Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Featured in: Lunchbox Lift

These pinwheels combine tender sliced turkey with a creamy blend of softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, accented with fresh chives and black pepper. Sweet dried cranberries and fresh baby spinach add vibrant flavor and texture. Wrapped tightly in flour tortillas, chilled to firm up, then sliced into bite-sized pinwheels, they make for an easy, no-cook appetizer perfect for festive occasions or casual gatherings. Optional additions like wholegrain mustard or feta cheese enhance the flavor profile, while replacements like arugula or whole wheat tortillas cater to varied tastes.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:49:00 GMT
Beautiful display of chilled Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, perfect appetizer for your next party. Save
Beautiful display of chilled Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels, perfect appetizer for your next party. | cheerfulchefs.com

A festive and easy appetizer featuring tender turkey, tangy cream cheese, and sweet cranberries wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.

This recipe has become a favorite at holiday gatherings for its vibrant flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

  • Filling: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese softened, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped (optional), 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Main: 4 large flour tortillas (25 cm (10-inch)), 200 g (7 oz) sliced cooked turkey breast, 80 g (1/2 cup) dried cranberries roughly chopped, 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach leaves washed and dried

Instructions

Step 1:
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 2:
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly spread about a quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla, right to the edges.
Step 3:
Arrange sliced turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4:
Sprinkle a quarter of the chopped cranberries over the turkey, then add a layer of spinach leaves.
Step 5:
Roll the tortilla up tightly from one edge to form a log.
Step 6:
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Step 7:
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up (optional but recommended).
Step 8:
Unwrap and slice each roll into 2 cm (3/4-inch) pinwheels. Discard (or snack on) the ends for neat presentation.
Step 9:
Arrange pinwheels on a platter and serve chilled.
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This recipe always brings the family together during holiday parties with smiles and seconds.

Notes

For extra flavor try adding a thin layer of wholegrain mustard or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, knife, cutting board, plastic wrap.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 70 per pinwheel. Total Fat: 3.5 g. Carbohydrates: 7 g. Protein: 3 g.

Close-up of freshly sliced Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels showcasing the creamy fillings and vibrant cranberries. Save
Close-up of freshly sliced Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels showcasing the creamy fillings and vibrant cranberries. | cheerfulchefs.com

These pinwheels are an easy crowd-pleaser that combine festive flavors with simple prep time.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these pinwheels flavorful?

The combination of creamy cheese, tangy mayonnaise, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh baby spinach layered with sliced turkey provides a balanced and vibrant taste.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated to maintain freshness and firmness.

Are there any substitutions for spinach in this dish?

Arugula can be used instead of spinach to add a peppery bite, offering a different but complementary flavor.

How should I store the pinwheels before serving?

Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before slicing.

What tools do I need to prepare this dish?

A mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, knife, cutting board, and plastic wrap are required for preparation and assembly.

Simplified Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Tender turkey, tangy cream cheese, cranberries, and spinach rolled in soft tortillas for a festive appetizer.

Prep Time
15 minutes
0
Overall Time
15 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Lunchbox Lift

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 5 Serves

Dietary Preferences None specified

What You’ll Need

Filling

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 2 tbsp mayonnaise
03 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
04 1/4 tsp black pepper

Main

01 4 large flour tortillas, 10-inch diameter
02 7 oz sliced cooked turkey breast
03 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
04 2 cups baby spinach leaves, washed and dried

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped chives, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 02

Spread Filling: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface and evenly spread one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface to the edges.

Step 03

Layer Turkey: Distribute sliced turkey evenly over the cream cheese layer on the tortilla.

Step 04

Add Cranberries and Spinach: Sprinkle one-quarter of the chopped cranberries evenly over the turkey, then add a layer of spinach leaves.

Step 05

Roll Tortilla: Roll the tortilla tightly from one edge to form a log shape.

Step 06

Repeat for Remaining Tortillas: Repeat the spreading, layering, and rolling steps for the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 07

Chill Rolls: Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up; this step is optional but recommended.

Step 08

Slice Pinwheels: Unwrap each roll and slice into 3/4-inch thick pinwheels, discarding or snacking on the ends for presentation.

Step 09

Serve: Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter and serve chilled.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Plastic wrap

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese, mayonnaise), and potentially egg (mayonnaise). Review ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 70
  • Fats: 3.5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams