Name: Mediterranean Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 6 large tortillas (spinach flavor, sun-dried tomato, or regular); 8 ounces cream cheese; Pinch of salt; Pinch of black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh or pre-minced garlic; 6 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped (reserve oil); 10-12 ounces frozen spinach, cooked, water squeezed out, chopped; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles; 1 cup fresh basil leaves

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Mediterranean Pinwheels are a vibrant, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or a light snack. Combining creamy cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and spinach, these bite-sized treats are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

The image shows a long white rectangular platter on a white marbled surface filled with two rows of pinwheel wraps. One row has green wraps while the other has orange wraps. Each wrap is cut into bite-sized rounds showing layers of dark green leafy spinach, white cream cheese, and red sun-dried tomatoes rolled tightly inside the colorful wraps. The wraps are neatly arranged close together with fresh green basil leaves placed at the top and bottom corners of the platter for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 large tortillas (spinach or sun-dried tomato flavored recommended, or regular if preferred)
8 ounces cream cheese
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh or pre-minced garlic
6 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped (reserve oil)
10-12 ounces frozen spinach, cooked, water squeezed out, chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles
1 cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese mixture by combining cream cheese, 2 tablespoons garlic, 3-4 chopped sun-dried tomatoes, salt, pepper, 5-6 basil leaves, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a food processor or blender. Blend for 30 seconds, scrape the sides, then blend for another 10-15 seconds until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Lay out all six tortillas on a clean surface. For added flavor, use spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas, but plain flour tortillas work well too.
Step 3: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla. Then, evenly distribute chopped spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, about 1 teaspoon parmesan cheese, and 1-2 teaspoons feta cheese crumbles on top.
Step 4: In the center of each tortilla, create a line of fresh basil leaves running from end to end. Starting from the edge closest to the basil, roll each tortilla tightly while gently pressing to hold everything together.
Step 5: Using a serrated knife, slice each rolled tortilla into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels. Repeat for all tortillas.
Step 6: Arrange the pinwheels on a platter, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your fresh Mediterranean Pinwheels!

Tips & Variations

Try using flavored tortillas like spinach or sun-dried tomato for extra color and taste.
For a low-carb option, substitute with low-carb or gluten-free tortillas.
Fresh garlic can be swapped out with pre-minced garlic for convenience without losing much flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
Use fresh spinach sautéed briefly instead of frozen for a brighter texture if preferred.

Storage

Store the pinwheels covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best served chilled but can be removed from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Reheating is not recommended as it may soften the tortillas and change the texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several colorful pinwheel wraps arranged tightly side by side on a wooden board against a white marbled texture. The wraps have two main types: one with a bright green outer layer and green leafy filling mixed with white creamy cheese and small pieces of red bits, and the other with an orange outer layer filled similarly with green leaves, white creamy cheese, and red bits. Each wrap is tightly rolled showing 4 to 5 visible inner layers with creamy, leafy, and red textures creating a spiral pattern. The light highlights the freshness and variety of the ingredients in a neat, appetizing arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, they can be assembled and refrigerated a few hours or even a day in advance. Just keep them tightly covered to prevent drying out.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or finely chopped cherry tomatoes can add a similar touch of sweetness and color, though the flavor will be milder.