When you want a no-fuss lunch that’s sure to energize your afternoon, these 5-ingredient tuna pinwheels are packed with protein and oh-so-yummy!
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When my days get busy, I’m always looking for cold lunch ideas that will energize my afternoons. These 5-ingredient tuna pinwheels are a super yummy option that I can make ahead of time!
Meaty tuna, crunchy cucumber, soft cream cheese, and fresh dill are rolled up in a tortilla and cut into delightful little pinwheels. I love this recipe for an easy lunch, but it also makes a really cute little appetizer!
Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:
- How to make delicious 5-ingredient tuna roll ups
- The trick to keeping your tuna cream cheese pinwheels together
- How to adjust based on how many servings you need
- What to serve with tuna tortilla roll ups
I turn to this dish all the time because I usually have all the ingredients in my kitchen already. The recipe is super simple, but the combination of flavors and creamy texture makes it so satisfying. A quick tuna pinwheel sandwich makes such a great quick and healthy lunch!
How to Make Tuna Pinwheels
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Add the cream cheese and dill weed to a small bowl. Mix together until fully combined.
STEP TWO: Wash the cucumber in cold water, then cut it in half. Chop one half into small pieces.
STEP THREE: Divide the cream cheese mixture between 4 tortillas.
STEP FOUR: Divide 2 cans of tuna between each tortilla.
STEP FIVE: Sprinkle the cucumber chunks evenly onto each tortilla.
STEP SIX: One at a time, start at the end of a tortilla and roll until you meet the other end. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
STEP SEVEN: Place in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.
STEP EIGHT: Cut each roll into 1-inch pieces, then arrange flat on a platter to serve.
Can You Make Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
You bet! This is one of my go-to options for meal-prepping lunch for the week. When stored correctly, you can keep tuna pinwheels for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It’s totally up to you whether you want to slice them ahead of time or wait until you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Pinwheels in the Fridge
Because of the cream cheese and tuna, you definitely want to store your pinwheels in the refrigerator. I recommend placing them in an airtight container, but you could also keep them in a plastic gallon bag and lay them flat if that works better.
How Do You Keep Roll Ups Together?
The cream cheese is the secret to preventing your pinwheels from unceremoniously unrolling. When applied properly, it acts as the glue to keep everything together!
That’s why you want to make sure there’s an even layer of cream cheese across the entire tortilla before doing anything else. After that, you can add the other ingredients and roll everything up.
Are Tuna Pinwheels Healthy?
First, let me say that “healthy” is a relative term. It’s all going to depend on your personal eating preferences and what kinds of foods make you feel best. Everyone has to find what works for them.
I personally consider this a very healthy dish. It’s low in carbs, and tuna is an amazing source of protein. Combined with a little cucumber and dill for fresh greens, it gives me just the energy I need for my afternoon!
What to Serve with Tuna Pinwheels
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
- Broccoli Salad
- Deviled Eggs Without Vinegar
- Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Can You Decrease the Amount of Tuna Roll Ups You Want To Make?
Absolutely! It’s very easy to cut this recipe in half. Just use 2 tortillas instead of 4, 1 can of tuna instead of 2, and halve the other ingredients. Super simple.
For me, I like making extra so I can enjoy this dish throughout the week when I want a quick lunch or afternoon pick-me-up. But if you don’t think you’ll eat everything within a few days, there’s no harm in making fewer pinwheels.
Other Easy Lunch Recipes You’ll Love:
- Chili Lime Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
- Easy Buffalo Chicken Wrap
- BBQ Chicken Salad
- Quinoa Salad
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
- 85 Healthy Lunch Ideas
- Southwest Chicken Wrap
- 35 Easy Cold Lunch Ideas
Tuna Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- 2 5- oz cans of tuna
- ½ large cucumber
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese and dill weed to a small bowl and mix together until fully combined.
- Wash the cucumber in cold water, then cut it in half and chop half of it into small pieces.
- Spread ¼ of the mixture onto each tortilla.
- Spread ½ can of tuna onto each tortilla.
- Sprinkle ¼ of the cucumber chunks onto each tortilla.
- Starting at one end of each tortilla, start rolling, and roll until you meet the other end.
- Chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Cut into 1 inch pieces, arrange flat on a platter to serve.
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