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    Oh My Veggies » Vegetarian Recipes » Vegetarian Main Dishes

    Mushroom and Zucchini Quesadillas with Cilantro Pesto

    Published: Apr 29, 2019 · by Nicole · Updated: Mar 4, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe



    How do you feel about cilantro? Because if you're a cilantro hater, you may want to avert your eyes. (Or maybe run in terror?) These Mushroom and Zucchini Quesadillas have a generous helping of cilantro pesto on them. So you've been warned, okay?

    Personally, I love cilantro. I never really got all passionate hatred directed towards this inoffensive little herb. I mean, I'm sure there are people who hate basil or oregano. But they don't make a thing out of it. And cilantro hating is most definitely a thing. There's even an I Hate Cilantro website.

    Cilantro Pesto & Quesadilla Assembly
    Well, apparently it's a matter of genetics. Cilantro haters taste soap when they eat cilantro. It's a genetic predisposition, something they're born with. There are other explanations too, though—some of the molecules that form the aroma of cilantro are also molecules found in both lye (soap!) and insects. Interestingly, crushing cilantro leaves converts these molecules into other substances which makes them inoffensive to cilantro haters. So cilantro pesto? Should be totally cool with both cilantro haters and cilantro lovers alike.

    Of course, if you hate cilantro with a passion, it might be too much to ask to even put you in the same room with fresh cilantro, let alone make it into a pesto. But this cilantro pesto is worth taking a chance on. Its bright, fresh (and spicy!) flavor takes an ordinary veggie quesadilla recipe and makes it something worth blogging about. In fact, I'm so in love with this pesto that it might be making some more appearances on Oh My Veggies very soon!

    Mushroom and Zucchini Quesadillas with Cilantro Pesto

    Mushroom and Zucchini Quesadillas with Cilantro Pesto

    Cilantro pesto adds a fresh, spicy flavor to these easy veggie quesadillas.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Email Recipe
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Keyword: Mushroom and Zucchini Quesadillas with Cilantro Pesto, veggie quesadillas
    Servings: 6 quesadillas
    Calories: 296kcal
    Author: Oh My Veggies

    Ingredients

    Cilantro Pesto

    • 1 cup cilantro leaves packed
    • ¼ cup raw walnuts
    • zest from 1 lime
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 large garlic clove
    • 1 jalapeño pepper seeds removed and halved
    • salt to taste

    Mushroom & Zucchini Quesadillas

    • ½ tbsp olive oil
    • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
    • 1 medium zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 6 medium flour tortillas
    • 1 batch cilantro pesto
    • 1 ½ cup shredded Monterrey Jack or Mexican Blend cheese
    • salsa sour cream, and lime wedges, for serving
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Cilantro Pesto

    • Combine all ingredients in food processor and process until mixture is well-combined and reaches a pesto-like consistency.

    Mushroom and Zucchini Quesadillas

    • Heat oil in a medium skillet at medium-high heat. Add zucchini and mushrooms and cook, stirring often, 5–6 minutes or until softened but not mushy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    • Spread half of each tortilla with pesto. Divide vegetables and cheese onto pesto-side of tortillas and fold in half.
    • Wipe out skillet. Heat on medium and cook quesadillas, two at a time, about 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and slightly crispy. (If you prefer, you can use a grill instead.) Cut each quesadilla in half and serve with salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1quesadillaCalories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 365mgPotassium: 317mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 492IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 257mgIron: 2mg
    Craving more veg-friendly recipes? Shop our collection of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks, including our new Vegan Thanksgiving and Vegan Christmas cookbooks!
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    Vegetarian Main Dishes, Vegetarian Recipes 30 minutes or less, cilantro, main dishes, mexican, mushrooms, zucchini

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Allison says

      May 17, 2012 at 8:18 am

      People who hate cilantro are crazy. I love cilantro. 🙂 Plus it has wonderful health benefits as well!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 17, 2012 at 9:46 am

        I love cilantro too! I'm growing it in the garden this year, so I plan on posting LOTS of cilantro recipes this summer. 😉

        Reply
    2. Rachel @ Rachel's Giveaways says

      May 17, 2012 at 2:41 pm

      I know some people have that genetic thing that alters the taste, but luckily my husband and I both like cilantro! Unfortunately, I have already killed our cilantro plant 🙁

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 17, 2012 at 5:21 pm

        Were you growing the cilantro in the sun or in the shade? The instructions with the plant say to plant it in full sun, but someone told me to plant it in the shade instead and so far so good! Before this, I've never had luck with cilantro either.

