Introduction
Indulge in the savory delight of WW Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas, a wholesome yet satisfying dish perfect for any meal of the day. Packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, and low-fat cheese, these quesadillas are a smart choice for those following the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) program. Each bite combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms, the freshness of spinach, and the gooey goodness of cheese, all enveloped in a crisp tortilla. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these quesadillas are sure to impress with their flavor and health benefits.
Ingredients
- 4 large whole wheat tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Place one tortilla on the skillet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. Spoon a quarter of the spinach-mushroom filling over half of the tortilla. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
- Press down gently with a spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve:
- Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve hot, optionally with salsa, guacamole, or low-fat sour cream on the side.
Ingredients
- 4 large whole wheat tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in baby spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Place one tortilla on the skillet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. Spoon a quarter of the spinach-mushroom filling over half of the tortilla. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
- Press down gently with a spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve:
- Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve hot, optionally with salsa, guacamole, or low-fat sour cream on the side.
Nutritional Information (per quesadilla)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 14g
WW SmartPoints Calculation
- SmartPoints per Quesadilla: 5
Detailed Steps and Tips
- Choosing Tortillas:
- Opt for whole wheat tortillas to increase fiber content and make the quesadillas more filling. You can also use low-carb or gluten-free tortillas depending on dietary preferences.
- Cooking the Filling:
- Sautéing the onions and garlic first adds a flavorful base to the filling. Cooking the mushrooms until browned and adding spinach last ensures that the vegetables retain their texture and flavor.
- Melting the Cheese:
- Use reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese for a gooey, cheesy filling that is lower in fat compared to full-fat cheese. Distribute the cheese evenly to ensure it melts uniformly inside the quesadilla.
- Crisping the Quesadillas:
- Cooking the quesadillas in a non-stick skillet or griddle with cooking spray helps achieve a crispy exterior without excessive oil. Pressing down gently with a spatula while cooking ensures even browning and helps seal the quesadilla.
- Customizing and Serving:
- Serve the quesadillas immediately while they are hot and crispy. Pair with salsa, guacamole, or low-fat sour cream for added flavor and texture. These quesadillas can also be made ahead and reheated in a toaster oven for a quick meal or snack.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Vegetables: Spinach and mushrooms provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting overall health and well-being.
- High in Fiber: Whole wheat tortillas and vegetables contribute to dietary fiber, supporting digestion and satiety.
- Reduced Fat and Calories: Using reduced-fat cheese and minimal oil for cooking helps reduce overall fat and calorie content, making these quesadillas a nutritious choice.
Conclusion
WW Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas are a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a satisfying meal. With their hearty filling and crispy exterior, these quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re following the WW program or simply seeking a nutritious and flavorful dish, these quesadillas are sure to become a favorite. Treat yourself to the wholesome goodness of spinach, mushrooms, and cheese in every bite, knowing you’re nourishing your body with a balanced and satisfying meal option.