’re healthy and packed with nutrients: Spinach, feta, and mozzarella offer a good source of vitamins and protein.
- They’re incredibly flavorful: The combination of salty feta, creamy mozzarella, and tangy red onion creates a symphony of taste.
- They’re customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients.
- They’re vegetarian-friendly: A perfect option for meatless meals.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Mediterranean quesadillas:
- Flour Tortillas: 4 large flour tortillas are the base of our quesadillas. Whole wheat tortillas can be used for a healthier option.
- Fresh Spinach: 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach provides a healthy and vibrant element.
- Feta Cheese: 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and tangy kick.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese provides a creamy, melted texture.
- Red Onion: 1/2 thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp and tangy bite.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used for cooking and adding flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Optional Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, or a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil can add extra layers of flavor. Consider exploring other delicious Mediterranean flavors as well! For another quick and easy meal, you can also try this honey glazed corn casserole recipe.
How to Make Golden Mediterranean Quesadillas
Follow these simple steps to create your own taste of the Mediterranean:
- Wilt the Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Sprinkle each tortilla with feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, wilted spinach, and red onion.
- Fold the Tortillas: Fold each tortilla in half.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your **Mediterranean quesadilla recipe** turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the quesadillas in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get golden brown.
- Use medium heat: Cooking over medium heat will prevent the tortillas from burning before the cheese melts.
- Press down on the quesadillas: Gently press down on the quesadillas with a spatula while they cook to help them brown evenly and the cheese to melt faster.
- Don’t overfill: Overfilling the quesadillas will make them difficult to fold and cook evenly.
- Brush with olive oil: For extra flavor and crispiness, brush the outside of the tortillas with olive oil before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These Mediterranean quesadillas are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.
- Pair with a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Enjoy them as part of a Mediterranean-themed appetizer spread. For another great appetizer, consider these Southern Breakfast Enchiladas.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and the tortillas are crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the tortillas soggy.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, halloumi, or even a sprinkle of parmesan. Just ensure they melt well.
Can I add protein to the quesadillas?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas would be excellent additions.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. However, it’s best to cook them fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
These Golden Mediterranean Quesadillas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in a convenient and satisfying meal. They are perfect for a quick lunch, a simple weeknight dinner, or even a party appetizer. Enjoy!
Golden Mediterranean Quesadillas: A Quick & Healthy Lunch!
Craving a light and flavorful lunch or a simple weeknight dinner? These Mediterranean quesadillas are packed with fresh spinach, salty feta, creamy mozzarella, and tangy red onion, all melted to perfection between golden, crispy tortillas. Ready in under 35 minutes, they’re a healthy and satisfying alternative to traditional quesadillas. Customize with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives for an extra burst of flavor. This recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarian diets and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the spinach from the skillet and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean.
- Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Sprinkle each tortilla with feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, wilted spinach, and red onion.
- Fold each tortilla in half.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, brush the outside of the tortillas with olive oil before cooking. You can also add a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil to the filling. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg