Pinwheel Sandwiches – 4 Ways

Yumna Jawad

Updated Feb 12, 2026

4.99 from 52 votes

This pinwheel sandwich recipe has four variations: hummus and veggies, everything bagel cucumber, pesto turkey, and chicken salad.

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 servings per recipe
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Pinwheel Sandwiches.
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Pinwheel Sandwiches are so good!

Pinwheel sandwiches are one of those things I started making for school lunches and then realized they work just as well on an appetizer table. My kids love them, mostly because they feel more fun than a regular sandwich, even though it’s basically the same idea.

This pinwheel sandwich recipe has four different variations, so I can switch things up depending on what I have in the fridge. Some are veggie-heavy, some have deli meat, and one is more like a chicken salad wrap rolled up. They’re easy to prep ahead, slice cleanly, and disappear fast, which is all I’m looking for in something like this.

Happy Cooking!
– Yumna

Hummus & Veggies Pinwheel Sandwiches Ingredients

Ingredients for recipe: large tortilla shell, carrot, zucchini, red pepper, and hummus.
  • Tortillas: I recommend large burrito-size tortillas for this recipe. Smaller tortillas work, but they don’t roll up as well, and you’ll end up with fewer pinwheels.
  • Hummus: I like to use homemade hummus, but you can also use store-bought.
  • Fillings: Use a vegetable peeler to make carrot ribbons and zucchini ribbons, then cut a red bell pepper into matchsticks.

How to Make Hummus & Veggies Pinwheel Sandwiches

Tortilla with first ingredient.
Step 1: Place a tortilla on a large cutting board. Spread half of the hummus into an even layer on top.
Tortilla with everything layered.
Step 2: Layer half of the zucchini and half of the carrot ribbons first, followed by half of the bell peppers.
Tortilla rolled up half way.
Step 3: Take the bottom of the tortilla and fold it about ⅔ of the way up and over the vegetables. Using your fingers, pull back on the folded-over portion of the tortilla to create the start of a tight spiral.
Tortilla sliced.
Step 4: Cut the roll into bite-sized circles with a serrated knife. Repeat with the second tortilla.

Everything Bagel Cucumber & Tomato Pinwheel Sandwiches Ingredients

Ingredients for recipe: large tortilla shell, everything bagel seasoning, cream cheese, cucumber, and tomato.
  • Tortillas: Again, here, you’ll want to use a burrito-size tortilla to make sure you get a full sandwich roll.
  • Cream cheese: I use full-fat cream cheese, but you can also use reduced-fat or even vegan cream cheese.
  • Fillings: Use a vegetable peeler to make cucumber ribbons, thinly slice a tomato, and top it off with everything bagel seasoning. I like to use a small round tomato, but you could use Roma tomatoes or even beefsteak tomatoes.

How to Make Everything Bagel Cucumber & Tomato Pinwheel Sandwiches

Tortilla with first ingredient.
Step 1: Place a tortilla on a large cutting board. Spread half of the cream cheese into an even layer on top.
Tortilla with everything layered.
Step 2: Layer half of the cumber ribbons first, followed by half of the tomatoes.
Tortilla rolled up half way.
Step 3: Take the bottom of the tortilla and fold it about ⅔ of the way up and over the vegetables. Using your fingers, pull back on the folded-over portion of the tortilla to create the start of a tight spiral.
Tortilla sliced.
Step 4: Cut the roll with a serrated knife into bite-sized circles. Repeat with the second tortilla.

Pesto Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches Ingredients

Ingredients for recipe: large tortilla shell, sliced turkey, sliced cheddar cheese, pesto, and spinach.
  • Tortillas: You’ll want to use the large burrito-size tortillas so you can get a good, tight roll on your pinwheels.
  • Pesto: I like to make my own pesto, but you can also use store-bought.
  • Turkey: You can use deli meat or cook your own turkey breast for this recipe.
  • Fillings: You’ll also need cheddar cheese, but you could substitute it with Swiss, provolone, or dairy-free cheese. And you’ll need baby spinach, but you could also use arugula or kale.

How to Make Pesto Turkey Pinwheel Sandwiches

Step 1: Place a tortilla on a large cutting board. Spread half of the pesto into an even layer on top.
Step 2: Layer half of the turkey, followed by half of the cheese, and finish with half of the spinach.
Step 3: Take the bottom of the tortilla and fold it about ⅔ of the way up and over the vegetables. Using your fingers, pull back on the folded-over portion of the tortilla to create the start of a tight spiral.
Step 4: Cut the roll with a serrated knife into bite-sized circles. Repeat with the second tortilla.

Chicken Salad Pinwheel Sandwiches Ingredients

Ingredients for recipe: large tortilla shell, chopped chicken, leaf lettuce, dill, mustard, celery stalk, lemon, greek yogurt, and seasonings.
  • Tortillas: You guessed it: Burrito-sized tortillas for the win again!
  • Chicken salad: Combine shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, diced celery, salt, and pepper for the filling.
  • Lettuce: Butter lettuce is my go-to for these pinwheels, but you could also use romaine or even iceberg.

How to Make Chicken Salad Pinwheel Sandwiches

Step 1: Place a tortilla on a large cutting board. Add four leaves of butter lettuce on top.
Step 2: Add half of the prepared chicken salad on top of the lettuce, spreading it into an even layer.
Step 3: Take the bottom of the tortilla and fold it about ⅔ of the way up and over the vegetables. Using your fingers, pull back on the folded-over portion of the tortilla to create the start of a tight spiral.
Step 4: Cut the roll with a serrated knife into bite-sized circles. Repeat with the second tortilla.
Pinwheel Sandwiches.

Pinwheel Sandwiches – 4 Ways

Author: Yumna Jawad
4.99 from 52 votes
Pinwheel sandwich roll-ups are such an easy appetizer or lunch! Try four variations: Hummus & Veggies, Everything Bagel Cucumber & Tomato, Pesto Turkey, and Chicken Salad.
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Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings4 servings per recipe
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Ingredients
 
 

Hummus & Veggies

  • 2 large burrito-sized tortilla
  • ¼ cup prepared hummus
  • 1 carrot peeled into ribbons
  • 1 small zucchini peeled into ribbons
  • 1 small red pepper cut into matchsticks

Everything Bagel Cucumber & Tomato

  • 2 large burrito-sized tortilla
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
  • 2 small Persian cucumbers shaved into ribbons
  • 1 small tomato thinly sliced (you’ll want about 6 slices)

Pesto Turkey

  • 2 large burrito-sized tortilla
  • 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
  • 6 slices deli style turkey breast thinly sliced
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese thinly sliced
  • 1 cup baby spinach loosely packed

Chicken Salad

  • 2 large burrito-sized tortilla
  • 8 butter lettuce leaves
  • 1 cup shredded chicken
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon dill chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • For the first three pinwheels: Place the tortillas on a large cutting board. Add the spreadable ingredient (hummus, cream cheese, or pesto) to each tortilla, spreading into an even layer all over the surface of the tortillas. Divide the remaining ingredients evenly between the tortillas, layering them in the center of each.
  • For the chicken salad pinwheel: Place the tortillas on a large cutting board. Add four leaves of butter lettuce to each tortilla. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, Dijon, celery, salt, and pepper. Stir until all of the chicken is evenly coated with the yogurt mixture. Divide the chicken salad mixture evenly between the tortillas, spreading it into an even layer.
  • To roll the pinwheels: Take the bottom of the tortilla and fold it about ⅔ of the way up and over the vegetables. Using your fingers, pull back on the folded-over portion of the tortilla to create the start of a tight spiral.

Equipment

Notes

Note: The nutrition card reflects information for the Hummus & Veggies pinwheel recipe variation.
My Top Tip: Work on a flat surface like a cutting board, countertop, or even a clean sheetpan. It may be tempting to make the pinwheels on a plate, but the slight rise of the edges will make it harder to roll your tortillas tightly.
Storage: The spiral sandwiches taste best fresh, because the tortillas get soggy the longer they sit. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The Hummus and Everything Bagel pinwheels will last up to 4 days, while the Turkey and Chicken Salad pinwheels may only last 2–3 days.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 292mg, Potassium: 409mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 3724IU, Vitamin C: 56mg, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Did You Make This Recipe?
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Recipe Tips

  1. Chill your pinwheels before slicing. This will help them hold their shape and prevent the fillings from spilling out.
  2. Use a sharp serrated knife. And wipe it down between slices. This will help keep the pinwheels looking neat and tidy.
  3. Hold the pinwheels together with colorful toothpicks. I like to use wooden toothpicks because they’re easy to grab and don’t leave a big hole in the spiral sandwiches. You could also use plastic party picks.
Pinwheel sandwich with spinach, turkey, cheddar cheese, and spinach, stacked on a round plate with extra ingredients in background.

Serving Ideas

FAQs

How do I keep my pinwheels from getting soggy?

The best way to keep your pinwheels from getting soggy is to make them fresh. You can store most types of pinwheels in an airtight container for a few days, but they taste best when they’re just made. If you use a particularly wet dressing or sauce, serve it on the side so it doesn’t make the tortillas too wet.

Can I use small tortillas or corn tortillas?

I don’t recommend using small tortillas, because they’re more difficult to roll and may tear. Corn tortillas tend to fall apart and really aren’t great for pinwheels. However, if you’re gluten-free, I recommend using gluten-free tortillas.

Rectangle dish with 4 different style pinwheel sandwiches, 3 of each kind, in rows.

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Comments

  1. Gail says:

    Meal prepped these for lunch today and for the week and they were so tasty! Love that thereโ€™s a variety of options to fill the pinwheels with and theyโ€™re easy to pack for on the go!

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      That makes me so happy to hear! I love that too!

      Reply
  2. Brittany says:

    My kids love these, they are fun, easy and so yummy! My kids also love helping me make these. They are great for school or on the go.

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      That makes me so happy to hear! Yay!! I love when the kids get involved with cooking.

      Reply
  3. Betty says:

    Super practical for snacking at work ๐Ÿ˜…
    I’m a huge fan of Yumna’s hummus recipe, so I tried the veggies and hummus version, which is super easy to make and so tasty! I love everything bagels so I’ll definitely try those next.

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      I love that! Thank you so much. You really can’t go wrong with hummus! Hope you enjoy the other ones, too.

      Reply
  4. Amanjot says:

    Loved this pinwheel sandwiches recipes. My 10 year old niece cannot just get over them. My favourite part about these is that they are so versatile in terms of fillings. And super easy & fun to make. I used store bought hummus but next time I would really like to give a shot at making the hummus at home. โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
    Thank you

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      Thank you so much! That is such a compliment to hear. I love making homemade hummus and hope you get a chance to try it soon, too!

      Reply
      1. Amanjot says:

        Ah, yes!! Saved your hummus recipe already!! ๐Ÿคค
        Also I shared the pictures of my pinwheel sandwiches @drool._.skool
        ๐Ÿค

        Reply
  5. Agnes says:

    I made the sandwiches for lunch and it was delicious ๐Ÿ˜‹. Endless possibilities to make a yummy lunch for little people and big people too๐Ÿ˜Š I posted the pictures on my Instagram @agi1971 so colorful and easy to prepare. Thank you for sharing the recipe and making our lunches a little more exciting.

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      That is so great to hear! I love that it can be enjoyed by everyone. I’ll check it out!

      Reply
  6. Sarah says:

    I made these with everything leftover! Humus, chicken and salad.. and oh, sooo good (*in your style*). Such easy meal on the go idea. Filling and scrumptious! Wish there was an option of uploading the pics here too.

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      That sounds extra delicious! Feel free to join my Facebook group (Feel Good Foodies: A Community!) where people share their photos of their recreations with me.

      Reply
  7. Kadi Davis says:

    These are the sushi of sandwiches! Made the pesto Turkey and everything bagel ones and they were so good and packble for school lunch! Thank you for the great ideas!!

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      Thank you!! I’m so happy to have shared and hear you’re enjoying these ideas!

      Reply
  8. Anne says:

    I made the turkey pesto for lunches this week. Quick and tasty! Thanks for the idea! Needed a fresh idea for lunches, and this worked:)

    Reply
    1. Yumna Jawad says:

      Yay! You’re so welcome! Hope you continue to find ideas for lunch on my page!

      Reply

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