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The Best Summer Veggie Quesadillas

Crispy, golden-brown quesadillas packed with perfectly cooked summer vegetables and just the right amount of melted cheese. A technique-driven recipe that guarantees no sogginess.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large flour tortillas burrito size, 10-inch
  • 1 medium zucchini diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels fresh from 1 ear, or frozen, thawed and patted dry
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • For serving: sour cream salsa, or sliced avocado

Equipment

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • spatula
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • medium bowl
  • paper towels

Method
 

  1. Prep the vegetables: Dice the zucchini and bell pepper into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Finely dice the red onion. If using fresh corn, cut kernels off the cob. If using frozen, make sure kernels are fully thawed and blotted dry with a paper towel.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the zucchini, bell pepper, corn, and red onion. Spread into an even layer. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes to get a light char. Then stir and cook for another 2 minutes, until vegetables are tender but not mushy. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional cumin. Transfer to a bowl and let cool for 2 minutes.
  3. Assemble the quesadilla: Wipe the skillet clean. Place one tortilla on a cutting board. Sprinkle half the cheese evenly over the entire tortilla. Spread half the vegetable mixture over one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle with half the cilantro. Fold the empty half over the filling. Repeat for the second quesadilla.
  4. Cook the quesadilla: Return the skillet to medium heat. Place one quesadilla in the dry skillet (no oil). Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip with a spatula. Cook another 2-3 minutes, until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. The tortilla should feel firm and sound crisp when tapped.
  5. Rest and slice: Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for 1 minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly so the filling doesn't fall out when cut. Slice into wedges. Repeat with the second quesadilla. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the crispiest result, do not oil the skillet for the final cook. The residual moisture from the tortilla and the heat will create the perfect golden crust. If you prefer a softer tortilla, you can brush the outside with a little oil. Leftover quesadillas can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat to restore crispness, not in the microwave.