Have you been searching for the best vegan quesadilla recipe? Does your vegetarian self crave something ‘extra’ in your simple quesadilla fillings?
Well, say no more because your wish will be granted here!
Who doesn’t love a quesadilla? It is wholesome, filling, and full of nutrition in every bite.
That said, the above combination of filling ingredients might not sound so tempting to the people who are vegetarians. Although they could go with it and have one filled with vegetables only, don’t you think vegetarians also deserve a ‘zing’ in their quesadillas?
Therefore, to end the monotonous combination of quesadilla fillings in the following sections are some healthy vegan quesadilla options you can try for a change.
What Can I Substitute For Cheese In A Quesadilla?
Quesadillas are incomplete without cheese. Incorporating cheese in quesadillas contributes a distinct texture, aroma, and flavor, elevating their taste to new heights [7].
Dairy-based cheeses are not suitable for a vegan diet, so, understandably, not everyone may desire cheese in their quesadillas. Whether adhering to a strict calorie-deficit meal plan or following a vegetarian lifestyle, many plant-based alternatives are able to seamlessly replace traditional cheese in dishes.
Now the question is, ‘If not cheese, then what?’
Cheese works as a ‘binding’ agent in quesadillas, keeping the flavoring intact and the filling ingredients compacted within the tortillas [1].
And does that mean that vegan people cannot enjoy such a richly flavored quesadilla recipe? No, not at all. There are a couple of easy vegan quesadilla recipes: no-cheese versions that both vegan and non-vegan people can enjoy.
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Here is your Vegan Quesadilla Recipe – No Cheese Edition!
Hummus
Replacing cheese with hummus would be an innovative step toward making a quick vegan quesadilla. It would balance the flavors and give your filling a combined Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern twist, thereby taking it to another level of deliciousness [2]. You can also add vegan shawarma strips combined with cucumber and tomatoes for a strong Middle Eastern taste.
Cashew Cheese
Every vegan knows how unlikely the addition of traditional cheese is for a vegan quesadilla. Cashew cheese, therefore, comes to the rescue in such cases. It is a plant-based alternative to dairy cheese that vegans can easily add to their quesadillas and enjoy [6].
Sweet Potatoes
Yes, you read that right. Mashed sweet potatoes would make a great addition to your healthy vegan quesadilla. Sweet potato would add a thicker consistency to your filling and help retain the creamy texture that melted cheese otherwise brings out [5].
What Should I Put Inside My Vegan Quesadilla?
For an all-rounder vegan quesadilla recipe, the options are endless!
Vegans are lucky because they can always combine one or more combinations in their easy vegan quesadilla recipe without any hassles. All you need to do is put on your creativity hat and go all in with your imagination.
Here are a few easy and flavor-enhancing combinations that you can use in your vegan quesadilla:
Smoky Black Beans
One of the best vegan quesadilla recipes would undoubtedly combine smoky black beans in the mix. Smoky black beans are a no-fuss, easily available ingredient, and the flavor they give to vegan quesadillas is indeed rich and delectable. You can easily replace these with kidney beans and enjoy their different yet delicious taste [8].
Mexican Quinoa Salad
A creative and easy quesadilla recipe option would be to prepare a bowl of Mexican Quinoa Salad and use it as a filling for your quesadilla [4]. You can serve this at parties or picnics and amaze everyone with how two different dishes could easily be combined without compromising either one’s taste or individual flavors.
Guacamole
Even though guacamole might not be on everyone’s list of favorites, it could help create a unique mix when added to your vegan quesadilla. Avocado has that ‘zing’ or magic to add a specific richness to the dish it is added to. It will add a nice creaminess to your quesadilla mix.
Jalapenos
For people who love to spice things up or wonder, ‘Why am I craving spicy food?’ now and then, how about spicing up your quesadillas too? Add pre-sliced, jarred jalapenos, easily available at many stores, or fresh ones you slice yourself [3].
Read more: Is Pho Keto? The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Pho on a Low-Carb Diet
What Is The Hack For Quesadillas?
Those who proclaim expertise in the craft of quesadilla making know that the key lies in skillfully incorporating each ingredient’s distinct flavor into the mix.
But this needs more explanation. How can you ensure every ingredient shows its magic in the recipe? Won’t this create an amalgamation of flavors with no distinct taste?
Well, for beginners and curious souls, here is how to try out this fail-proof hack and enrich your quesadillas with all the flavors you have incorporated into the mix. Rest assured, you are going to love making your quesadillas this way.
So, the hack in there is nothing out of this world; it is simply using equal portions of all fillings and ensuring all of them get inter-mixed to complement each other in the best possible way.
This would help you be assured that all the flavors are balanced and give the best of their taste to anyone who eats them.
Though this has recently gained popularity as a viral TikTok hack, it’s worth noting that people have been employing this technique for quite some time to craft wholesome and satisfying quesadillas.
What Is The Difference Between A Tortilla And A Quesadilla?
A tortilla is a straightforward flatbread, typically crafted from cornmeal (masa) and occasionally wheat flour. In contrast, a Quesadilla is a Mexican delicacy consisting of a tortilla filled with various ingredients, including cheese, meat, vegetables, spices, and more.
Depending upon one’s taste and liking, both a tortilla and quesadilla could be served alone – as they are, or using some dips or sauces to enhance their flavor.
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FAQs
What can I use instead of cheese?
Numerous plant-based alternatives offer a delightful twist to traditional cheese in your quesadillas. You can experiment with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cashew cheese, and even guacamole to add a signature creamy touch to your quesadilla. Just go with what you and your family love. This versatile dish turns out pretty well with multiple food options.
What is a substitute for Queso cheese?
The best alternative for queso cheese is feta cheese. Several options include cotija cheese, ricotta cheese, and jack cheese. One of the standout substitutes for Queso cheese is undoubtedly feta. The crumbly texture and distinctive salty taste of feta contribute to its appeal. This makes it an excellent choice to replicate the essence of Queso cheese in various dishes.
What is considered Quesadilla cheese?
Any form of shredded cheese that melts quickly and adds a characteristic ‘stringy’ texture to the quesadilla is considered ‘quesadilla cheese’. For this purpose, the cheese that will suit you best is Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheese. Both have a luxurious taste and add that stringiness that brings out the best in any quesadilla.
What do vegans use instead of cheese?
Vegans have a range of plant-based alternatives to explore as substitutes for dairy or processed cheese. Options like cashew cheese, sweet potato-infused vegan cheese, and garlic and herb-infused cashew cheese provide flavorful alternatives. The key lies in conducting thorough research and selecting the options that align best with individual preferences and dietary needs.
The Bottom Line
To conclude it all, the secret to the best vegan quesadilla recipe is to put all your creativity into it. Think of your plain tortilla bread as a canvas, and explore all the possible combinations of different veggies and plant-based food items as the ‘colors’ needed to make your ‘canvas’ the best. With just a few new varieties and mixes, you can easily become a pro at creating some easy vegan quesadilla recipes in no time.
Are you ready to spruce up an exclusive vegan quesadilla recipe for yourself?
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
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SOURCES
- CHEESE QUESADILLA RECIPE (2022, organicallyaddison.com)
- Hummus Quesadillas! (2017, cookieandkate.com)
- Jalapeno Popper Quesadillas (2022, allrecipes.com)
- Mexican Quinoa Salad (2021, greenhealthycooking.com)
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas (2020, wellplated.com)
- The Best Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce You’ll Ever Eat (2020, ambitiouskitchen.com)
- The Ultimate Quesadilla (2023, simplyrecipes.com)
- Vegan Quesadillas with Smoky Black Beans (2023, minimalistbaker.com)