How would you describe Quesadillas? Savory? Cheesy? Crunchy? What if I told you, you could have the SAME kind of quesadilla BUT: without the meat, dairy and gluten? Do I have your attention yet? Thought so! These quesadillas are the PERFECT meal to make for the vegan skeptic in your life! Here’s how to make it!
What are in Quesadillas?
According to the dictionary, a quesadilla is a tortilla filled with cheese and often a savory mixture (as of meat and vegetables), folded, and usually fried. With this in mind, I wanted to make my quesadillas as accurate as possible so first, the tortilla!
Tortillas for Quesadillas
Hands down, my favorite quesadillas are from Siete! Their gluten-free and grain-free options are perfect for folks with sensitivities and allergies! My kids love tacos but we could never find a gluten-free brand that didn’t have corn also (Corn is also a common allergy). Siete was the answer to my prayers! They fold and bend without breaking and don’t have that dreaded “cardboard” flavor a lot of gluten-free products do!
“Meat” for Quesadillas: Jackfruit
Jackfruit is a delightful meat substitute for chicken or pulled pork. Thanks to its bland flavor, you can give it whatever seasoning you want. I get mine canned as it is cheaper in bulk, and softer thus easier to shred apart. First, you strain the jackfruit, then boil it for 7 minutes until it starts to fall apart. Strain, pat dry, and then season. It’s a bit extra work but SO worth it!
Vegan Cheese for Quesadillas
For cheese, you want something that will melt and be stretchy so I chose Earth Brand’s Vegan Mozzarella and Cheddar Shreds from Aldi. My husband couldn’t tell it was “fake” cheese and he is a hard critic! You can read my full review on vegan cheese here.
Veggies for Quesadillas
The typical veggie options include onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers. I wanted to keep it simple so I just cut up 2 mini bell peppers for this recipe. Obviously, you can add whatever veggies you want so get creative!
Spices and Dip for Quesadillas
I went very basic here and just used some premade taco seasoning! Making your own is very easy and affordable so be sure to check out Holly’s homemade taco seasoning here! I also love having some dip for my quesadillas so I love to use Forager Project’s unsweetened cashew milk yogurt mixed with some salsa (I used my own homemade salsa with tomatoes from the garden but you can use any store-bought)
Why don’t you eat meat or dairy?
I chose to give up meat and dairy for many reasons, but one of the main ones was for my health. I’ve been following a plant-based lifestyle for two years now and I have never felt so good! Not only have I lost and kept off weight, but I no longer struggle with chronic health problems. To read my full story, click here!
Putting it all together
Step 1: Cook your jackfruit to soften it. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the strained jackfruit and cook it for 5-7 minutes or until it starts to fall apart.
Step 2: While that is cooking, prepare your dip. Use a large spoonful of yogurt and a large spoonful of salsa and mix well into a bowl. Set aside.
Step 3. Strain the jackfruit and place it in a bowl. With a fork or your fingers, pull apart the jackfruit till it resembles pulled pork. Season with taco seasoning. Set aside.
Step 4: Wash the bell peppers. Cut off the tops, toss out the seeds and dice them up. Add to the jackfruit.
Step 5: Using a nonstick griddle or frying pan, heat the quesadillas, about 30 seconds per side to warm them up and make them more bendable. Stack them onto a plate.
Step 6: Preheat your panini press. Not all brands are equal, but mine turns green when it’s ready. If it is not nonstick, you may need to apply some oil to prevent any sticking.
Step 7: Put your quesadillas together! Hold a tortilla in your non-dominant hand, fill it with a spoonful of the jackfruit/pepper mixture. Add a handful of the vegan cheese shreds. Press it together and place up to 3 at a time in the panini press or as many as your press will allow.
Conclusion
These quesadillas will blow your socks off with how delicious they are! I should have made more! 8 was not enough to feed my clan of 5 so keep that in mind when you make this recipe! And when you do, leave me a comment with how much you loved them! Until next time, I’ll see you in the kitchen!
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The BEST Quesadillas-You Won’t Belive They’re Vegan!
Equipment
- 1 panini press
- 1 Non-stick skillet a non-stick griddle will work too
- 1 Spatula
- 1 6 quart cooking pot
- 1 Strainer
- 1 large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 package of Siete Cassava Flour Tortillas 8 tortillas per package
- 1 14oz can of jackfruit chunks strained
- 2 mini bell peppers diced Or use one large bell pepper
- 2 8oz packages of shredded vegan mozzarella and cheddar shreds You can use any kind of shredded cheese you want. I also did not use all the cheese for this recipe so you may have some leftover.
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
Quesadilla and Chip Dip
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt
- 1/4 cup salsa of your choice
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook your jackfruit to soften it. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the strained jackfruit and cook it uncovered for 5-7 minutes or until it starts to fall apart
- Step 2: While that is cooking, prepare your dip. Use a large spoonful of yogurt and a large spoonful of salsa and mix well into a bowl. Set aside.
- Step 3. Strain the jackfruit and place it in a bowl. With a fork or your fingers, pull apart the jackfruit till it resembles pulled pork. Season with taco seasoning. Set aside.
- Step 4: Wash the bell peppers. Cut off the tops, toss out the seeds, and dicethem up. Add to the jackfruit.
- Step 5: Using a nonstick griddle or frying pan, heat the quesadillas, about 15 seconds per side to warm them up and make them more bendable. Stack them onto a plate.
- Step 6: Preheat your panini press. Not all brands are equal, but mine turnsgreen when it's ready. If it is not nonstick, you may need toapply some oil to prevent any sticking.
- Step 7: Put your quesadillas together! Hold a tortilla in your non-dominanthand, fill it with a spoonful of the jackfruit/pepper mixture. Add a handful of the vegan cheese shreds.
- Step 8: Press together and place up to 3 at a time in the panini press or as many as your press will allow.
- Serve with a side of chips and tasty dip! Enjoy 🙂
Instacart A Good Place To Work says
Good article!
Benjamin Van Goor says
Thank you! Hope you enjoy the quesadillas!