Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 (about 32 pinwheels)
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Spread
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the Pinwheels
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, thinly sliced and patted dry
- ½ cup cucumber, diced small and patted dry
- ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil)
- ⅓ cup sliced Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Optional Add-Ins
- Sliced grilled chicken
- Turkey breast
- Chickpeas
- Artichoke hearts
- Baby arugula
- Hummus
- Pine nuts
- Toasted walnuts
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Serrated knife
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until smooth, creamy, and well blended.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach leaves.
Pat the roasted red peppers, cucumbers, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Finely chop the parsley and basil.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay one tortilla flat on a clean work surface.
Spread about one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire tortilla, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
Layer spinach leaves evenly over the spread.
Sprinkle with feta cheese, roasted red peppers, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, red onion, parsley, and basil.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Roll the Tortillas
Starting from one edge, roll each tortilla tightly into a firm log.
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape when sliced.
Step 5: Slice
Remove the plastic wrap.
Trim about ½ inch from each end of the roll for neat edges.
Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
Step 6: Serve
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with extra parsley, basil, crumbled feta, or lemon wedges if desired.
Serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Mediterranean Pinwheels pair perfectly with:
- Hummus
- Tzatziki sauce
- Baba ganoush
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek salad
- Marinated olives
- Roasted vegetables
- Tomato soup
- Sparkling lemonade
- Iced herbal tea
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep pinwheels chilled until ready to serve.
- Do not freeze, as the fresh vegetables and cream cheese may lose their texture after thawing.
Tips for Success
- Pat all vegetables dry to prevent soggy tortillas.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, easy-to-spread filling.
- Roll the tortillas tightly to create firm, well-shaped pinwheels.
- Chilling before slicing makes cleaner, more even cuts.
- Wipe the knife clean between slices for the best presentation.
- Add grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
- Whole wheat or spinach tortillas work well for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Calcium: 15% Daily Value
- Iron: 8% Daily Value
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Slice them just before serving for the freshest appearance.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Goat cheese, whipped ricotta, or herbed cream cheese are delicious alternatives to feta.
Are these pinwheels vegetarian?
Yes. This recipe is completely vegetarian. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based yogurt, and vegan feta.
Can I use different tortillas?
Yes. Whole wheat, spinach, sun-dried tomato, or gluten-free tortillas all work well. Just choose large, pliable tortillas for easy rolling.
What proteins can I add?
Grilled chicken, turkey, smoked salmon, chickpeas, or sliced roasted vegetables are all excellent additions for a more filling meal.
Recipe Summary
These Mediterranean Pinwheels are fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients including creamy herb cheese spread, spinach, feta, roasted red peppers, cucumbers, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, all rolled into soft tortillas and sliced into bite-sized spirals. Ready with just 25 minutes of prep, they’re the perfect make-ahead appetizer, lunch, snack, or party food that’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to customize.
