Looking for a quick, healthy, and Mediterranean-inspired dinner that satisfies both flavor and nutrition? These Spinach and Feta Quesadillas are the perfect choice! Packed with leafy greens, tangy feta cheese, and crispy golden tortillas, this recipe offers a delicious fusion of Greek flavors in a classic Mexican format. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, vegetarian meal plans, or anyone trying to follow the Mediterranean diet in a fun and family-friendly way.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach and Feta Quesadilla Recipe
- ✅ Quick to make – Ready in under 25 minutes
- ✅ Mediterranean diet-approved – High in greens, olive oil, and healthy fats
- ✅ Perfectly cheesy and crispy – A gooey interior with a crunchy exterior
- ✅ Vegetarian and protein-rich – Great meatless dinner or lunch option
- ✅ Easy to customize – Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken if desired
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just need a satisfying dish in a hurry, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s also great for pairing with sides like Greek salad, tzatziki, or a simple tomato soup.
What is a Spinach and Feta Quesadilla?
A quesadilla is a Mexican dish that traditionally involves a tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients, folded in half, and cooked until crispy. For this version, we’re borrowing flavors from Mediterranean cuisine, combining spinach, crumbled feta, and herbs to create a filling that’s rich in taste, nutrients, and satisfying texture.
This fusion twist makes it ideal for people who enjoy the Mediterranean diet and want new, easy recipes to fit their lifestyle. Think of it as a Greek spanakopita stuffed inside a crispy quesadilla shell!
Ingredients for Spinach and Feta Quesadillas
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this dish:
Base Ingredients (Serves 2-4)
- 4 large flour tortillas (whole wheat optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup cooked frozen spinach, well-drained)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (for extra melt)
- 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of dried oregano or dill
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped Kalamata olives
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Grilled or shredded slow cooker chicken (for added protein)
- Red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
How to Make Spinach and Feta Quesadillas
Step 1: Sauté the Spinach
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Then add the spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 more minutes). Season lightly with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. This will be your quesadilla filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Spread half of the filling over one side of each tortilla, then fold it over into a half-moon shape. Press gently to secure.
Step 4: Cook Until Crispy
Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Brush lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Use a spatula to press them gently while cooking to ensure even crispness and melted cheese inside.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove from the pan and let cool for a minute or two before slicing into wedges. Garnish with parsley or drizzle with tahini or tzatziki sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Spinach and Feta Quesadillas with:
- A side of Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad
- A small bowl of hummus or baba ghanoush
- Greek yogurt dip with lemon and dill
- A squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness
Serve as an appetizer, light dinner, or even as a savory Mediterranean brunch item!
Make It a Complete Mediterranean Dinner
Want to take this dinner up a notch? Here’s how to turn it into a full Mediterranean diet dinner:
- Starter: Lemon lentil soup or a Greek avgolemono
- Main: Spinach and Feta Quesadillas with a side of roasted eggplant or tzatziki
- Dessert: Sliced oranges drizzled with honey and cinnamon, or Greek yogurt with walnuts
Tips for the Best Quesadillas
- Drain excess moisture from spinach – Especially if using frozen spinach, squeeze out any water to avoid soggy quesadillas.
- Use good-quality feta – Greek feta made with sheep’s milk adds tang and creaminess.
- Cook low and slow – Don’t rush; medium heat ensures melty cheese and crisp tortillas.
- Serve immediately – Best when hot and crisp straight from the skillet.
How to Add Slow Cooker Chicken
If you want to bulk up this dish with protein while keeping Mediterranean elements, you can use slow cooker chicken. Here’s how:
Simple Mediterranean-Style Slow Cooker Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook on low for 4–5 hours, shred, and mix into the spinach and feta filling. This adds depth and makes it a more filling dinner option.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These quesadillas are best fresh but can also be made ahead and reheated:
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Toast on a skillet or in an oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through and crispy again.
- Freeze: Assemble uncooked quesadillas, wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen on a skillet.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it vegan – Use plant-based feta and vegan mozzarella. Sauté spinach with extra olive oil and garlic for richness.
- Use whole grain tortillas – For more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Try with arugula or kale – Spinach can be swapped out or combined with other greens.
- Add a fried egg on top – For a brunch-style twist.
Health Benefits of Spinach and Feta Quesadillas
Following the Mediterranean diet is associated with numerous health benefits, including:
- 💚 Heart health – Thanks to olive oil, greens, and low saturated fat
- 💚 Weight management – High in fiber and healthy fats
- 💚 Bone strength – Feta is rich in calcium
- 💚 Eye health – Spinach is packed with lutein and beta-carotene
- 💚 Gut support – Fiber, healthy fats, and probiotics (if you pair with Greek yogurt)
This dish brings flavor and nutrition together in perfect harmony.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Entertaining
These quesadillas are just as great for meal prep as they are for dinner parties. Make a batch ahead and store in the fridge or freezer, then crisp up right before serving. They’re easy to slice into triangles and serve as party appetizers or a wholesome snack option for kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
These Spinach and Feta Quesadillas are the perfect blend of healthy and hearty. With inspiration from Mediterranean diet recipes, they bring together fresh spinach, tangy feta, and gooey cheese wrapped in a crisp tortilla – all in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for easy Mediterranean diet recipes, vegetarian meals, or just a creative twist on a classic, this dish will become a regular on your dinner table.
Try This Delicious Mediterranean Quesadilla Tonight!
