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Fiery Chicken Quesadillas

Yes, quesadillas are tortillas and cheese, but they can be so much more! With fresh ingredients and just enough flavorful cheese, this Mexican favorite makes a delicious and healthy meal. Fire up any of these 5-ingredient combos for an easy Cinco de Mayo spread or a quick weeknight dinner.

Yield: 1 quesadilla
Use 6-inch tortillas (about 130 calories each) for the perfect one-serving quesadilla

Option 1: Fiery Chicken (pictured above)
Tortilla: Whole-wheat
Cheese: 1 ounce (1/4 cup shredded) cheddar
Add-Ins: 2 ounces cooked chicken breast & 2 tablespoons sliced, pickled jalapenos
Toppings: 2 tablespoons salsa (hot as you like it)
Calories per serving: 357; Fat: 15 grams

Pineapple and Shrimp Quesadillas

Option 2: Pineapple-Shrimp
Tortilla: Whole-wheat or white flour
Cheese: 1 ounce (1/4 cup shredded) pepper Jack
Add-Ins: 3 ounces cooked shrimp (diced or thinly sliced)
Toppings: 2 tablespoons salsa mixed with 2 tablespoons diced fresh pineapple
Calories per serving: 331; Fat: 15 grams

Black and Blue Quesadillas

Option 3: Black & Blue (Steak & Blue Cheese)
Tortilla: Whole-wheat
Cheese: 1/2 ounce crumbled blue cheese (about 2 tablespoons)
Add-Ins: 2 ounces cooked flank steak & baby spinach leaves
Toppings: 2 tablespoons onion jam or pickled onions
Calories per serving: 306; Fat: 14 grams

Mushroom and Pepper Quesadillas With Avocado

Option 4: Mushroom & Pepper
Tortilla: Spinach
Cheese: 1 ounce or ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack
Add-Ins: sliced mushrooms and sliced bell pepper
Toppings: 1/4 cup diced avocado
Calories per serving: 302; Fat: 15 grams

Goat Cheese Quesadilla With Tomato and Corn

Option 5: Goat Cheese & Tomato
Tortilla: Whole-wheat
Cheese: 1 ounce crumbled goat cheese
Add-Ins: 2 tablespoons each corn kernels (fresh or frozen) & diced tomato
Calories per serving: 225; Fat: 8 grams

Directions:
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Top tortilla with cheese and remaining ingredients, fold in half. Spray skillet with nonstick spray. Place folded tortilla in pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cheese is melted and tortilla is golden. Slice and serve.

TELL US: What’s your favorite quesadilla filling?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana’s full bio »

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