Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

These Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are a delicious and healthy option for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. Packed with vibrant flavors from eggplant and fresh spinach, they’re not just tasty but also gluten-free and dairy-free. The easy preparation makes them perfect for busy days, and the vegan cheese sauce adds a creamy texture that everyone will love. Enjoy these quesadillas as a satisfying meal or an impressive appetizer!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Tortillas
• Vegetables
• Sauces and Spices
• Cheese Sauce
• How to Make Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
• Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
• Step 2: Cook the Filling
• Step 3: Add Spinach
• Step 4: Make Vegan Cheese Sauce
• Step 5: Assemble Quesadillas
• Step 6: Fry Quesadillas
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
• With Fresh Salsa
• Add Creamy Dips
• On a Bed of Greens
• How to Perfect Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
• Best Side Dishes for Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
• Reheating Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other vegetables in my Vegan Spinach Quesadillas?
• How do I make the vegan cheese sauce?
• Are Vegan Spinach Quesadillas gluten-free?
• Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
• What can I serve with Vegan Spinach Quesadillas?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These quesadillas come together in just 27 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of eggplant, spinach, and spices creates a rich, savory filling that’s hard to resist.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with vegetables and free of gluten and dairy, they offer a nutritious alternative to traditional quesadillas.
• Versatile Meal: Serve them as a main dish or cut them into smaller pieces for an excellent party snack.
• Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything ready allows you to focus on crafting those delicious quesadillas.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• skillet
• cutting board
• knife
• spatula
• measuring cups
• mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A must-have for frying the quesadillas evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like onion and eggplant.
• Spatula: Helps flip the quesadillas without breaking them apart, ensuring they stay intact.

Ingredients

These spinach quesadillas are filled with eggplant (aubergine) and vegan cheese sauce. They are great for lunch, dinner or as a filling snack! The recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and very easy to make.

Tortillas

• 4-6 tortillas (gluten-free if needed)

Vegetables

• 1 medium-sized onion (diced)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 large eggplant (aubergine) chopped into small cubes (max. 1 inch)
• 6 oz spinach (fresh, roughly chopped)

Sauces and Spices

• 1/2 tbsp oil
• 4-5 tbsp red wine (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed or coconut aminos)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• ground chipotle chili powder (to taste)
• sea salt and black pepper (to taste)

Cheese Sauce

• One batch of vegan cheese sauce(or vegan cheese of choice)

How to Make Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients together. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the eggplant into small cubes.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and fry for about 3 minutes until soft.
– Add chopped eggplant and minced garlic to the skillet.
– Stir in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, red wine (or broth), along with all spices.
– Cover with a lid and cook on medium heat for about 12-15 minutes. Stir regularly until the eggplant is fully cooked.

Step 3: Add Spinach

Once the eggplant mixture is cooked:
– Add roughly chopped spinach to the skillet.
– Stir well and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until wilted. Turn off the heat.

Step 4: Make Vegan Cheese Sauce

While cooking the filling:
– Prepare your vegan cheese sauce according to your preferred recipe or use store-bought vegan cheese.

Step 5: Assemble Quesadillas

In a lightly greased pan or skillet:
– Place one tortilla down.
– Spoon some of the eggplant filling onto half of the tortilla followed by some vegan cheese sauce.

Step 6: Fry Quesadillas

Fold the tortilla over:
– Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
– Carefully flip it over using a spatula; cook until both sides are nicely browned.

Step 7: Serve

Repeat steps for remaining tortillas:
– Cut each quesadilla into four pieces.
– Serve hot alongside your favorite dips or sauces!

Enjoy these delightful Vegan Spinach Quesadillas at any occasion!

How to Serve Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are not just a meal; they can be a delightful experience. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Fresh Salsa

• Pico de Gallo: A vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing taste.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy mango salsa adds a tropical twist that complements the savory quesadillas.

Add Creamy Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy avocados mixed with lime, onion, and spices create the perfect rich dip.
• Vegan Sour Cream: A tangy touch made from cashews or tofu can enhance the flavors of each bite.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens Salad: Serve your quesadillas on a bed of fresh spinach and arugula drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw with a zesty dressing adds texture and contrast to your meal.

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How to Perfect Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

To ensure your Vegan Spinach Quesadillas turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and eggplant bring out the best flavors and textures in your quesadillas.
• Don’t overfill: Keep the filling moderate to prevent tearing the tortillas while cooking or flipping.
• Preheat your skillet: Ensuring the pan is hot enough will help achieve that nice golden-brown exterior on each quesadilla.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Adding more cumin or smoked paprika can enhance flavor depth.
• Let them cool slightly before cutting: Allowing the quesadillas to rest for a minute makes cutting easier and helps retain heat in the filling.
• Try different tortillas: Explore gluten-free options or whole grain tortillas for variety in flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

Pair your Vegan Spinach Quesadillas with these delicious side dishes for a complete meal.

1. Corn Salad: A colorful mix of corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing enhances sweetness alongside savory quesadillas.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness that pairs beautifully with the quesadilla flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provide a nutritious side packed with flavor.
4. Avocado Toast: This trendy dish can add creaminess and healthy fats to complement your meal nicely.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy-to-prepare side that everyone loves.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs can serve as a hearty base alongside your quesadilla feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan Spinach Quesadillas can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls.

• Boldly Choosing Tortillas: Not all tortillas work for everyone. Ensure you select gluten-free or grain-free options if necessary.

• Underestimating Cooking Time: Eggplant takes time to cook thoroughly. Always check until it’s soft to enhance flavor and texture.

• Ignoring Spice Balance: Overdoing spices can overpower the dish. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly for a balanced flavor.

• Skipping the Cheese Sauce: The cheese sauce makes these quesadillas creamy and delicious. Don’t skip this step or use low-quality cheese alternatives.

• Neglecting to Cool Before Cutting: Cutting quesadillas immediately after cooking can result in spills and mess. Let them cool for a minute before slicing.

• Forgetting about Storage: Proper storage is key for leftovers. Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

• Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Vegan Spinach Quesadillas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Spinach Quesadillas:

Can I use other vegetables in my Vegan Spinach Quesadillas?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for variety and added nutrition.

How do I make the vegan cheese sauce?

You can blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, and water until smooth.

Are Vegan Spinach Quesadillas gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just choose gluten-free tortillas to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the quesadillas when ready to eat.

What can I serve with Vegan Spinach Quesadillas?

Consider pairing them with salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables or spices, making them suitable for any meal occasion. Enjoy this wholesome recipe that satisfies cravings while being healthy!