        Reply
        • Rachel @ Rachel's Giveaways says

          May 17, 2012 at 5:26 pm

          I had it potted and sitting in the shade on our back patio. We bought it at a plant sale from an organic farm, and I tried to follow their instructions. I think the water wasn't draining adequately.

          Reply
    3. Jackie @ Domestic Fits says

      May 17, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      I love everything about this. And I am a cilantro luva. for sure.

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 17, 2012 at 5:23 pm

        Have you tried cilantro pesto before? This was my first time making it and zomg, it is so good! I just want to slather it on everything.

        Reply
    4. Brenda Williams says

      May 17, 2012 at 6:49 pm

      Mushroom & Zucchini Quesadillas with cilantro delivered to my house tonight would be perfect! Wow this sounds so good. Love it!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 18, 2012 at 8:21 am

        I haven't figured out the whole blog-to-house delivery service yet, but when I do, I'll let you know. 😉

        Reply
    5. Stephanie @ henry happened says

      May 17, 2012 at 8:38 pm

      I love cilantro! Just made guac last night and while the kiddos turned up their nose at the "green stuff" I was happy to eat it all. And cilantro pesto is one of my favorites!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 18, 2012 at 8:19 am

        I have never had guacamole! Or avocado. I have some weird food avoidance issues. 🙂

        Reply
    6. myfudo says

      May 18, 2012 at 3:57 am

      Cheesy Mexican Quesadillas are my favorite. I am excited to try this new greeny/herby version. Thanks for the post.

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 18, 2012 at 8:17 am

        Originally my plan was to just make these with the cheese and pesto--I threw the veggies in at the last minute!

        Reply
    7. Lisa Marie @ MidwestVeg says

      May 18, 2012 at 8:40 am

      First of all, those quesadillas look darn good! Second, I was actually planning on grilling some quesadillas this weekend. I was planning to do grilled corn or something. Your cilantro pesto just might be the perfect addition to grilled quesadilla night. MMM!

      I'd seriously hate it if I was one of those people who couldn't eat cilantro. One of my absolute favorite taco toppings is cilantro paired with chopped onion. Taco night just wouldn't be the same.

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 18, 2012 at 2:47 pm

        I hope you like it if you make it! I loved it so much I actually ate some of it with a spoon. Not one of my finer moments. 🙂

        Reply
        • Lisa Marie @ MidwestVeg says

          May 19, 2012 at 10:31 pm

          I made it tonight and used it in quesadillas filled with grilled chipotle glazed corn and potatoes. It was awesome! I'm hoping to blog it by Monday. Thanks for the great recipe!

          Reply
          • Kiersten says

            May 20, 2012 at 3:40 pm

            So glad you liked it! Chipotle glazed corn? So hungry right now.

            And I made your scones today! With strawberries because they were on sale & blueberries weren't. 😉 They were delicious & I'm going to post about them on Friday!

            Reply
    8. Smedette says

      May 18, 2012 at 9:51 am

      My Husband is a cilantro-hater! Makes him gag and he totally tastes soap.

      I however, will add it to just about anything.

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 18, 2012 at 2:45 pm

        I think I could add it to anything too. My latest kick is to put lots and LOTS of it in soup instead of other greens. Even in (not) chicken noodle soup. So good.

        Reply
    9. Natalie says

      May 18, 2012 at 12:18 pm

      I've heard of the soap thing but didn't know crushing the cilantro might help - interesting! Fortunately, I love cilantro, and love the sounds of this quesadilla!!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 18, 2012 at 2:43 pm

        Yes, I love cilantro crushed, chopped, or whole--any way I can get it. 😀 I feel sorry for the people who taste soap when they eat it!

