Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
These Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any meal. With a filling of eggplant and creamy vegan cheese sauce, they’re not just delicious but also versatile enough to serve as lunch, dinner, or a tasty snack. This recipe is gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs while being incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 27 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of eggplant, spinach, and spices creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will love.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, these quesadillas provide essential vitamins and minerals without compromising on flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These quesadillas can be made ahead of time and heated up when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to make the process seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of your quesadillas.
- Spatula: Helps in flipping the quesadillas without breaking them apart.
- Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while preparing ingredients.
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)
Filling
- 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)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 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)
Vegan Cheese
- One batch of vegan cheese sauce(or vegan cheese of choice)
How to Make Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and fry for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Incorporate the eggplant cubes and minced garlic into the skillet.
- Add balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, red wine, and all spices; cover with a lid.
- Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently until the eggplant is tender.
Step 2: Add Spinach
- Stir in the chopped spinach once the eggplant is cooked through.
- Cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until the spinach wilts.
- Turn off the heat.
Step 3: Make Vegan Cheese Sauce
- While the filling cooks, prepare your batch of vegan cheese sauce as per your preferred recipe or use store-bought vegan cheese.
Step 4: Assemble Quesadillas
- Place one tortilla in a lightly greased skillet.
- Spoon some of the eggplant filling onto half of the tortilla.
- Drizzle with vegan cheese sauce.
Step 5: Cook Quesadilla
- Fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side.
- Flip carefully using a spatula; cook until both sides are nicely browned.
Step 6: Repeat & Serve
- Repeat steps for remaining tortillas.
- Cut each quesadilla into four pieces and serve hot!
Enjoy these flavorful Vegan Spinach Quesadillas any time you’re craving comfort food!
How to Serve Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
These Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a snack, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Salsa
- Homemade Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a refreshing touch.
- Pico de Gallo: This chunky salsa gives a burst of flavor and texture that compliments the quesadillas perfectly.
Accompanied by Guacamole
- Creamy Avocado Guacamole: Serve your quesadillas with a side of guacamole for a rich and creamy dip that balances the flavors.
Topped with Vegan Sour Cream
- Dairy-Free Sour Cream: A dollop of vegan sour cream brings creaminess to the dish and enhances the taste.
Served on a Bed of Greens
- Mixed Green Salad: Plating your quesadillas on a bed of fresh greens adds color and freshness to your meal. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette for extra zest.
With Corn on the Side
- Grilled Corn: Sweet corn grilled to perfection pairs well with the savory flavors of the quesadillas.
Paired with Rice or Quinoa
- Fluffy Quinoa: Serving with seasoned quinoa or rice creates a hearty meal that’s filling and nutritious.

How to Perfect Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
To make your Vegan Spinach Quesadillas even better, follow these simple tips for optimal flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and eggplant to maximize flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to tweak spices according to your taste preferences. More cumin adds warmth!
- Ensure Even Cooking: Cook eggplant thoroughly until soft; this enhances its flavor in the quesadilla.
- Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Keep fillings moderate to prevent tearing when flipping.
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without sticking.
- Experiment with Cheese Alternatives: Try different vegan cheese brands for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
These side dishes pair beautifully with your Vegan Spinach Quesadillas, making for a well-rounded meal.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored rice cooked with tomatoes and spices offers an exciting complement.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made of black beans, corn, and bell peppers adds protein and crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide great texture alongside quesadillas.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make an excellent starter or side dish.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch to your meal.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Zesty rice infused with cilantro and lime brightens up your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Vegan Spinach Quesadillas, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Not cooking the eggplant and onions properly can lead to a crunchy texture. Always sauté until soft for the best flavor.
- Using too much oil: Over-oiling can make the quesadillas greasy. Use just enough to coat the pan lightly.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can result in bland quesadillas. Taste as you cook and adjust spices accordingly.
- Overfilling tortillas: Filling them too much can cause them to break apart. Keep fillings moderate for easy flipping and eating.
- Ignoring tortilla type: Not using gluten-free tortillas (if needed) may limit options for some eaters. Choose appropriate tortillas based on dietary needs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Allow quesadillas to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
- Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped quesadillas in a freezer-safe bag, storing them for up to 2 months.
Reheating Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently for warmth.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Vegan Spinach Quesadillas that might help you get started!
How can I customize my Vegan Spinach Quesadillas?
You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Also, try different spices or sauces for unique flavors!
Are Vegan Spinach Quesadillas gluten-free?
Yes, they can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free tortillas. Always check labels when purchasing.
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them and store in the fridge or freeze them for later use.
What can I serve with Vegan Spinach Quesadillas?
These quesadillas pair well with salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Is there a substitute for vegan cheese sauce?
You could use store-bought vegan cheese or even nutritional yeast mixed with cashew cream as alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are not only delicious but also versatile and packed with nutrients. Feel free to customize them with your favorite veggies or spices. Whether for lunch or dinner, they offer comfort and satisfaction that everyone will enjoy! Try this recipe today and experience the joy of plant-based cooking!

Vegan Spinach Quesadillas
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Vegan Spinach Quesadillas are a delicious, plant-based delight that brings an explosion of flavors and textures to your table. Filled with tender eggplant, fresh spinach, and a creamy vegan cheese sauce, these quesadillas are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. Not only are they gluten-free and dairy-free, but they are also incredibly easy to prepare in just 27 minutes. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Serve them with homemade salsa or guacamole for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4–6 gluten-free tortillas
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large eggplant (cubed)
- 6 oz spinach (chopped)
- Vegan cheese sauce (or store-bought vegan cheese)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add eggplant and garlic; cook for 12-15 minutes covered with spices until eggplant is tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (30-60 seconds). Remove from heat.
- Prepare the vegan cheese sauce while the filling cooks.
- Assemble quesadillas by placing filling and cheese on one half of the tortilla, fold over.
- Cook in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg