Easy Turkey Roll Ups are a great party appetizer and perfect for a healthy, quick lunch. Our rainbow version turkey pinwheel recipe is brimming with fresh colorful vegetables, lean turkey and low fat cream cheese for a guilt-free turkey wrap.
If youve never made turkey pinwheels or easy turkey roll-ups (they are the same thing with different names) youll love this recipe! Its an easy lunch, very easy to change up and a fantastic way to combine lean protein and vegetables in a delicious satisfying way.
We love the rainbow vegetable look, nutrition and lower calories. They are a perfect meal for a lunch box too!
The combination of ingredients in these roll ups is a win and a great way to whip up a well balanced healthy snack any time of year. Lean slices of turkey adds protein which keeps you full longer.
An assortment of vegetables to eat the rainbow (more nutrients) that add crunch and are filling. Just enough light cream cheese for a bit of fat and flavor. All rolled up into a soft tortillas.
Simple ingredients, healthy comfort food that makes a quick snack or lunch for busy weekdays. Perfect for a lower calorie diet and meal prep too. [feast_advanced_jump_to]
How to Make Delicious Turkey Roll Ups 2 Ways
Turkey roll ups are a fun and easy appetizer or snack that can be made ahead of time for parties or packed in lunches. They are basically a turkey sandwich wrapped up into a tasty pinwheel! There are so many ways to customize turkey roll ups to suit your taste – from different breads spreads cheeses, veggies and meats. In this article, I’ll explain in detail how to make turkey roll ups 2 delicious ways, including ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Cranberry Turkey Roll Ups
This version uses cranberry sauce in the cream cheese filling for a tasty Thanksgiving-inspired flavor.
Ingredients Needed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
- 1/2 head romaine lettuce, torn into pieces
- 16 slices deli turkey
- 16 slices Havarti or Swiss cheese, halved
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
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In a bowl mix together cream cheese and cranberry sauce until well combined.
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Lay a tortilla flat and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it.
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Layer a few pieces of lettuce down the center of the tortilla
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Top with 2 slices turkey, 4 pieces cheese and some tomato slices.
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Tightly roll up the tortilla around the filling.
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Repeat assembly with remaining tortillas.
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Wrap rolled tortillas individually in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1+ hours until firm.
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To serve, trim ends from rolls and slice into pieces.
Turkey and Cheese Roll Ups
This version uses a mix of shredded cheese and veggies in the filling for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 tortillas
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Grated carrots
- Plain yogurt
- Spinach
- Sliced deli turkey
Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar, grated carrots and yogurt.
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Spread filling evenly over each tortilla, leaving a border.
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Top with spinach leaves and turkey slices.
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Tightly roll up tortillas.
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Wrap rolled tortillas in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1+ hour until firm.
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To serve, trim ends from rolls and slice into pieces.
Tips for Making Turkey Roll Ups
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Allowing the rolled tortillas to chill in the fridge helps the filling set up which makes them easier to slice.
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If making ahead, assemble turkey rolls but don’t slice them until ready to serve. They will keep 1-2 days refrigerated.
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Try using square lavash bread which has no ends to trim off.
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Add fresh herbs like dill or chives to the filling.
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Use a mix of shredded white and orange cheddar for color.
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Substitute ham or chicken for the turkey.
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Try pesto or hummus instead of cream cheese spreads.
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Top with sprouts or diced bell peppers before rolling.
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If the tortilla cracks when rolling, spread filling closer to edges.
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For parties, arrange sliced turkey rolls on a platter.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey roll ups make great appetizers for parties because they can be made ahead and are easy to pick up and eat. For kids’ parties, use small tortillas and slice each roll into 4 pieces. Adults will enjoy them sliced into 8-10 pieces.
For lunches, they are perfectly portable and pair well with sliced fruit, veggies and dip, cheese cubes or yogurt. The turkey and cheese provide protein to help you stay full.
Keep turkey roll ups wrapped individually until ready to serve to prevent them drying out. Serve cold or at room temperature. The crunchy veggies and creamy filling make these tasty turkey pinwheels a fun twist on an ordinary sandwich!
Smoked Turkey Roll Ups
Here is another delicious way to make turkey roll ups using smoked turkey and pesto mayonnaise.
Ingredients:
- 8 (10 inch) flour tortillas
- 1⁄2 cup pesto mayonnaise
- 8 ounces sliced smoked turkey
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1⁄2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
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Spread about 1 tablespoon of the pesto mayonnaise on each tortilla.
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Layer the turkey, avocado slices, spinach, red onion and feta cheese on the bottom third of each tortilla.
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Tightly roll up each tortilla and slice into 1-inch pieces.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
These smoked turkey roll ups are full of flavor from the pesto mayonnaise, turkey, veggies and cheese. They make a nice light lunch or appetizer that can be customized in lots of ways.
Variations
The great thing about turkey roll ups is you can substitute different ingredients to change up the flavors. Here are some ideas:
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Whole wheat or spinach tortillas instead of regular ones
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Different sliced meats like ham, roast beef or chicken
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Hummus, ranch, barbecue sauce instead of cream cheese spreads
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Mix up the cheeses – cheddar, American, Swiss, pepperjack
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Add veggies like bell peppers, sprouts, cucumbers, spinach
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Use fresh herbs like basil, cilantro or dill
storage tips
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Assemble turkey roll ups up to 24 hours before serving.
