Pork Quesadillas with Fresh Salsa is a delightful fusion of tender, spiced pork and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. This recipe brings together the savory flavors of seasoned pork with the vibrant freshness of homemade salsa, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a fun dinner, these quesadillas are easy to prepare and packed with ingredients that everyone will love. Serve them with a side of guacamole or sour cream for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- For the Pork:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Quesadillas:
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked black beans (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Cooking spray or butter (for cooking)
- For the Fresh Salsa:
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced pork with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the pork evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Fresh Salsa:
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix the flavors. Set aside to allow the salsa to marinate while you prepare the quesadillas.
- Assemble the Quesadillas:
- Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of each tortilla with a layer of shredded cheese, followed by the cooked pork, black beans (if using), and fresh cilantro.
- Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
- Cook the Quesadillas:
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray or melt a small amount of butter.
- Cook the quesadillas one or two at a time, pressing down gently with a spatula, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with the fresh salsa on the side.
Enjoy your Pork Quesadillas with Fresh Salsa, a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
