Turkey Pesto Pinwheels

Turkey Pinwheels with Pesto and Cream Cheese

When you need an easy and healthy lunch you can pack in 5 minutes, these Turkey Pesto Pinwheels are the thing to make! A pinwheel is a tightly rolled wrap that, instead of being sliced in half, it’s sliced into ½ to 1-inch thick slices. 

These pinwheels include:

• Tortilla:regular, gluten-free, or any other large tortilla.
• Cream cheese: whipped cream cheese has the perfect texture for this pesto spread. If using regular cream cheese, allow it to warm up to room temperature so it’s easier to combine with the pesto.
• Pesto: homemade pesto or store-bought. These pinwheels are also a great way to use up leftover pesto from dinner.
• Deli turkey: any kind of deli turkey will add protein to this tasty lunch.
• Fruits and veggies: your kid’s favorites.

You’ll find the measurements in the recipe card below.

Here is how I packed this lunch:

1. Prep the pesto spread
   In a small bowl, combine room-temperature cream cheese or whipped cream cheese with the pesto.
2. Add the filling
   Spread the creamy pesto over the tortilla and place the sliced turkey on top. If you want to add lettuce or spinach, place it on top of the creamy pesto spread under the turkey slices.
3. Wrap it!
   Fold the sides in and roll the tortilla tightly into a wrap before cutting it in half. Slice each half into ½ to 1-inch-thick pinwheel rounds. 
4. Pack it for lunch
   Place the pinwheel slices in a lunch container and pack it with fruit and veggies.
5. Refrigerate
   Refrigerate until ready to place inside a lunch bag, along with an ice pack if necessary.

Make it greener
Make this lunch more nutritious and filling by layering some spinach or lettuce leaves on top of the creamy pesto spread but under the turkey slices. Swapping classic tortillas for these Spinach Tortillas is another terrific way to kick up the green factor!

Add more nutrition
If your kid it´s not on the green side, you can still add more nutrition! Pack these turkey pesto pinwheels along with cherry tomatoes, carrots, bell pepper strips, berries, grapes, orange slices, tangerine segments, etc.

Separate dry from wet
Whether you send these pinwheels with veggies, fruits, or healthy snacks, pack them in one separate compartment of the lunchbox so everything will stay fresh and crunchy for hours.

Use a firm container
Sturdy lunchboxes are the best choice for packing sandwiches, wraps, and pinwheels. The firm walls prevent them from turning an appealing meal into a flattened one. Check the best lunch containers for school in this post.