        Reply
    10. Shirley says

      May 18, 2012 at 9:58 pm

      I think I occupy middle ground -- I like cilantro in small doses, but I don't hate it or love it. I also feel like homemade salsa isn't complete without it. If anything, it's mushrooms I have issues with, but I'd gobble the rest of the quesadilla! 🙂

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 20, 2012 at 3:50 pm

        Ha! Yes, I think mushrooms are like cilantro in that they are very polarizing--maybe not quite as much as cilantro, but it seems like people either love them or hate them.

        Reply
    11. Toni @ Red Carpet Mama says

      May 19, 2012 at 6:47 am

      Yep, I'll definitely be trying this. It's got a lot of my favorite "tastes" in it.

      Reply
    12. gem says

      May 19, 2012 at 11:36 am

      Those sure look yummy! i love how quesadillas are so versatile - you can put just about anything in them!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 20, 2012 at 3:44 pm

        One of my favorite quesadilla recipes (which I never make anymore because I'm trying to lose weight--ha!) has sliced bananas, chocolate chips, cinnamon, and sugar in it. So yes, they are definitely versatile--you can even use them for desserts!

        Reply
    13. Courtney Rae Jones says

      May 20, 2012 at 12:39 pm

      I looooooove cilantro!!! But I know so many people that hate it and won't go anywhere near it. My boyfriend actually calls it the "black hole of taste". *HAH* I personally love it in salads, salsa, curries etc. These quesadillas look perfect! Cilantro pesto sounds ah-maz-ing 🙂

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 20, 2012 at 3:37 pm

        Yes, and people who hate it just haaaaaate it. I can't think of any other food that people hate so passionately! I'm with you though, I'd put it on anything.

        Reply
    14. [email protected] says

      May 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm

      i heart cilantro!!! and those shroom and zuke quesadillas loook sooooo goood. i think i am biased coz cilantro probably just runs in my blood being indian:)

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 20, 2012 at 3:36 pm

        Thank you! You know, I don't know that I can recall ever having cilantro in Indian food--I'm sure I have and I'm just forgetting about it though! 😉

        Reply
        • [email protected] says

          May 20, 2012 at 3:40 pm

          it is used more liberally back home in india. i think it gets phased out here for taste preferences:)

          Please do drop by the Auction fundraiser to help VSPCA,India on my blog, to bid or share. Shipping is available in US, India, and some international. They arean amazing org working to rescue all animals, provide sanctuary, and also help feed vegan meals to the homeless. Thanks a bunch!
          http://hobbyandmore.blogspot.com/p/fundraiser-for-vspca.html

          Reply
          • Kiersten says

            May 20, 2012 at 4:01 pm

            Yeah, that's what I figured. I'm sure a lot of the Indian food here isn't exactly authentic. 🙂 Going to check out your auction right now...

            Reply
    15. Katie says

      May 20, 2012 at 5:25 pm

      mushrooms, zucchini, cilantro & pesto are some of my favorite things - I pinned this to use soon!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 21, 2012 at 9:00 am

        Thanks for pinning this! 🙂 I am totally on a cilantro pesto kick right now--I want to put it on everything I eat!

        Reply
    16. Jennifer says

      May 20, 2012 at 5:50 pm

      I love love love Cilantro! These look just delish!

      Reply
    17. CulinarilyCourtney says

      May 20, 2012 at 8:39 pm

      Cilantro pesto sounds awesome! I am definitely a cilantro lover...I made cornbread to have with chili once and added some cilantro to the batter and it tasted amazing, so I believe it would taste good in almost anything 🙂

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 21, 2012 at 8:58 am

        Ooh, cornbread with cilantro in it sounds so good!

