Save to Pinterest A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables, arranged in a whimsical tree shape—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first served this delightful dish at a family gathering and it became an instant hit due to its festive presentation and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch): For the pinwheels base
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened: Binding and creamy texture
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Adds moisture and flavor
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced: Main protein
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds crunch and color
- 1 small cucumber, julienned: Fresh and crisp element
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Adds sweetness and texture
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Flavorful garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning
- 12 pretzel sticks: For tree trunk
- Fresh parsley sprigs: For tree branches
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: For tree ornaments
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape: For tree topper
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Lay a tortilla flat. Evenly spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a 1 cm (1/2-inch) border.
- Step 3:
- Layer smoked turkey slices, then scatter with diced red bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and chives.
- Step 4:
- Tightly roll up the tortilla from one end to the other. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for easier slicing.
- Step 5:
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 6:
- Unwrap and slice each roll into 6 pinwheels.
- Step 7:
- Arrange pinwheels on a large platter in the shape of a Christmas tree (wide base, narrowing to a point).
- Step 8:
- Insert pretzel sticks at the bottom for the tree trunk. Decorate with parsley sprigs between pinwheels, cherry tomato halves as ornaments, and a yellow bell pepper star at the top.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest Making these pinwheels has become a cherished holiday tradition that brings our family together each year.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spatula or butter knife, chefs knife, cutting board, plastic wrap, and a large platter.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese), and eggs (mayonnaise check label). May contain soy depending on tortilla brand. Always read ingredient labels to confirm allergen safety.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approx. 3 pinwheels): 150 calories, 7 g total fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 8 g protein.
Save to Pinterest These pinwheels offer a festive and delicious way to wow your guests with minimal preparation.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of tortillas work best?
Spinach or flour tortillas of about 10 inches are ideal for easy rolling and holding the filling together.
- → Can I substitute the smoked turkey?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef are great alternatives to change the flavor profile.
- → How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart?
Chilling the rolled tortillas wrapped in plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes helps firm them up for clean slicing.
- → What is the best way to make the tree shape?
Arrange the pinwheel slices in a triangle on a large platter, wider at the base and tapering to a point, then use pretzel sticks and veggies for decoration.
- → Are there vegetarian options?
Omitting the turkey and adding roasted vegetables or cheese slices can create a flavorful vegetarian alternative.