There is something irresistibly delightful about the Sun-dried Tomato & Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches Recipe that makes it a perfect quick snack or light meal. These pinwheels bring together creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato spread, tender slices of turkey, luscious cheese, and crisp lettuce all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The explosion of flavors and textures with every bite makes it such a crowd-pleaser, plus they are super easy to prepare. Whether you’re packing lunch for a friend or looking for a stylish appetizer, these pinwheels tick all the boxes with their vibrant colors and fresh, savory taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients that perfectly complement each other. Each component, from the creamy base to the spicy kick and fresh greens, plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in the final dish.
- Cream cheese: This provides a rich and creamy base that helps bind the flavors together smoothly.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth along with a chewy texture to the spread.
- Mayonnaise: Brings richness and moisture that keeps the pinwheels luscious and not dry.
- Tabasco sauce: Offers a subtle spicy kick that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Tortilla wraps (9 inch): Soft and pliable to hold the pinwheels perfectly while adding a mild taste.
- Sliced turkey breast: Lean and tender, it serves as the hearty protein centerpiece.
- Cheese slices (cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or Havarti): Melts slightly and adds creamy, savory layers of flavor.
- Boston or butter lettuce leaves: Adds a fresh, crisp bite that balances the richness and brings color contrast.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Sun-dried Tomato & Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sun-dried tomato spread
Start by blending the cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mayonnaise, and Tabasco sauce in a small bowl until you get a smooth, flavorful spread. Season carefully with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to brighten the mixture. This spread is the heart of your pinwheels, giving them that irresistible tang and creaminess.
Step 2: Spread the mixture on tortillas
Lay the tortillas flat on your workspace and generously spread the sun-dried tomato cream cheese evenly across each surface. This step ensures every bite has a creamy kick with bursts of tomato flavor tucked in.
Step 3: Layer turkey, cheese, and lettuce
Place 4 to 5 slices of turkey on each tortilla, leaving a little space at one edge to make rolling easier. Then, arrange your cheese slices and fresh lettuce leaves in a neat line along the center. The combination of the lean turkey and melty cheese wrapped with crisp lettuce creates a perfect bite every time.
Step 4: Roll up tightly
Carefully roll the tortilla towards the edge without the turkey, keeping it tight to hold in all your beautiful layers. This seals the ingredients inside so that the pinwheels maintain their shape and do not unravel.
Step 5: Chill and slice
Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down either wrapped in plastic wrap or in a covered dish in the fridge. Chilling firms them up for easy slicing. When ready, cut into 1-inch thick pinwheels, giving you 6 to 7 pieces from each tortilla. Use toothpicks to hold them in place if you want an extra secure hold.
How to Serve Sun-dried Tomato & Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the tomato spread beautifully. You can also add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Side Dishes
Serve these pinwheels alongside fresh-cut veggies like crunchy carrot sticks or celery for a refreshing crunch, or a crisp green salad to keep it light and balanced. They also pair wonderfully with a small bowl of fruit salad to add a sweet note to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the pinwheels on a pretty platter in a circular pattern to create a floral effect perfect for parties. Alternatively, stack them on a tiered serving tray for a visually impressive presentation that guests will love. Adding colorful toothpicks with tiny flags or olives on top can give a festive touch too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh lettuce, they are best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain that crisp texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for these pinwheels as the lettuce and tortilla texture will become compromised upon thawing. For best quality, prepare only what you can consume fresh or within a day or two.
Reheating
These pinwheels are ideally served cold or at room temperature. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, unwrap and briefly heat the whole roll (before slicing) in a low oven for a few minutes, then cool slightly before cutting into pinwheels.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for the pinwheels?
Absolutely! While turkey breast is light and mild, you can substitute with ham, roast beef, or even grilled chicken depending on your preference. Each option will bring its own unique character to the pinwheels.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, try using roasted red peppers or even a tomato tapenade for a similar tangy flavor. However, sun-dried tomatoes give a special chewy sweetness that is hard to replicate exactly.
Can these pinwheels be made vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the turkey for grilled veggies or plant-based deli slices, and use a vegan cream cheese alternative. Choose your favorite vegan cheese or omit cheese entirely for a flavor-packed veggie roll-up.
How long can I keep the sun-dried tomato spread?
The spread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making meal prep even easier on busy days.
What type of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas are best because they’re soft and easy to roll without tearing. You can find whole wheat or spinach-flavored varieties to add a nutritional or visual twist.
Final Thoughts
The Sun-dried Tomato & Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches Recipe is such a fantastic go-to for busy days, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. Its vibrant flavors, fresh textures, and inviting presentation make it a dish to fall in love with again and again. I truly encourage you to try this recipe and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
PrintSun-dried Tomato & Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches Recipe
These Sun-dried Tomato & Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches are a quick and flavorful snack or light meal, combining creamy sun-dried tomato spread, tender turkey breast, fresh lettuce, and melty cheese rolled up in soft tortillas. Perfect for lunchboxes or entertaining, they require no cooking and come together in minutes.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 pinwheel slices (6-7 per tortilla), 2 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4–5 dashes Tabasco sauce
- kosher salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 2 tortilla wraps, 9 inch
- 150–200 g sliced turkey breast
- 4–6 leaves of lettuce, Boston or butter lettuce
- 6 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or Havarti)
Instructions
- Prepare the sun-dried tomato spread: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mayonnaise, and Tabasco sauce. Mix until well blended. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to your taste.
- Spread the tortillas: Lay out the two tortilla wraps flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of each tortilla.
- Add turkey, cheese, and lettuce: On each tortilla, layer 4-5 slices of turkey breast, leaving a small gap at one edge to prevent filling from spilling when rolled. Then arrange the cheese slices and lettuce leaves along the center line of each tortilla.
- Roll the tortillas: Starting from the side opposite the gap, tightly roll each tortilla up to enclose the filling, pressing firmly as you go to create a compact roll.
- Refrigerate: Place the rolled tortillas seam side down in a dish or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to serve to help them set and maintain their shape.
- Slice and serve: Using a sharp knife, cut each rolled tortilla into 1-inch thick pinwheel slices, yielding about 6-7 pinwheels per tortilla. Secure each slice with a toothpick if desired to hold the shape while serving.
Notes
- Use any mild cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, or Havarti.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- To avoid the pinwheels falling apart, refrigerate the rolled tortillas before slicing.
- For a spicier kick, add more Tabasco sauce to the spread.
- These pinwheels are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.