        Reply
    18. Genevieve says

      May 20, 2012 at 8:40 pm

      I love cilantro too, although when I make a dish for a group of people, I'll sometimes leave it out in case there's a cilantro-hater in the group who wouldn't be able to eat it. I think the jalapeno and lime are the perfect ingredients to go in a cilantro pesto, and it sounds like it would be perfect in those quesadillas too!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 21, 2012 at 8:57 am

        I think there are even some Mexican restaurants that will leave cilantro out of their salsa and other dishes for the same reason!

        Reply
    19. Anne says

      May 20, 2012 at 9:48 pm

      I love cilantro! Unfortunately my husbIand is a hater, so I can't use it in cooking. He literally can't even eat a dish with cilantro on it.

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 21, 2012 at 8:56 am

        Well, supposedly if you crush the cilantro leaves, it changes the flavor that cilantro haters are so turned off by. Maybe you could sneak some cilantro into your cooking that way. 🙂

        Reply
    20. Maureen @ Wisconsin Mommy says

      May 20, 2012 at 10:23 pm

      Sounds delicious!!

      Reply
    21. Rachel @ Bakerita says

      May 22, 2012 at 2:00 pm

      Mmm, I love cilantro, so I'm definitely not anti this dish. It looks absolutely amazing! I love zucchini too, so I cannot wait to try this.

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 23, 2012 at 9:04 am

        Zucchini is so awesome because you can add it to just about anything. Asian, Italian, Mexican--it all works with zucchini!

        Reply
    22. BusyWorkingMama says

      May 27, 2012 at 10:34 am

      You had me at cilantro pesto. YUM!!! I've always just used basil to make pesto.

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        May 28, 2012 at 6:29 pm

        Cilantro and parsley both make really good pesto too!

        Reply
    23. Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says

      July 10, 2012 at 9:54 pm

      I was looking for my original comment to add to and can't find it. So either I didn't comment when you first posted this (how is that possible?) or it's disappeared. Either way, I made this tonight and it was amazing! The first thing my husband said when he got home is, "Are you making me eat vegetarian again?" I told him I was and he was going to love it and he did. This was so good and we didn't have any leftover! We like spicy food and even with deseeding and deveining the jalapeno, ours was still spicy. I'm hoping next time our pepper doesn't have quite as much spice and we can give some to Cakes to try too!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        July 11, 2012 at 8:24 pm

        It disappeared. 🙁 Did I tell you about that? When I switched to my new host, I had this period for almost a week where my blog was going between the old host and the new host. Like, sometimes it was hosted by the old one, sometimes by the new one. So a lot of comments left during that back-and-forth time disappeared when my blog finally settled at InMotion.

        But anyway! I'm so glad you liked it! This is one of Chris's favorite recipes too. You know what's strange, normally I never de-vein & de-seed my jalapenos because they're so mild, but every one I've bought over the past few months has been SO spicy. There was one I used a few weeks ago and my fingers burned for days after cutting it. So something is making jalapenos stronger lately, I swear!

        Reply
        • Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says

          July 11, 2012 at 9:39 pm

          I think the peppers are spicier because of the extreme heat/lack of rain this year - they're angry. Apparently that's the difference between hot and mild Hatch peppers - the amount of water they receive.

          Reply
    24. Erica says

      June 03, 2013 at 11:24 pm

      Thank you for sharing this recipe with us. I just had this and it's absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        June 04, 2013 at 2:11 pm

        I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    25. Mel says

      July 02, 2013 at 12:46 pm

      Can you freeze these once they are cooked? 6 is too many for my family but I LOVE the idea of making a batch, then freezing the remaining.

      Reply
      • Kiersten says

        July 05, 2013 at 4:27 pm

        I've never tried freezing quesadillas. While it definitely could work, zucchini and mushrooms aren't the best when it comes to freezing and thawing--they tend to release a lot of water and while in some recipes, it doesn't matter too much, with these quesadillas, they could get really soggy. You could always make the recipe in half or have them two days in a row, making all the filling on the first day. 🙂

        Reply
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    Nicole is a life long vegetarian and the author of the popular vegan cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. She loves sharing her recipes and showing the world just how easy and delicious meatless meals can be!
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