Easy Turkey Pinwheels | Healthy Lunch Idea

Switch up the usual sandwich for these easy turkey pinwheels!

If you’ve had pinwheels before, you know how popular they can be with kids and adults, and I’ve spruced up the classic recipe with fresh ingredients and creamy hummus for a healthy lunch option that fits perfectly in a lunchbox.

turkey pinwheels in a lunch container with veggies, and fruit

Healthy Turkey Pinwheels Recipe

Healthy turkey pinwheels are made with fresh veggies, sliced turkey, and creamy hummus rolled into a soft flour tortilla.

To make this recipe more nutritious than the original version, I swapped out the cream cheese for hummus, which is lower in fat and more flavorful. The addition of carrots and spinach brings volume and fiber to every bite.

Even with the extra greenery, these turkey pinwheels still disappear quickly from the lunchbox. And if this recipe is a hit with your family, give the Avocado Bacon Pinwheels a try!

What are Pinwheels

Classic pinwheels consist of a cream cheese base, deli meat, and more cheese rolled up tightly in a tortilla, then sliced into rounds.

Pinwheels have a small, round shape, making them easy to pick up and eat with your fingers, which makes them a great option for party appetizers and, in this case, packed lunches.

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Turkey Pinwheel Ingredients

The ingredients for these healthy turkey pinwheels are simple; you’ll need the following items:

large tortillas: whole grain, white, spinach, whatever you keep on hand.
hummus: acts as a “glue” and holds the pinwheels together.
spinach: for extra fiber and vitamins.
deli turkey: provides these pinwheels with satiating protein. Swap it out for deli ham or chicken.
shredded carrots: for extra crunch and veg.

How to Make Turkey Pinwheels

Pinwheels are just as easy to make as the usual wrap and burrito. The only extra step is slicing them into the rounds or “wheels” let me show you how it’s done.

Make a base
Spread the hummus over the tortilla.
Add the fillings
Top the tortilla with spinach, sliced turkey, and shredded carrots.
Roll and slice
Beginning on one end, tightly roll the tortilla. Slice in half, and then in 1-inch pieces.

You can also watch this quick video to see the entire process from start to finish:

Can You Make Turkey Hummus Pinwheels Ahead?

Pinwheels are a great lunch to make the night before, and I find they taste even better the next day. Over time, the tortilla absorbs the hummus flavors while the ingredients ‘meld’ together.

If you want to make this recipe ahead, don’t slice the wrap until you are ready to pack it into a lunch container. The sliced pinwheels will dry out overnight. Instead, cover the wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the next morning.

How to Pack Pinwheels for Lunch

To keep pinwheels fresh and intact, pack them into a small compartment of a lunch container. Otherwise, it’s easy for them to get smashed or jostled when packed in plastic bags or large containers.

Easy Lunchboxes or bento boxes come with compartments and are what I typically use to pack this recipe and all sorts of lunches.