Easy Spinach Pizza Quesadilla with Mozzarella Cheese

A play on a spinach quesadilla: these easy pizza quesadillas are healthy and delicious. Gooey mozzarella cheese packed with fresh spinach and Italian herbs cradled inside a crispy tortilla shell served with tangy pizza sauce makes for the perfect lunch box fun recipe.

If you are looking for a healthy lunch box recipe to please your picky eater, look no further than this spinach and cheese quesadilla. This easy-to-make quick meal is very versatile, making it perfect for any age group. It’s also one of those recipes that yield delicious results without having to follow a recipe step by step.

Want more delicious Mexican recipes to try out?  If you loved this easy recipe and you’d like some more Mexican-inspired recipes, you could try this sheet pan chicken and black bean quesadilla recipe. Or try an authentic quesabirria tacos recipe.

For another cross between Mexican and pizza, try these copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizzas.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires easy-to-find ingredients, which makes it both accessible and convenient for a last-minute easy meal. 
• Quick Preparation Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weekdays or when you need a fast and satisfying meal.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a hit for every taste preference.
• Kid-Friendly: Its familiar classic pizza flavor and gooey cheese goodness are sure to win over even the pickiest of eaters, making meal times a breeze.

What’s in This Pizza Quesadilla Recipe?

• Soft Flour Tortillas: The foundation of our quesadilla, these tortillas become crispy when fried, making the perfect canvas for our toppings. Choose whole wheat for a healthier option.
• Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, providing a gooey texture and a mild, milky flavor that perfectly complements the spinach.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, this seasoning adds a burst of flavor that brings the homemade pizza characteristic to life in our quesadilla.
• Baby Spinach Leaves: Spinach adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor, a pop of green color, and a boost of nutrients.
• Oil for Frying or Cooking Spray: A little goes a long way to create a crispy exterior on the quesadilla. Choose a high smoke point oil for frying or a light spray for a healthier version.
• Pizza Sauce for Dipping: The tangy and slightly sweet sauce is the perfect dipping companion for the quesadilla, enhancing the pizza-like experience.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese Alternatives: For those who are dairy-free or vegan, a variety of non-dairy cheeses made from nuts, soy, or tapioca provide a delicious alternative. You can also opt for other cheese types, like cheddar or provolone, for different flavors.
• Gluten-Free Tortillas: If you are avoiding gluten, there are numerous gluten-free tortillas on the market made from ingredients like almond flour, cassava flour, or chickpea flour that make great substitutes.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add in other vegetables such as sliced bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, or even some arugula after cooking for an extra serving of veggies.
• Protein Boost: For a protein-packed quesadilla, consider adding cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even some black beans. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, tofu or tempeh makes excellent additions.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes into the quesadilla, or another great option is to add slices of jalapeño pepper for an extra kick.

How to Make Spinach Pizza Quesadilla (step-by-step directions)

1. Heat a bit of oil or use cooking spray in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Place 1 medium soft tortilla in a large skillet.
3. Spread shredded mozzarella cheese over one half of the tortilla. (Photo 1)
4. Sprinkle about 1/8 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the cheese. (Photo 2)
5. Wait until the cheese begins to melt. Add approximately 1/3 cup of baby spinach leaves on top of the cheese. (Photo 3)
6. Fold the tortilla in half, ensuring the spinach side is on the inside, and flip it.
7. Cook for an additional minute or until the spinach has slightly wilted and the tortilla has turned golden brown on both sides. (Photo 4)
8. Serve the quesadilla with pizza sauce for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: To save time, shred your mozzarella cheese and wash your spinach ahead of time. You can even pre-measure your spices so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
• Achieving the Perfect Crisp: To ensure your delicious quesadilla has that irresistible crisp tortillas exterior, make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the tortilla. A medium-low heat allows the tortilla to crisp up without burning.
• Flip with Confidence: Use a wide spatula to flip your quesadilla. This helps keep all the filling inside and prevents the quesadilla from breaking apart.
• Cheese Matters: For a gooier texture, consider using fresh mozzarella. Its higher moisture content makes for a delightful meltiness inside the quesadilla.
• Get Creative with Sauces: Beyond traditional pizza sauce, consider trying pesto, alfredo, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for dipping to vary the flavors.

Storing Tips 

Storing leftovers of your Spinach Pizza Quesadilla is straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious meal even after the day it’s prepared. If you find yourself with extras, simply place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your quesadilla will last for 2-3 days.

You can freeze the Spinach Pizza Quesadilla for longer preservation. After cooling down to room temperature, wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored in the freezer, they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, there’s no need to thaw; you can reheat directly from frozen.

For the best results, reheating in a skillet over medium heat is recommended to maintain the quesadilla’s crispiness. Heat each side for about 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly warm and the cheese is melted again. If reheating from frozen, allow a few extra minutes per side. 

Alternatively, you can use an oven or toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes from refrigerated, or slightly longer if starting from frozen. Microwave reheating is quick and convenient, but it may soften the tortilla more than some prefer.

Serving Suggestions

The Spinach Pizza Quesadilla pairs delightfully with a variety of sides to complement its flavors and turn it into a well-rounded meal. A crisp, fresh salad is an excellent choice, offering a light contrast to the quesadilla’s richness. Consider greens like arugula or romaine lettuce tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing side. 

For something heartier, oven-roasted vegetables such as zucchini fritters, bell peppers, black olives, and carrots add a lovely complexity with their caramelized edges and tender textures. If you’re leaning towards a classic pizza experience, garlic cheesy bread or breadsticks make for a comforting addition, perfect for dipping into extra pizza sauce. 

A side of seasoned sweet potato fries baked to crisp perfection would complement the quesadilla’s flavors for a quick and easy option. 

Recipe FAQs

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