Southwest Quinoa Quesadillas

Quesadillas aren’t typically considered a “healthy” food, but these quinoa quesadillas are a way to get some veggies and protein-packed quinoa into your diet.

Why should I eat quinoa? 

According to healthline, “Quinoa is high in fiber, plus several vitamins and minerals that are low in many people’s diets. Regularly eating quinoa can help you meet your needs for magnesium, potassium, iron, fiber, and folate, a vitamin that’s especially important during pregnancy due to its role in fetal growth and development.”

It really is so good for you, so I add it to lots of meals in our house. And I substitute rice for quinoa all the time – so good! 

I cook with quinoa a lot, and I’ve found it’s a really versatile grain to add to your recipes and has so many added health benefits. 

Surprisingly, quinoa goes really well with Mexican food – hence the quinoa quesadilla idea! 

I was mixing up some Mexican flavored quinoa years ago, and decided it would be good filling for quesadillas. That’s what I love about quesadillas – they really can be whatever you want! And, what kid doesn’t want that ooey, gooey goodness from all that cheese? 

I love mixing sweet potatoes into quinoa too, add some red onion and lime and YUMMM. Really, you can do so many things with it, we should all be having quinoa in our diets at least once a week. 

So, let’s get to the Southwest Quinoa Quesadilla recipe you’ve been waiting for. 

Southwest Quinoa Quesadillas Ingredients: 

• 2 cups of quinoa
• 4 cups chicken broth (can sub veggie broth)
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 can of corn (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
• salt to taste
• Corn tortillas (for a mini version) or Flour for a full-sized quesadilla

Quinoa Quesadilla Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa and drain.
2. In a large saucepan boil quinoa in chicken broth.
3. Reduce heat when it comes to a full boil, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Add remaining ingredients.
4. Spoon quinoa mixture into small corn tortillas and top with monterey jack cheese.
5. Grill in a saucepan with a small amount of butter (or non-stick spray of choice) for 4-5 minutes on medium until tortilla is lightly browned and cheese has melted.
6. Cut into small triangles and serve.

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Southwest Quinoa Quesadillas

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These quinoa quesadillas are packed with protein from the black beans and quinoa and the perfect healthy(ish) meal your whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of quinoa
• 4 cups chicken broth (can sub veggie broth)
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 can of corn (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
• salt to taste
• Corn tortillas (for a mini version) or Flour for a full-sized quesadilla

Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and drain.
2. In a large saucepan boil quinoa in chicken broth.
3. Reduce heat when it comes to a full boil, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add remaining ingredients.
5. Spoon quinoa mixture into small corn tortillas and top with monterey jack cheese.
6. Grill in a saucepan with a small amount of butter (or non-stick spray of choice) for 4-5 minutes on medium until tortilla is lightly browned and cheese has melted.
7. Cut into small triangles and serve.

Did you make this recipe?

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Want some more simple quinoa recipes? I’ve got you covered: 

The Easiest Way to Cook Quinoa (In The Microwave)

20 Healthy Quinoa Recipes For Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Avocado & Sweet Potato Quinoa with Cilantro Dressing

Bean and Butternut Chili with Quinoa