California Quesadillas with Honey-Balsamic Dipping Sauce

by Erin

Tonight marks the end college football until fall. The BCS National Championship Game is my version of the Superbowl, since I don’t have a pro team that I am completely faithful to (I tend to lean towards the Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys). Although both are great reasons to bust out a lot of great food, which I definitely am faithful to.

Unfortunately, my Ohio State Buckeyes were ineligible for any BCS bowl game this year. If this were not the case, the 12-0 season would’ve lined up Ohio State to battle for the title against Notre Dame instead of Alabama. Boo hiss. Hopefully they will continue to play well next season when the ban is lifted. Until then… down with the SEC tyranny!

For those of you looking for a less glutinous choice while watching football tonight, try these quesadillas. The whole wheat tortillas are packed with chicken, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado and mozzarella cheese. Then dip to your hearts content into the honey-balsamic sauce and be prepared to not want to share.

California Quesadillas

Two years ago: Red Velvet Shortbread Cookies

CALIFORNIA QUESADILLAS WITH HONEY-BALSAMIC DIPPING SAUCE

Serves 2 (as a meal)

Ingredients:

QUESADILLAS

4 whole wheat tortillas

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast

1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts (I omitted because I didn’t have any on hand)

1/4 cup julienned sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, drained

1/2 avocado, sliced

DIPPING SAUCE

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp honey

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Prepare the honey-balsamic dipping sauce by combining balsamic vinegar, oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight fitting lid, or bowl. Shake or whisk until combined. Set aside.
  2. Place two tortillas on a flat surface and spread 1/4 cup shredded cheese on each one. Split cooked chicken, artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, avocado, and remaining cheese between both tortillas, then top with remaining tortillas. Heat a large skillet over medium heat then spray with non-stick spray. Slide one quesadilla into the skillet then cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip then cook until the other side is golden brown. Slide onto a plate and repeat with remaining quesadilla. Cut into slices and serve with dipping sauce.

Source: Adapted from Iowa Girl Eats.

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11 comments

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas - Mom's Test Kitchen July 16, 2020 - 4:42 pm

[…] of great recipes to pick from & I actually had selected two of her recipes to make – her California Quesadillas with Honey-Balsamic Dipping Sauce & her Lighter Pizza Dip. I knew both of those recipes would be perfect for snacking during a […]

Reply
amy @ fearless homemaker January 8, 2013 - 9:17 am

YUM, these look fantastic! I love quesadillas in any form + yours look SO tasty. Want!

Reply
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking January 7, 2013 - 7:05 pm

Great party food idea.

Reply
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers January 7, 2013 - 6:33 pm

Ohh, your quesadillas sound wonderful! I love quesadillas. I didn’t know you were a Buffalo Bills fan. Being from Buffalo I always root for them, no matter how bad they are doing! lol

Reply
spiffycookie January 8, 2013 - 8:04 am

Yep! I grew up in Rochester, NY but was born in Dallas, TX.

Reply
sally @ sallys baking addiction January 7, 2013 - 2:38 pm

whole wheat, protein packed with chicken, cheese, avocado – ok, there is pretty much NOTHING I don’t love about these quesadillas. Oh and can I mention that mexican is my favorite? :)

Reply
Laura January 7, 2013 - 1:26 pm

I have yet to meet a quesadilla I didn’t like – love all the fresh flavor going on. Definitely lives up to it’s name!

Reply
Jackie @ Domestic Fits January 7, 2013 - 12:39 pm

We do love our artichokes and avocados in California! Perfect football food :)

Reply
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts January 7, 2013 - 9:13 am

We will be watching tonights game as well, and down with the SEC!!! Not a huge fan of Notre Dame either, but the SEC HAS to go down : )

Love these quesadillas, such a unique flavor!

Reply
spiffycookie January 7, 2013 - 10:29 am

Yes!! I am not a Norte Dame fan either but anyone is better than an SEC team winning again.

Reply
Tracey January 7, 2013 - 7:45 am

Oh man, that dipping sauce sounds so amazing!! I’m excited about tonight’s game too. I definitely love the NFL more than college, but the bowl games are always fun :)

Reply

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