Simple Pinwheels Recipe
on Jul 13, 2024
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This Simple Pinwheels Recipe is filled with all of my favorite bagel toppings like cream cheese, crunchy veggies, and fresh herbs. It’s quick and easy to make, and I like to serve these tasty pinwheels as an appetizer or easy, healthy lunch!
Best part? Pinwheels only take 15 minutes to prepare, they can be made in advance, and there’s no cooking required!
Table of Contents
Classic Pinwheels Recipe
While it may be simple pinwheel recipe, I think it’s a 5 star pinwheel recipe! I love cold pinwheels filled with lots of cream cheese and delicious fillings, and this recipe was inspired by another love of mine: the everything bagel!
So I’ve including my favorite bagel toppings like capers, red onion, and dill to make these classic even more flavorful!
The trick to an extra delicious pinwheel is to mix the cream cheese with tasty toppings. So instead of using regular cream cheese, I make a tasty Dill + Caper Cream Cheese. Just 4 simple ingredients but wow does it take these pinwheels to a whole new level!
Plus, this recipe is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, thanks to dairy-free cream cheese. If you love pinwheel recipes with cream cheese, try using Tofutti, Kite Hill, or Trader Joes cream cheeses to vegan-friendly so everyone can enjoy them.
So whether you’re making this simple pinwheels recipe because you’re looking for easy lunch ideas, or to serve as a fun beach snack, this tasty classic is sure to please!
Looking for more simple lunch ideas for work? Try my 15 Minute Pizza Couscous Salad, my Chickpea Taco Salad, or this high protein Vegan Quiche Recipe! And don’t forget to checkout my NEW COOKBOOK Vegan Party Planning!
Classic Pinwheels Ingredients
I think the best pinwheels recipes are made with just a few simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Cream Cheese – a creamy layer of cream cheese goes on first and helps hold everything together
- Carrots, Spinach, and Red Onion – fresh veggies add color, crunch, and lots of vitamins to these pinwheels
- Capers – provide a nice salty flavor and really brings home the “everything bagel” vibes in this recipe
- Dill – creates a fresh, herby flavor that makes these pinwheels irresistible! Opt for dried or fresh depending on what you have
- Lemon – a squeeze of lemon juice adds fresh and zesty flavor
- Flour Tortillas or Lavash Bread – either option will work. You just want a thin, flexible flatbread that can roll into pinwheels
- Everything Bagel Seasoning – so delicious! It’s typically a blend of onion, garlic, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and flakey salt. Find it here or in the spice section at your local grocery store. You can also sub all-purpose seasoning if desired.
How to Make Pinwheels
Step 1
Grate the carrots and season with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside to marinate.
Step 2
Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and add capers, dill, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3:
Assemble the tortilla pinwheels by placing a large burrito-sized tortilla on a cutting board. Then spread the Dill + Caper Cream Cheese mixture on top, and layer on the carrots, spinach, and red onion.
Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning and squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top. Then roll tightly and chill until ready to serve.
Once chilled, use a serrated knife to slice into pinwheels and enjoy!
Make it Ahead!
The best part about this pinwheels recipe is that it’s actually better chilled. Meaning you can make the ahead of time, and then just slice and serve when you’re ready to eat. This is ideal for party appetizers or easy beach snacks in the summer time.
How to Store: Simply prepare the pinwheels as directed below, but don’t slice them. Then wrap tightly, and chill for 1 hour or overnight. Then slice and serve before enjoying. Or, if you have any leftovers, transfer the pinwheels to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
Simple Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients
Dill + Caper Cream Cheese
- 8 oz softened vegan cream cheese
- 4 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tsp dried dill , or 2 tsp fresh
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Pinwheel Ingredients
- 4 burrito size tortillas
- 4 large carrots
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ medium red onion
- 2 large lemons
- 1 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning, or All-Purpose Seasoning
Instructions
Prep
- Grate the carrots and season with 3 tbsp lemon juice and a a big pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside to marinate.
- Cut the remaining lemons into wedges, and then thinly slice the onion.
Assemble
- Place the softened vegan cream cheese in a mixing bowl and add the capers, dill, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Tip: make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing.
- Then spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture on a large (burrito size) tortilla and spread into an even layer. Top with 1/4 of the carrot mixture, spinach, and sliced onions.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 of the Everything Bagel Seasoning and 1 tsp of lemon juice. Then tightly roll into a log.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and toppings.
Slice and Serve
- If making in advance (recommended) Wrap each log tightly and place in the fridge for 1 hour. Before serving, slice into 32 pinwheels using a serrated knife and enjoy!If serving immediately: use a serrated knife to cut into 32 pinwheels and enjoy!
