Italian Pinwheels

These Italian Pinwheels are a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy pesto, salty salami, and fresh veggies for a burst of flavor in every bite. The vibrant colors from the roasted red peppers and spinach make these pinwheels not only delicious but also visually appealing.

They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a quick snack. The best part is that they can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying your event. These savory pinwheels will surely be a hit on any appetizer platter and are guaranteed to impress your guests with both taste and presentation.

Full Recipe:

8 large flour tortillas

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup pesto sauce
8 slices of provolone cheese

16 slices of Italian salami
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and pesto sauce until smooth.
Lay out the tortillas and spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla.

Place one slice of provolone cheese and two slices of salami on each tortilla.
Add slices of roasted red peppers, black olives, basil, and spinach evenly on each tortilla.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Roll each tortilla tightly, then wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
Once chilled, slice each tortilla roll into 1-inch pinwheels and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)

Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

What Are Italian Pinwheels?

Italian Pinwheels are a popular party appetizer or snack, consisting of tortillas rolled up with layers of flavorful ingredients like pesto, salami, provolone cheese, and fresh vegetables. The tortillas are spread with a creamy pesto mixture, which acts as both a flavorful filling and a binder for the other ingredients. Once assembled, the tortillas are rolled up, chilled, and sliced into bite-sized pinwheels, making them ideal for finger food at gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare and requires no cooking, making it perfect for those busy days when you need something fast yet delicious.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Italian Pinwheels can be made ahead of time, making them a fantastic choice for parties or potlucks. Simply assemble, chill, and slice right before serving.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of creamy pesto, salty salami, and fresh veggies appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. The different textures, from the soft tortilla to the crunchy veggies, make each bite satisfying and delicious.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients to suit your taste. You can swap out the salami for prosciutto, the provolone for mozzarella, or add extra veggies like arugula or artichoke hearts for a personal twist on this classic recipe.

Tips for the Best Pinwheels

Chill Before Slicing: After assembling the pinwheels, it’s important to refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cream cheese mixture firm up, making the pinwheels easier to slice and ensuring that they hold their shape.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and roasted red peppers add a burst of flavor and color to the pinwheels. Avoid using jarred or canned ingredients that may have too much moisture, as they can make the tortillas soggy.
Sharp Knife for Clean Slices: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the pinwheels to ensure clean, even cuts. Wiping the knife between slices can help maintain the appearance of each piece.

Serve Chilled: Italian Pinwheels are best served cold, so be sure to keep them in the fridge until right before serving.

Perfect for Various Occasions

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, planning a picnic, or looking for a snack to serve during game day, Italian Pinwheels are a versatile and flavorful option. They are visually appealing, easy to transport, and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. Plus, they make for a great addition to a lunchbox or an easy grab-and-go snack.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, avoid slicing them until you’re ready to serve. This prevents them from drying out or becoming soggy. If they do lose a bit of texture, you can refresh the pinwheels by serving them on a crisp salad for a delightful lunch.

Origins and Inspiration

While pinwheel sandwiches originated as a versatile party appetizer in American cuisine, this Italian-inspired version draws on classic Mediterranean flavors. The use of pesto, salami, and provolone brings the bold, savory tastes of Italy into an easy-to-assemble dish. Italian Pinwheels take the essence of popular Italian dishes—like antipasto platters or Caprese sandwiches—and transform them into a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or even just a fun family snack.

Ingredient Breakdown

Tortillas: The base of this recipe, tortillas, offer a soft and flexible structure to roll up the ingredients. You can use flour tortillas, but feel free to substitute with whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added flavor and nutrition.
Cream Cheese and Pesto: The blend of cream cheese and pesto adds both creaminess and a rich herb flavor. Pesto is made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, and its strong flavors pair well with the creamy texture of the cheese. This mixture also helps keep the other ingredients in place when rolled up.

Provolone Cheese: Provolone, a semi-soft cheese, is known for its mild, smoky flavor. It complements the sharpness of the salami and adds another layer of richness to the pinwheels.
Italian Salami: The thin slices of Italian salami offer a burst of savory flavor. You can use other cured meats like pepperoni, mortadella, or prosciutto depending on your preferences.
Roasted Red Peppers and Black Olives: These ingredients add a hint of sweetness and briny complexity, balancing out the richness of the pesto and salami. The peppers and olives are often used in Italian antipasto platters, making them ideal for this recipe.

Fresh Spinach and Basil: Fresh greens give the pinwheels a pop of color and add a fresh, herbaceous note. Spinach offers a mild taste, while basil provides a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the pesto.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Option: If you’re catering to vegetarian guests, you can omit the salami and add more veggies like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or thinly sliced cucumbers for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: To make these pinwheels gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas available in most grocery stores. Ensure all other ingredients, like pesto, are also gluten-free.

Vegan Pinwheels: For a vegan version, replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew-based cream cheese. Use vegan pesto and swap out the provolone with a plant-based cheese. You can also add more vegetables like grilled zucchini or eggplant for extra flavor.
Spicy Variation: Add a kick to the pinwheels by spreading a layer of spicy mustard or including hot cherry peppers. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture for a subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Pinwheels are extremely versatile when it comes to serving. They can be:

Appetizers: Perfect for a party platter, these colorful pinwheels look beautiful arranged on a serving tray. Pair them with other Mediterranean-inspired appetizers like bruschetta, marinated olives, and prosciutto-wrapped melon for a complete spread.
Lunchbox Treats: These pinwheels are excellent for meal prepping. Pack them in a lunchbox with some fresh fruit or veggie sticks for a wholesome, portable meal.
Game Day Snacks: Their bite-sized nature makes them a great addition to game-day gatherings. Serve them alongside other finger foods like sliders, wings, and chips for a complete snack bar.

Nutritional Benefits

Although this dish is considered indulgent due to the cheeses and salami, it still offers some nutritional benefits:

Spinach and Basil: Both greens are packed with vitamins and minerals. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, while basil offers vitamin K and antioxidants.
Roasted Red Peppers: Roasted red peppers are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are great for immune health and skin protection.

Olives: Black olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants that can support heart health and fight inflammation.

Wine Pairing

For a truly Italian experience, serve your pinwheels with a light, refreshing wine:

White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the fresh basil and roasted red peppers, balancing the creaminess of the cheese.

Red Wine: If you prefer red wine, go for a light-bodied red like Chianti. The acidity and fruity notes of the wine will complement the savory ingredients without overpowering them.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best things about Italian Pinwheels is how meal-prep-friendly they are. You can assemble the tortillas the night before, refrigerate them, and simply slice them before serving. This makes them ideal for hosting large parties or even for quick snacks during the week.

Longer Storage: These pinwheels can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. If you plan to make them in advance, avoid slicing them until right before serving to prevent them from drying out or becoming soggy.

Conclusion

Italian Pinwheels are a fun, colorful, and delicious option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a quick snack, these pinwheels deliver on flavor and convenience. Their bold Italian flavors, customizable nature, and easy prep make them a go-to for any appetizer or snack spread.