This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.
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.
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.
If this recipe is a breath of fresh air, you’ll love what’s inside the 101 Packed Lunches eBook. You’ll find much more than sandwiches and wraps; it includes hot lunch ideas, soups, epic salads, and incredible power bowls- all of which anyone can enjoy from school or the office.
101 Packed Lunches eBook
All my best kid-friendly lunches from over a decade of creating meal plans. Add some variety to your child’s lunchbox with these epic lunches, plus receive my Pack Meals Like a Pro ebook, free with purchase!
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.
Easy Turkey Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 large whole grain tortilla
- 1 tablespoon hummus
- 1 handful Handful spinach or mixed greens
- 2-3 slices deli turkey
- Shredded or matchstick carrots
Instructions
- Place the tortilla on a flat surface. Spread hummus, top with field greens, place turkey slices on top and sprinkle carrots over the turkey.
- Beginning on one end, roll the tortilla tightly. Slice in half, and then in one-inch pieces.
Carole S says
Our 5 year old loves seeing pictures we took during our summer break. I print a few out for the week and slip them in her lunch box along with her favorite foods.
Stacy says
I love using the silicone muffin cups and the silicone ice pop makers. Some of my three boys favorites are ‘apple sandwiches,’ wraps and frozen organic peas.
Alicia says
My 7yr old still enjoys nutella sandwiches cut with different shaped mini cutters.
Karen says
One of my kids favorite this past year was what we call the “Nacho box.” I would give them frozen pre-cooked chicken strips from Trader Joes, frozen corn, beans, shredded cheese and salsa. By lunch time all the frozen items were room temp, and with a bag of tortilla chips on the side, it was a total success! They also really enjoyed having quesadillas instead of the chips.
Thank you for what you do. Your book and blog have given me the desire to branch out from a very boring lunch routine! My kids are so grateful and excited to see what are in their lunch containers now.
Heather Benes says
Hello. I like to fill my kids lunchboxes with homemade “Lunchables”. I find the food in the pre-packaged/pre-made lunchables gross (texture and ingredients) so I make up my own. My kids love it because I can customize the crackers, cheese and meat to what my children like. I also include some sort of cookie or small piece of candy because that is the treat they can have after they’ve eaten the rest of the meal (at least I hope they eat the rest of the meal first!). I really need to invest in some new lunch containers because right now I’m using some leftover plastic boxes from deli meat to put my lunches in. I would like to invest in ones that have the dividers so that it will keep the food apart from each other and fresh. I really like what you use on your website…I have them added to my Amazon wish list. Thank you!