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Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil until ready to serve.
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Once sliced, turkey rolls are best eaten within a few hours.
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Leftovers will keep 1-2 days refrigerated.
FAQs
How do you roll a turkey pinwheel wrap?
Start with your tortilla laid flat. Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1 inch border. Place turkey and cheese slices on one half of tortilla. Starting at the filled edge, roll up tightly into a log shape.
What is the best cheese for turkey roll ups?
Good melty cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, pepperjack or havarti work well. Shredded or sliced, cheese adds great flavor.
How do you stop turkey roll ups from unrolling?
Use a generous amount of cream cheese or sauce to glue the wrap shut. Chilling assembled wraps firms up the filling to prevent unrolling.
Can you freeze turkey roll ups?
Yes, assembled but uncut turkey rolls can be wrapped tightly and frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge before slicing and serving.
Are turkey roll ups healthy?
Turkey roll ups can be a healthy option depending on the ingredients used. Turkey is lean protein and veggies add nutrients. Use whole grain tortillas and limit high-fat cheeses or sauces.
Conclusion
Turkey roll ups are an easy make-ahead appetizer for any occasion. Kids and adults both love the fun pinwheel shape. Feel free to get creative with different fillings to suit your tastes. Just be sure to spread filling generously and chill assembled wraps before slicing and serving. Make a platter of turkey rolls for your next game day party or potluck!
How to make Rainbow Turkey Roll Ups
Printable recipe card at the end of the post.
STEP 1. Spread the cream cheese
Divide the cream cheese spread evenly between the four tortillas. Using a dining knife (not sharp) or pliable spatula gently spread the cream cheese spread to cover one side of each tortilla (photo 1). Spread it all the way to the edges.
STEP 2. Add the filling
Place two turkey slices on one end of each tortilla (overlapping) (photo 2). Next place 2 tablespoons of each vegetables in stripes onto the tortillas leaving 1-inch space at the border (so the filling doesnt squeeze out when rolled) (photo 3).
STEP 3. Roll and cut
Gently but firmly roll up the tortilla (photo 4). The end should seal the tortilla with the exposed cream cheese spread.
Cut each tortilla evenly into pinwheels ¾-inches to 2-inches thick depending on preference (photo 5-6). The ¾-inch size is great if serving as appetizers and the thicker size if using as a sandwich.
- Make a homemade herbed cream cheese spread. For even more flavor combine the following with the low fat cream cheese:
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves chopped
- 2 Scallions (green onions): green portion only sliced or chopped
- ⅛-1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- Kosher Salt to taste
- Freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Place in a food processor with the cream cheese and process until smooth. Use the cream cheese mixture instead of plain cream cheese in the recipe.
- Swap in other lean meat. Smoked turkey slices, herbed turkey slices, deli chicken or ham all work.
- Add spices to the cream cheese. Sprinkle on Italian seasoning, Mexican seasoning, Herbes de Provence or any other favorite seasoning to add more flavor.
- Add fresh herbs. Fresh basil, thyme leaves, cilantro, Italian parsley or other fresh herbs can be added to the vegetables. Dont add too much or the herbs may overpower the vegetables. Remove any woody stems before adding.
- Substitute other greens. Baby arugula (less spicy than full grown arugula), baby kale (softer than regular kale) or mixed greens could be used instead of spinach.
- Serving at a party? Use a decorate toothpick inserted through the turkey roll ups to ensure they stay together and are easier for guests to pick up off a serving tray.
- Serve it with a dip or salad dressing. When slicing them thinly you can also serve them with our Skinny Green Goddess Dressing or Low Calorie Blue Cheese dressing for dipping.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Best served up to 4 hours after making (if making for a party).
Unfortunately corn tortillas break when rolled so are not recommended for turkey roll-ups.
What makes this skinny?
- Using lower calorie tortillas. Typically flour tortillas that are marketed as low carb tortillas are lower in calories too. Low carb wraps that are also low calorie could also be used.
- Lower fat cream cheese spread. This both has lower calories and is whipped making it easier to spread more thinly onto the tortillas.
- No cheese. Often youll see turkey cheese roll-ups but weve dumped the cheese. It keeps the calories lower and the roll ups stay fresher longer too.
- Loads of vegetables! They add color, flavor, nutritional benefits, are low in calories but filling too.
⅓ Less Fat Cream Cheese Spread. Use the ⅓ fat reduced cream cheese spread in a tub for easier spreading onto the tortillas.
8-inch lower calorie flour tortillas. Use large tortillas (8-inch or 9-inch diameter). We used Mission Carb Balance Spinach Herb tortilla (more details below) which are low in calories, high in dietary fiber, have great flavor and we love that they are green.
Deli turkey. Youll need 8 slices which add some lean protein to the roll ups.
Red bell pepper and yellow bell peppers. These will be sliced into thin strips. Youll need ½-cup of each color.
Carrots. The carrots will be sliced into matchsticks and youll need ½-cup.
Baby spinach. This gives some great nutrition and more color to the pinwheels.
Purple cabbage. Finely shredded red cabbage (or purple cabbage) adds some nice crunch to the roll ups. Youll need ½-cup.
