Smoked-Salmon Quesadillas with Warm Tomatoes and Rocket

Ingredients for Smoked-Salmon Quesadillas with Warm Tomatoes and Rocket

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced crosswise

• 170g cream cheese, softened

• 170g soft mild goat cheese at room temperature

• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives

• 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lemon zest

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 12 (8-inch) flour tortillas (not low-fat)

• 450g sliced smoked salmon (preferably Nova)

• 1 firm-ripe California avocado

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• 45ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 450g cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise (2 2/3 cups)

• 4 cups loosely packed rocket leaves (2 to 3 bunches)

• a large (2-burner) cast-iron griddle

How to make Smoked-Salmon Quesadillas with Warm Tomatoes and Rocket

Soak sliced onion in a bowl of ice and cold water 15 minutes, then drain well and pat dry.

While onion soaks, stir together cheeses, chives, zest, and pepper in a bowl with a rubber spatula until combined well.

Spread about 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese mixture evenly over each of 2 tortillas (keep remaining tortillas covered with plastic wrap). Top 1 tortilla with an even layer of salmon, covering cream cheese completely, then top with other tortilla, cheese side down. Make 5 more quesadillas in same manner, then stack on a plate and chill, covered with plastic wrap, until ready to heat.

Halve, pit, and peel avocado, then cut lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Lightly brush avocado slices with lemon juice.

Heat griddle over high heat until very hot, then reduce heat to moderate. Lightly brush 2 quesadillas on both sides with some oil, then toast on griddle (1 at a time if necessary) until undersides are golden with some blackened spots, about 1 minute. Flip quesadillas over with a spatula and toast until undersides are golden with some blackened spots, 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer to a baking sheet, arranging in 1 layer, and cover with foil to keep warm. Toast remaining quesadillas in same manner, using a second baking sheet.

Heat remaining oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook tomatoes, stirring occasionally and seasoning with salt and pepper, until just beginning to soften, about 1 minute.

Transfer quesadillas to plates, then top with onion, avocado, tomatoes, and rocket.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.