Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s plant-based, colorful, and incredibly easy to make? Our Vegan Pinwheels are the perfect choice! These delicious roll-ups feature creamy avocado, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, and vegan cheese, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Each bite is bursting with flavor and texture, making them an irresistible finger food for parties, picnics, or any casual gathering.
We love how versatile and quick this recipe is – no cooking required! Just a bit of chopping, spreading, rolling, and you’re ready to go. These pinwheels are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they add a bright, vibrant touch to any appetizer spread.
🥑 Why Avocado is Perfect for Pinwheels
Avocado is the creamy, rich base that holds all the ingredients together in these pinwheels. Its mild flavor pairs beautifully with the other ingredients, and it adds a dose of healthy fats, making the pinwheels satisfying without being heavy. We like to mash the avocado with a little salt and lemon juice to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Avocado also keeps the pinwheels moist, which is perfect for making them ahead of time. Just make sure to spread it evenly to cover the entire tortilla – it’ll help the pinwheels hold their shape when you roll them up.
Tangy Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a Flavor Punch
Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy, concentrated flavor that complements the creamy avocado and mild vegan cheese. Their chewy texture adds a nice contrast to the soft avocado and tortilla, making each bite interesting. You can find sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, which we recommend for extra richness, or dry-packed if you prefer a lighter option.
A little goes a long way with sun-dried tomatoes, so just a few slices per pinwheel provide plenty of flavor. They’re the secret ingredient that takes these pinwheels from tasty to totally addictive!
🌿 Sun-Dried Tomato Tip
Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces before adding them to the pinwheels. This way, you get a bit of that tangy flavor in every bite.
Fresh Spinach and Vegan Cheese for Balance and Texture
Spinach leaves add a pop of green and a fresh, mild flavor that balances the richness of the avocado and cheese. They’re a great source of vitamins and minerals, so you’re adding a boost of nutrition along with great taste!
For the vegan cheese, we like to use a soft, spreadable kind like a vegan cream cheese or a shredded cheese that melts slightly if you prefer a warmer option. It adds that familiar, comforting cheese flavor while keeping the pinwheels entirely plant-based.
🌱 Vegan Cheese Tip
Use a spreadable vegan cheese for easy assembly, or shredded vegan cheese if you want a heartier texture. Choose one with a mild, creamy flavor to let the other ingredients shine!
Perfect for Parties, Picnics, or Meal Prep
One of the best things about these vegan pinwheels is how versatile they are. They’re ideal for parties as an easy-to-eat finger food, and they travel well, making them a great option for picnics or potlucks. They also keep well in the fridge, so you can make them ahead and serve them fresh – they’ll still be as delicious and vibrant.
To serve, arrange the pinwheels on a platter, and watch them disappear in minutes! They’re a guaranteed hit, even with non-vegans, because of their bright flavors and irresistible texture.
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas use gluten-free if preferred
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves rinsed and dried
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese shredded (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
- Red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Avocado Spread: In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with the lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Spread each tortilla evenly with the mashed avocado mixture.
- Distribute the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach leaves evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle with vegan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly to ensure the fillings stay in place.
- Chill: Wrap the rolled tortillas in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. This makes slicing easier and keeps the fillings intact.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the rolled tortillas from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Notes
- Tortilla Choice: Use soft, room-temperature tortillas to prevent cracking when rolling. Warming them slightly can make them more pliable.
- Variations: Customize the fillings based on your preferences. Consider adding things like sliced olives, diced red onion, or chopped cilantro for additional flavor and color.
- Make Ahead: These pinwheels can be made a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to serve. They are best enjoyed the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Pinwheels
🤔 Can I make the pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them up to a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Slice just before serving to keep them fresh.
🌱 What type of vegan cheese works best?
Soft, spreadable vegan cheese works well for a smooth texture, but shredded vegan cheese also tastes great if you prefer a bit more texture in each bite.
🥑 How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to the mashed avocado to help keep it fresh and green. This also adds a nice touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
🍅 Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, but keep in mind that fresh tomatoes have more moisture, which can make the pinwheels a bit soggy. Pat them dry after slicing if you use fresh.
🔥 Can I warm these up?
Absolutely! Pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up slightly if you like a melted, gooey cheese texture. Just be careful not to overheat, as the avocado is best served fresh.
🌯 What other fillings can I add?
Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cucumber for extra crunch, or even a few fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for added flavor.
🍽 How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling?
Spread the avocado and cheese evenly across the tortilla to help everything stick. Wrap tightly, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best results.
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