Mediterranean Delight Pinwheel Rolls
These Mediterranean Delight Pinwheel Rolls are a visually stunning and delicious twist on traditional party appetizers. Bursting with vibrant flavors, they combine the creamy goodness of garlic-and-herb whipped cream cheese, tangy feta, and crisp cucumber, all beautifully contrasted by the rich kalamata olives and succulent tomatoes. Fresh baby spinach adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color to every bite. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a finger food option for your next get-together, these pinwheels are not only delicious but also elegantly arranged, making them an eye-catching addition to any platter. Your family and guests will be unable to resist going back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic-and-herb whipped cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
crumbled feta cheese
4 ounces
finely chopped cucumber
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
flour tortillas (8 inch)
6 (softened in microwave)
pitted kalamata olives
1/3 cup (coarsely chopped)
small tomatoes (plum or Roma)
3 (chopped)
fresh baby spinach leaves
3 cups (washed and dried)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, beat together the garlic-and-herb whipped cream cheese and crumbled feta cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Mix in the finely chopped cucumber until well combined.
2
To prepare the tortillas, place them on a microwave-safe plate or a microwavable paper towel. Microwave uncovered on High for 10 to 15 seconds to make them pliable.
3
Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla. Then, evenly distribute the coarsely chopped kalamata olives and chopped tomatoes over the cheese layer.
4
Carefully arrange a generous 1/2 cup of fresh baby spinach leaves on top of the veggies, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow when rolling.
5
Starting at one edge, tightly roll up each tortilla to form a log. Wrap each rolled tortilla securely in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
When ready to serve, trim the ends of the rolled tortillas if desired for a neater appearance. Slice each roll into eight 1-inch pieces. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side down on a serving platter for an impressive presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Delight Pinwheel Rolls?
They are a visually stunning party appetizer featuring a blend of garlic-and-herb cream cheese, feta, cucumber, olives, tomatoes, and spinach rolled in tortillas.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of garlic-and-herb whipped cream cheese and 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
How long should the rolls be refrigerated?
The rolls should be refrigerated for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and ensure they are firm enough to slice.
Can I use different types of tortillas?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 8-inch flour tortillas, you can use whole wheat or flavored tortillas like spinach or sun-dried tomato.
What type of tomatoes are best for these pinwheels?
Small tomatoes like plum or Roma are recommended as they are meatier and less watery than other varieties.
How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking while rolling?
Microwave the tortillas on High for 10 to 15 seconds to make them soft and pliable before spreading the filling.
Are Mediterranean Delight Pinwheel Rolls vegetarian?
Yes, these pinwheels are vegetarian-friendly snacks.
Can these pinwheels be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the logs and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator for several hours or even overnight before slicing.
How many pieces does each roll produce?
Each rolled tortilla should be sliced into eight 1-inch pieces.
What provides the crunch in this recipe?
The fresh baby spinach and finely chopped cucumber provide a delightful crispness to every bite.
Can I substitute Kalamata olives?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute them with black olives or green olives.
How do I stop the filling from leaking out the sides?
Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges of the tortilla when spreading your cheese and vegetable layers.
Is the spinach cooked before adding it to the rolls?
No, the recipe uses 3 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves that are washed and dried but kept raw for texture.
What equipment is needed to mix the cheese filling?
An electric mixer on medium speed is recommended to beat the cream cheese and feta together until smooth.
How thick should the pinwheel slices be?
The rolls should be cut into 1-inch thick pieces for the best presentation and ease of eating.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While the original recipe is vegetarian, you could easily add thin slices of deli turkey or chicken.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
No, they are savory and tangy but do not contain any spicy ingredients.
What should I do with the ends of the tortilla rolls?
You can trim the ends of the rolls before slicing to ensure every pinwheel looks neat and uniform.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of garlic-and-herb?
You can use plain cream cheese, but you may want to add your own garlic and herbs to maintain the Mediterranean flavor.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be finely chopped and mixed directly into the whipped cheese mixture.
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Freezing is not recommended because the fresh vegetables, especially the cucumber and tomatoes, may become soggy when thawed.
How many tortillas are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 flour tortillas.
What makes this dish 'Mediterranean'?
The combination of feta cheese, kalamata olives, spinach, and tomatoes creates a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
Do the olives need to be pitted?
Yes, ensure you use pitted kalamata olives and chop them coarsely before adding them to the filling.
How do I ensure the rolls stay tightly wrapped?
Wrap each rolled tortilla securely in plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator to set.
What size tortillas are best?
8-inch flour tortillas are the ideal size for creating these appetizer rolls.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be washed and thoroughly dried to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.
How long do I heat the tortillas?
Microwave them uncovered on high for 10 to 15 seconds.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: cream cheese, feta, cucumber, tortillas, olives, tomatoes, and baby spinach.
Are these suitable for a picnic?
Yes, they are excellent for picnics as they are easy to transport and serve as cold finger food.