Pesto Turkey Pinwheels 🦃🌿🧀 Fresh, Creamy, and Packed With Herby Turkey-Forward Flavor in Every Swirl
This recipe is a wrap-and-slice winner: soft tortillas layered with pesto cream cheese, tender turkey, and provolone or mozzarella. Each pinwheel delivers creamy richness, lean protein, and the unmistakable brightness of basil pesto.
Ingredients (Makes ~20–24 pinwheels)
For the spread
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
For the filling
- 3 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 6–9 slices deli turkey breast (roasted or smoked)
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella
- Optional: baby spinach or arugula leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Make the pesto spread
- Mix cream cheese and pesto in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
Step 2: Assemble the layers
- Spread a third of the pesto cream cheese mixture evenly on each tortilla.
- Layer with turkey slices, then cheese. Add greens if using.
Step 3: Roll and chill
- Roll up each tortilla tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for clean slicing.
Step 4: Slice and serve
- Unwrap and cut into ¾-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter or pack into containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Flavor Variations
- Use sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist
- Swap turkey for sliced chicken or prosciutto
- Add roasted red peppers or thin tomato slices
- Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a nutrition boost
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat
Pro Tips
- Soften cream cheese for easy spreading
- Chill before slicing for best texture and presentation
- Pat greens dry to avoid sogginess
- Use a serrated knife to slice without squashing
Final Thoughts
Pesto Turkey Pinwheels are clean, herby, and ultra-satisfying — perfect for quick lunches, fresh appetizers, or anytime you want something light but full of flavor. They’re easy to prep, easy to transport, and even easier to devour.
Spread it. Stack it. Swirl it with pesto love. 🦃🌿🧀
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