Zesty Mexican Veggie Pinwheels
These Zesty Mexican Veggie Pinwheels are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for any gathering! Packed with fresh vegetables, a creamy ranch-style filling, and a hint of taco seasoning, they are as nutritious as they are delicious. Ideal for parties, these bite-sized appetizers can also be adapted to suit the tastes of children, making them a versatile dish for the whole family. Serve them chilled for a refreshing treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
3 ounces (softened)
sour cream
1/3 cup
taco seasoning mix
1 tablespoon (to taste)
fresh corn kernels
1/2 cup (or frozen corn, thawed and drained)
black beans
1/2 cup (drained and rinsed)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
plum tomato
1 (seeded and finely chopped (optional))
salsa
2 tablespoons
diced green chilies
2 tablespoons (drained (optional))
shredded cheese
1/2 cup (cheddar, jack, or your choice)
tortillas
3 large (10-inch plain, jalapeno, sun-dried tomato, etc.)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning mix. Beat until smooth and well blended.
2
Add the fresh corn, black beans, chopped cilantro, plum tomato (if using), diced green chilies (if using), and salsa. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
3
Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface, reaching the edges.
4
Carefully roll up the tortilla tightly from one edge to the other, ensuring the filling stays intact. Trim off any tapered ends with a sharp knife for a neat finish.
5
Wrap each rolled tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld, but no longer than 8 hours.
6
Once chilled, remove the rolls from the fridge and use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch pieces.
7
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs before serving to enhance their visual appeal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Mexican Veggie Pinwheels?
They are a flavorful appetizer made by rolling a creamy taco-spiced vegetable filling inside tortillas and slicing them into bite-sized rounds.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 11 ingredients, including cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, corn, black beans, cilantro, tomato, salsa, green chilies, shredded cheese, and tortillas.
What size of tortillas should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 large 10-inch tortillas.
Can I use flavored tortillas for these pinwheels?
Yes, you can use plain, jalapeno, or sun-dried tomato tortillas to add extra flavor and color.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese is essential for beating it into a smooth and well-blended mixture with the sour cream.
What kind of corn should I use?
You can use either fresh corn kernels or frozen corn that has been thawed and drained.
How do I prepare the black beans?
The black beans should be thoroughly drained and rinsed before being added to the filling.
Are the green chilies mandatory?
No, the diced green chilies are optional and can be omitted based on your preference.
Should the tomatoes be seeded?
Yes, if using plum tomatoes, seeding and finely chopping them prevents the filling from becoming too soggy.
What is the best way to mix the filling?
First, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning until smooth, then stir in the vegetables and beans by hand.
How thick should I spread the filling on the tortillas?
Apply a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface, making sure to reach the edges.
How do I ensure the pinwheels stay together?
Roll the tortillas up tightly and wrap each one in plastic wrap before chilling to help them maintain their shape.
Do I need to trim the ends of the tortilla rolls?
Yes, trimming off the tapered ends with a sharp knife provides a neater and more professional finish for your pinwheels.
How long should the rolls be chilled?
The rolls should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the maximum time I can chill the rolls?
It is recommended not to chill them for longer than 8 hours to prevent the tortillas from becoming too soft.
How wide should I slice the pinwheels?
Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the rolls into 1-inch pieces.
What type of cheese works best for the filling?
You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese of your choice.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetables, beans, and dairy products.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, they are a great make-ahead appetizer as they require chilling for at least an hour before serving.
How should I serve the pinwheels?
Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs to enhance their visual appeal.
Are these pinwheels spicy?
They have a mild zest from the taco seasoning and green chilies, but you can adjust the heat level by using different salsas.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream in the filling.
How many pinwheels does the recipe make?
Based on 3 large tortillas sliced into 1-inch pieces, you will yield approximately 24 to 30 pinwheels.
What kind of salsa is recommended?
Any chunky salsa works well; choose mild, medium, or hot based on your spice preference.
Should these be served hot or cold?
These are chilled appetizers and should be served cold for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While these are veggie pinwheels, you could easily add cooked shredded chicken or crumbled chorizo for a non-vegetarian version.
Why is plastic wrap necessary?
Wrapping the rolls tightly in plastic wrap ensures they hold their circular shape and don't dry out while chilling.
What tools do I need?
You will need a small mixing bowl, an electric mixer or whisk, a spoon for mixing, and a sharp knife for slicing.
Are these suitable for children?
Yes, these are family-friendly and can be adapted with milder ingredients to suit kids' tastes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.