Chicken Salad Pinwheels: 7Reasons to Love This Snack

Let me tell you, Chicken Salad Pinwheels are one of my absolute go-to appetizers! They’re not just delicious; they’re a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for everything from casual family lunches to festive parties. Seriously, these roll-ups marry creamy chicken salad with crunchy ingredients all wrapped snugly in a soft tortilla. What’s not to love? And the best part? They appeal to both kids and adults alike! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen kids devour these pinwheels while their parents sneak a few for themselves. The combination of flavors and textures is just so satisfying! Plus, they’re effortlessly customizable, so you can adapt them to suit your crowd’s tastes. Whether you’re filling them with rotisserie chicken, fresh veggies, or even a zesty cream cheese blend, you’ll find that Chicken Salad Pinwheels make for a delightful snack that disappears quickly. Trust me, once you serve these, you’ll be asked for the recipe again and again!

Ingredients List

To create these mouthwatering Chicken Salad Pinwheels, you’ll need the following ingredients, all carefully measured for the perfect flavor and texture:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup finely diced Granny Smith apple
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• 3 large (9-inch) flour tortillas
• 12 ounces (about 16 slices) rotisserie seasoned deli chicken
• 9 slices Monterey Jack cheese
• Romaine lettuce leaves, ribs removed

Gathering these ingredients will set you on the path to creating a snack that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences!

How to Prepare Chicken Salad Pinwheels

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part – making these delightful Chicken Salad Pinwheels! I promise, the process is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. You’ll want to follow these steps closely, and don’t skip the chilling part; it helps everything set nicely and makes slicing a breeze!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese. You want it nice and pliable, so if it’s too cold, it’ll be hard to mix. Next, toss in the chopped dried cranberries, finely diced Granny Smith apple, chopped pecans, scallions, and Dijon mustard. Don’t forget that pinch of salt and pepper! Use a fork or a spatula to blend everything together until it’s all well combined. You want the mixture to be creamy and slightly chunky for that perfect texture.

Now, it’s time to spread that delicious filling onto your tortillas. Take one tortilla and lay it flat on your work surface. Using a spatula, spread about one-third of the chicken salad mixture evenly across the entire surface of the tortilla. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite!

Next, grab three slices of Monterey Jack cheese and place them in the center of the tortilla. Then, layer enough slices of the rotisserie chicken on top of the cheese to cover the tortilla completely. This is where the flavor really starts to build, so don’t skimp on the chicken!

To finish it off, add a few romaine lettuce leaves right on top of the chicken. They’ll add a nice crunch and freshness to each bite. Now, here comes the tricky part – rolling! Starting from the short end of the tortilla, carefully roll it up tightly, tucking in the filling as you go. You want it to be snug but not so tight that the filling oozes out. Once rolled, place the tortilla seam-side down on a plate.

Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas. Once all your pinwheels are rolled up, cover them with plastic wrap and pop them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling time is crucial; it helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing much easier. If you’re making these ahead of time, feel free to chill them longer!

When you’re ready to serve, take them out of the fridge and use a serrated knife to slice the rolled tortillas into 1-inch pieces. Arrange them beautifully on a serving platter, either stacked or in a spiral pattern. Wow, don’t they look amazing? Now, enjoy these tasty Chicken Salad Pinwheels at your next gathering or as a delightful snack anytime!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying Chicken Salad Pinwheels, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you make informed choices. Here’s an estimated look at the typical nutritional values per serving, which is about two pinwheel pieces:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 8g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your dietary needs and preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, there are so many reasons to adore these Chicken Salad Pinwheels! Here are just a few:

• Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Kid-friendly and perfect for parties: Kids love the bite-sized nature, and they’re a hit with adults too, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.
• Easy to customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients or mix up the flavors to keep things exciting!
• Healthy option: Using rotisserie chicken means you get a delicious protein boost without the hassle of cooking it yourself.
• Great for meal prep: Make these in advance and have them ready for quick snacks or lunches throughout the week!

Trust me, once you try these pinwheels, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Chicken Salad Pinwheels turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I swear by! First off, when you’re rolling the tortillas, make sure to start at the short end and keep it tight, but not too tight! Think of it as a cozy hug for the filling. If you roll too loosely, they’ll unravel, and nobody wants that!

Also, don’t skip the chilling time in the fridge. This step is crucial because it helps the filling firm up a bit, making it way easier to slice later. If you’re in a pinch, even 30 minutes will help, but an hour is ideal.

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! If you’re not a fan of cranberries, try dried cherries or even grapes for a sweet twist. Want a spicier kick? Add some jalapeños or diced bell peppers for crunch. You can also swap out the cheese for a sharper flavor—think cheddar or pepper jack! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes these pinwheels so much fun.

Lastly, when slicing, use a serrated knife. It’ll glide through the tortillas without squishing them! Happy rolling, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Variations on Chicken Salad Pinwheels

The beauty of Chicken Salad Pinwheels is their versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep your taste buds excited. For a fun twist, try using different proteins like shredded turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian option with chickpeas or tofu for a protein-packed punch. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some spicy buffalo sauce to the chicken for a kick!

Don’t hesitate to mix in various veggies as well! Crunchy bell peppers, diced cucumbers, or even shredded carrots can add a fresh twist. You could also swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy flavor, or use flavored cream cheese like herb or garlic for an extra layer of taste.

And for those who love international flavors, try using a flavored tortilla, like sun-dried tomato or spinach, to give your pinwheels a vibrant look and taste. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make these pinwheels your own!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Chicken Salad Pinwheels, the options are as delightful as the pinwheels themselves! I love pairing them with a fresh, crisp side salad – think mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve them alongside some crunchy veggie sticks, like carrots and celery, with a zesty dip or hummus for an extra flavor kick.

If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, a platter of assorted cheeses and crackers makes for a beautiful spread that complements the creamy chicken salad perfectly. And let’s not forget about drinks! A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade can really elevate your gathering, making it feel extra special. Whether it’s for a party or a cozy lunch, these pairings will make your Chicken Salad Pinwheels the star of the show!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Chicken Salad Pinwheels is super easy! If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because they disappear so quickly!), simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them chilled; the coolness helps maintain their creamy texture and flavor.

If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat the pinwheels, but be careful! I recommend gently microwaving them in short bursts of 15-20 seconds. This way, you can warm them up without making the tortillas tough. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so don’t worry if you prefer them that way! Either way, you’ll be in for a tasty treat!

For more delicious recipes and ideas, check out our Pinterest page!

Print