Open Arms of Minnesota

Weekly Recipe #223: Black Bean & Zucchini Quesadillas

by Nicole Kirkvold, UMMC-Fairview Dietetic Intern

Photo credit: Dana McMahon (via Flickr)
Photo credit: Dana McMahan (via Flickr)

I always look forward to using fresh ingredients from the garden during the spring and summer. We always find ourselves with an incredible surplus of zucchini, so my family came up with this delicious quesadilla recipe to showcase the versatile zucchini squash!

This is a great vegetarian recipe packed with protein and fiber from the black beans and whole wheat tortillas. The quesadilla is also loaded with fresh, bright vegetables full of vitamin C.

Black Bean and Zucchini Quesadillas

(Serves: 4)

Ingredients:

  • One 15 oz. can Low-Sodium Black Beans
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • ½ medium red onion, sliced
  • ½ cup red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • ¼ tsp. chili powder (add additional to taste)
  • 1 cup shredded low-fat cheese (Monterey jack, pepperjack, cheddar, Mexican blend, etc.)
  • 8 whole wheat tortillas
  • Salsa, ranch dressing, sour cream, lettuce (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Sauté zucchini, red onion, beans, and bell pepper in oil and seasonings for 5 minutes.
  3. Spread 4 tortillas on baking sheet and top with ¼ cup of cheese, ¼ of bean/zucchini/pepper mixture, and second tortilla.
  4. Bake in oven for 5-7 minutes, flip quesadillas, and bake for another 3-4 minutes, or until lightly brown.
  5. Serve with salsa, ranch dressing, sour cream, and lettuce as desired.

Nutritional Information:

Per 1 quesadilla: 224 calories, 4 gm total fat, 35 gm carbohydrate, 7 gm fiber, 14 gm protein, and 221 mg sodium.

More from Open Arms

Turkey Day 5K graphic

Turkey Day 5K To Benefit Open Arms

Twin Cities In Motion Dick’s Sporting Goods Turkey Day 5K To Benefit Open Arms Open Arms of Minnesota is proud to be the official charity beneficiary of this year’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Turkey Day 5K, brought to you by Twin Cities In Motion!  The

Read More »
Leah and Quinn Villagomez

Open Arms On KFAI’s Fresh Fruit

Leah Hebert Welles Joins Quinn Villagomez On Fresh Fruit Radio Show Open Arms CEO Leah Hebert Welles joined Quinn Villagomez, host of the radio show “Fresh Fruit” on KFAI 90.3 Thursday, Nov. 2 for a conversation about the exciting events taking place at Open

Read More »
Holiday Treats graphic.

HOLIDAY TREATS!

Open Arms of Minnesota is pleased to bring you a wide array of Holiday Treats to satisfy your sweet tooth this season! This year’s Holiday Treats can be purchased through our online shop via the link below. 

Holiday Treats will be available for pick up at the following times and locations: 

  • Tuesday, December 12 | Minneapolis Kitchen & Campus | 4 – 6 p.m. 
  • Thursday, December 14 | St. Paul Kitchen & Campus | 4 – 6 p.m. 
  • Saturday, December 16 | Minneapolis Kitchen & Campus | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.