Quick Prep Turkey Spinach Wrap Pinwheels

Let’s talk about one of my go-to lunch options that never fails to please a crowd. These turkey spinach wrap pinwheels have saved me countless times when I need something quick and tasty for school lunches or neighborhood potlucks. I started making these when my kids were younger and got tired of regular sandwiches, and now they’ve become a family favorite.

The best part? You can make these the night before, and they’ll stay fresh and ready in the fridge. I usually prep them while I’m cleaning up after dinner – just roll them up, wrap them tight, and slice them in the morning. No cooking required, and they’re perfect for grab-and-go situations.

Whether you’re packing lunches, hosting friends for a casual get-together, or just want something different for your weekly meal prep, these pinwheels might be exactly what you’re looking for. They’re simple, satisfying, and always disappear fast at our house.

turkey spinach wrap pinwheels

Why You’ll Love These Turkey Pinwheels

  • Quick and easy – These pinwheels come together in just 15 minutes – perfect for last-minute party prep or a quick lunch solution.
  • Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare these pinwheels in advance and keep them in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep or party planning.
  • Kid-friendly lunch option – The fun spiral shape and familiar ingredients make these a hit with kids – they’re like a sandwich with a twist!
  • No cooking required – With just four ingredients and zero cooking time, these pinwheels are as simple as spreading, rolling, and slicing.
  • Customizable – The basic recipe works great as is, but you can easily swap in different spreads, meats, or veggies to match your taste preferences.

What Kind of Turkey Should I Use?

For these pinwheels, deli turkey is your best bet, but not all deli turkey is created equal. Regular sliced turkey breast works great, but you could also use smoked turkey or honey-roasted turkey to add an extra layer of flavor. When you’re at the deli counter, ask for your turkey to be sliced thin to medium thickness – this makes it easier to roll up without tearing the tortillas. If you’re watching your sodium intake, look for low-sodium options, which are widely available at most deli counters. Just make sure to avoid shaved turkey, as it can be too thin and might get lost in the wrap.

turkey spinach wrap pinwheels

Options for Substitutions

This easy wrap recipe is super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your fridge:

  • Garden vegetable cream cheese spread: Plain cream cheese works great too – just add some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. You can also use hummus, Greek yogurt-based spreads, or even mashed avocado for a different twist.
  • Flour tortillas: Feel free to swap in whole wheat tortillas, spinach wraps, or low-carb tortillas. Just make sure to warm them slightly so they’re pliable and won’t crack when rolling. Lavash bread works well too!
  • Baby spinach: You can replace spinach with other leafy greens like arugula, spring mix, or even shredded lettuce. If using larger leaves, just tear them into smaller pieces first.
  • Sliced turkey: Any deli meat works here – try ham, chicken, or roast beef. For a vegetarian version, you could use thin slices of cucumber or grilled vegetables. Just pat them dry first to prevent soggy wraps.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making turkey pinwheels is spreading the cream cheese while it’s still cold, which can tear your tortillas – let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting.

Another common error is overfilling the wraps; a thin, even layer of ingredients works best, and be sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent spillage when rolling.

To keep your spinach leaves from making the tortillas soggy, pat them completely dry with paper towels before layering, and when rolling, make sure to keep it tight but not so tight that the filling squeezes out the sides.

For the cleanest cuts, wrap your rolled tortillas tightly in plastic wrap and chill them for at least an hour before slicing – using a sharp, serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion will give you the neatest pinwheels.

turkey spinach wrap pinwheels

What to Serve With Turkey Pinwheels?

These turkey and spinach pinwheels are perfect for parties and lunch boxes, and there are lots of tasty sides that go great with them! A crispy bowl of potato chips or some crunchy baby carrots and cucumber slices make excellent casual companions for these roll-ups. If you’re serving these at a party, try putting out a fresh fruit platter with grapes, strawberries, and melon chunks – the sweetness pairs really nicely with the savory pinwheels. For a more filling meal, a cup of tomato soup or a simple green salad makes these pinwheels feel more like a complete lunch.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These turkey spinach pinwheels are perfect for making ahead! Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them great for meal prep or party planning.

Make Ahead: You can prep these pinwheels up to 24 hours before serving. Just wrap the assembled roll tightly in plastic wrap before slicing, and keep it whole in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, slice them up fresh – this helps prevent the tortillas from drying out.

Transport: Taking these to a party or picnic? Pack them in a single layer in a container with a tight-fitting lid. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. They’re best served cool or at room temperature.

Preparation Time 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time 0-0 minutes
Total Time 10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 1200-1400
  • Protein: 80-90 g
  • Fat: 50-60 g
  • Carbohydrates: 100-120 g

Ingredients

  • 1 container (8 ounces) garden vegetable cream cheese spread
  • 8 warmed flour tortillas (8 inches each)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 pound sliced turkey from the deli

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas and Add Cream Cheese

Start by laying your tortillas flat on a clean surface.

Take cream cheese and generously spread it over each tortilla, ensuring an even layer that covers the entire surface.

This will act as a flavorful base and help to hold the other ingredients in place.

Step 2: Layer with Spinach and Turkey

After spreading the cream cheese, layer fresh spinach leaves evenly over each tortilla.

Follow this by placing slices of turkey on top of the spinach.

Try to distribute the turkey slices uniformly to cover the entire area, which will ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Roll the Tortillas and Chill

Once all the fillings are in place, carefully roll up the tortillas tightly starting from one end.

Ensure they are rolled snugly to keep the ingredients from spilling out.

If you’re not serving the rolls immediately, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate to keep them fresh.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

When ready to serve, take the rolled tortillas and cut each one crosswise into six pieces.

Arrange the pieces on a serving platter.

These pinwheels are easy to grab and make for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Enjoy your delicious, creamy spinach and turkey roll-ups!

Leave a Comment