Mushroom, Spinach and Goat Cheese Quesadillas

This recipe turns a quesadilla into a quick, healthfully balanced meal with a bounty of vegetables that are sauteed, then piled onto whole-grain flour tortillas that have been smeared generously with soft goat cheese, which is inherently lower in calories and saturated fat than a hard cheese such as cheddar.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan

10 ounces button mushrooms, trimmed and sliced

1 small red onion, cut into thin half moon slices

1 large clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 ounces baby spinach, coarsely chopped (4 cups lightly packed)

4 ounces soft goat cheese (chevre), at room temperature

Four 8-inch whole-wheat tortillas

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the mushrooms and onion; cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their water and begin to brown, and the onion has softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add the smoked paprika, vinegar, salt and pepper, then add the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until just wilted. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover to keep warm. Wipe out the skillet.

Spread the goat cheese on one half of each tortilla, then distribute the mushroom mixture on top of the goat cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon-shaped quesadilla.

Brush the skillet lightly with oil and heat over medium-high heat. Working with 2 quesadillas at a time, cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melting.

Cut into wedges and serve.

Serves 4

Nutrition | Per serving: 290 calories, 13 g protein, 28 g carbohydrates, 16 g fat, 6 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 580 mg sodium, 6 g dietary fiber, 3 g sugar

From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger.