Corn and Black Bean Quesadillas – & Quesadilla Filling Ideas!

These corn and black bean quesadillas are easy, vegetarian, meal prep friendly and totally delicious! Don't miss my quesadilla filling ideas and serving suggestions below the recipe!

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Is there anything better than serving a recipe that the whole family enjoys? You know, those rare evenings where no one complains and your children even thank you for your culinary efforts?

Yes, yes there is: an easy, meal prep friendly recipe that the whole family loves.

Well that's what I have for you today! These corn and black bean quesadillas immediately made the family favorites list when they hit our Super Fast meal plans. It's easy to see why. They're flexible, super quick to throw together and pack in plenty of vegetarian protein.

Make sure to check out my serving suggestions and creative quesadillas filling ideas below the recipe.

Enjoy!

What makes this a healthy quesadilla recipe?

Sure you can make a quesadilla with simply cheese and tortillas, but adding a few other ingredients definitely makes this more of a healthy quesadilla recipe! Why? For a few reasons.

First of all, adding the black beans and corn means you use less cheese for each quesadilla, making for a more balanced meal.

Second of all, my version of quesadillas packs in substantially more protein than an all-cheese version would.

Finally, each of the below ingredients provides significant nutritional benefits:

Green Onions (Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Fiber, Phytonutrients)

Also known as scallions, green onions are a good source of fiber. They also contain allicin, which scientists thing may help prevent cancer growth. Like other onions, green onions are also full of antioxidants.

Avocados (Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, Potassium, Folate, Healthy Fats)

Loaded with nutrients like potassium, folate and healthy fats, avocados are good for your heart, your eye health, and even your mood. Moreover, they also benefit your brain, bone density and blood sugar levels.

Black Beans (Vitamin A, Calcium, Folate, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, Protein, Fiber)

High in folate, protein, fiber and other nutrients, black beans are super filling and nutritious. If beans don't agree with your stomach, try soaking and cooking them yourself rather than buying canned, as soaking can aid in digestion.

Corn (Fiber, Folate, Vitamin B6, Potassium)

While corn is mostly carbohydrates, it ranks low-medium on the glycemic index, so won't spike your blood sugar as much as some carbs.

Chili Peppers (Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Copper)

Chili peppers are very high in several nutrients. Of course since you won't generally consume large quantities of chili peppers, their contribution to your overall nutrition is limited.

Tomatoes (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Potassium)

Packed with antioxidants, tomatoes may help reduce the risk of several kinds of cancer. The tomatoes in this recipe are in the salsa. To maximize nutrition, look for a salsa that is sugar-free and doesn't contain excess salt. Thrive Market has some great options or you can make my homemade avocado tomatillo salsa!

Bonus tip? Combining tomatoes with healthy fats like the avocado in this recipe boosts absorption of tomatoes' phytochemicals!

Are these good meal prep quesadillas?

Yes! To be honest, these come together so quickly they don't really need to be prepped ahead. But, if you want to make things extra easy on yourself, complete these steps ahead:

• Chop your green onions.
• Mix the black beans, thawed corn, green chiles and chopped green onions ahead.
• If grating your own cheese, grate it ahead of time.

That's really all you need to do!

I want more quesadilla filling ideas!

These corn and black bean quesadillas are seriously tasty as-is. If you want to get creative and experiment in the kitchen though, here are some more quesadilla filling ideas for you!

• Cubed, roasted sweet potatoes
• Sautéed peppers and onions
• Cooked ground beef or turkey
• Diced, cooked zucchini
• Diced cherry tomatoes
• Shredded or diced leftover chicken
• Pinto beans or refried beans
• Sautéed spinach
• Shredded mozzarella or monterey jack instead of cheddar

What should I serve with these black bean and cheese quesadillas?

Quesadillas are pretty versatile and you can really serve with any vegetable you want. Here are a few good options, as well as some fun dips to try alongside these black bean and cheese quesadillas!

• Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
• Grilled Zucchini
• Watermelon, Feta & Arugula Salad
• Minted Fruit Salad
• Red Pepper Soup w/ Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted or Sautéed Radishes
• My easy guacamole
• Creamy salsa verde: Mix 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt or cashew cream with a small jar of salsa verde

What are some healthy tortilla options?

If you're gluten free, or even grain free, don't fret! There are so many healthy tortilla options these days, you can surely find something to suit your dietary preferences. And if not, use romaine lettuce wraps for the delicious filling! Simply warm up the filling and then add to the lettuce wraps and enjoy.

If you're simply gluten free, enjoy these quesadillas on certified gluten free corn tortillas. Since corn tortillas tend to be smaller, you may want to make the quesadilla with two corn tortillas, rather than one flour tortilla folded in half.

If you're grain-free, both Thrive Market and Siete have some excellent options. Depending on where you live, some of these might be available at your local grocery store as well as they are becoming more readily available. Coconut tortillas, chickpea flour tortillas, almond flour tortillas and cassava tortillas are all good grain-free options. It is important to note, however, that many of these alternative tortillas fall apart easily. You may want to add the black bean filling to these tortillas and enjoy as a taco rather than a quesadilla.

I want more easy, family friendly recipes!

I hear you! As my own little family has grown, I'm more and more thankful for easy, healthy, family friendly recipes. Here are a few great options for you:

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