Veggie Dilla (v, Vg) Recipe

Prep vegetables

Thinly slice the red onion and red bell pepper, dice the zucchini, rough chop the spinach if needed, and measure the corn. Mince the garlic and chop the cilantro; set aside separate from the cheese.

Cook vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and sauté 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the diced zucchini and corn and continue to cook 3–4 minutes until zucchini is tender and corn is warmed through.

Season filling

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook 1 minute until wilted. Remove skillet from heat and stir in the lime juice and half the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

If using dairy cheese, shred it finely so it melts quickly. For vegan option use shredded vegan cheese. Mix the shredded cheese with the remaining cilantro so it’s ready when assembling.

Have hot sauce or salsa ready to serve on the side or to add inside before folding.

Warm a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with butter or oil.

Place one tortilla buttered-side-down on the skillet. On the upper half of the tortilla, evenly spread half of the cooked veggie filling, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese-cilantro mixture over the filling, and add 1 tablespoon hot sauce or a spoonful of salsa if desired.

Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip and cook an additional 1.5–2 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.

Transfer the finished quesadilla to a cutting board and rest 1 minute, then slice into 3–4 wedges. Repeat the process with the second tortilla and remaining filling and cheese.

Serve immediately with extra salsa, sour cream or vegan yogurt, and lime wedges if desired.