Three Olive Quesadillas

Looking for a unique twist on traditional quesadillas? Try our savory Three Olive version!

Quick Links

• 🧀 What is a Quesadilla
• 🧀 Gruyère Substitutes
• 💭 One or Two Tortillas
• 📋 Gather your Ingredients
• 🥣 How to make Three Olive Quesadillas
• Three Olive Quesadillas
• 💬 View Recipe Comments

Olives in a quesadilla? Why not? Sure it may not sound appetizing to some but these quesadillas are delicious!

The three types of olives used in this quesadilla recipe include green olives, black olives and kalamata olives.

Kalamata olives are only grown in Greece near the town of Kalamata (hence their name) so they can be a little pricey. Kalamata Olives are high in sodium, healthy fats and contain a natural antioxidant.

They are also particularly high in iron and vitamin A. Since these olives have a rather unique flavor profile, finding a substitute can be next to impossible.

🧀 What is a Quesadilla

A quesadilla is a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla filled primarily with cheese, and sometimes meats, beans, and spices, then cooked on a griddle.

Traditionally, a corn tortilla is used, but it can also be made with a flour tortilla, particularly in northern Mexico and the United States. You can read more about it here Quesadilla - Wikipedia.

Italian Parsley and Flat-Leaf Parsley are basically the same thing. Grocery stores may use either name.

🧀 Gruyère Substitutes

Gruyère Cheese can be pretty pricey depending on where you live. If you don't want to spend the money for just this quesadilla recipe you can substitute for a different kind of cheese. Just make sure it's a good melting cheese like White Cheddar or Monterey Jack.

💭 One or Two Tortillas

I like to use 2 tortillas when making quesadillas. You can make a quesadilla with just 1 tortilla by putting the filling on top and folding it in half like a half-moon.

📋 Gather your Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make this Three Olive Quesadillas recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Gruyere Cheese, Fontina Cheese, Flour Tortillas, Green Olives, Greek Kalamata Olives, Black Olives and Fresh Italian Parsley.

🥣 How to make Three Olive Quesadillas

Place 4 flour tortillas on the counter.
In a bowl, mix together the cheeses then sprinkle ⅓ cup cheese over 4 tortillas.
In a small bowl, toss the olives and parsley together. Spread about ½ cup of the olive mixture over the cheese and then sprinkle another ⅓ cup of cheese over the top of the olives.
Slide one of the cheese-covered tortillas onto a skillet over medium heat. Place one of the remaining tortillas on top.
Press down with a wide spatula to remove any air pockets. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, checking frequently, until the bottom tortilla is crisp and browned.
Turn over, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, or until lightly browned.
Repeat this process for the remaining quesadillas. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.