Red bean quesadilla

A platter with a sliced quesadilla with sides of sour cream, pico de gallo and avocado
Recipe credit

USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

About this recipe

Serves
4
Serving size
1/2 quesadilla
Time to make
Cook time: 20 minutes; Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 8-inch whole wheat tortilla
  • 1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed to remove excess liquid)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
  • 1 avocado (peeled pitted chopped)
  • 1 can 15.5 ounce low-sodium red kidney beans (drained and rinsed with cold water)
  • garlic powder or dry herbs (optional)

Directions

  1. Using a fork, mash beans in a bowl until slightly chunky. Add no-salt seasonings such as garlic powder and dried or fresh herbs, if desired.
  2. Place 1 tortilla on a plate and top with half the mashed beans.
  3. Top the beans with ½ cup of the spinach.
  4. Top the spinach with half the cheese.
  5. Top the cheese with half the avocado, (optional).
  6. Put the other tortilla on top of the avocado, gently pressing it down so the top half sticks.
  7. Repeat with the remaining 2 tortillas.
  8. Place a nonstick skillet on the stove over medium and heat until warm, then place 1 quesadilla in the dry skillet. Cook until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes on each side. (Or put the plate in the microwave and heat until the cheese melts, about 45 seconds.)
  9. Repeat with the remaining quesadilla.
  10. Cut each quesadilla into quarters. Serve warm.

Tips and variations

  • Black beans or white cannellini beans can be used instead of kidney beans.
  • Make some salsa or guacamole as a delicious side dish!

Nutritional info

Calories
326
Total fat
9 g
Saturated fat
5 g
Cholesterol
22 mg
Sodium
509 mg
Total carbohydrates
48 g
Dietary fiber
11 g
Protein
18 g
Total sugar
3 g
Allergens
Dairy
Wheat