Change up the usual sandwich lunch for these easy and fun pinwheel sandwiches. With easy options for the filling to please a variety of eaters, this is a great kids lunch for home or at school. (And yummy for adults, too!)
Pinwheel Sandwiches
I love making all sorts of wraps for kids, and using the name pinwheel might be just the fun thing to make this an appealing lunch for the kids. To be clear, this can also be a great adult meal, so you can make everyone’s lunch at the same time!
I’m going to share my best hints for making these lunch wraps with filling ideas and tips for success to ensure the pinwheels hold together nicely. You can serve these at home or pack them into a lunch box, so they’re super versatile.
You can also vary the wrap type as you like and adjust for allergies as needed.
Sanity-Saving Kids’ Lunch Guide
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Ingredients
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this lunch recipe so you know what to have on hand. Note that there are a lot of options here!
- Tortilla (or flatbread): You can use whichever type of these you prefer. They are usually easiest to roll when at room temperature or warmed slightly. I’m using flour tortillas and whole wheat tortillas here.
- Turkey (or deli ham or shredded chicken or salami) and cheese (such as cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or any other your family enjoys), Nutella or sunflower seed butter, hummus: You can pick the filling option you like and can safely send to school, if needed, according to the rules.
- Lettuce, cucumbers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced red bell pepper: These can add pleasant crunch when paired with deli meat and cheese (or anything savory, really).
- Sliced strawberries or other thinly sliced fruit such as apple or banana: These can be a nice pair for sweet pinwheels.
- Mayo, mustard, ranch, or other desired condiments: You need a condiment (or nut/seed butter or hummus) to help the tortilla or flatbread hold together. The stickiness is key so the pinwheel doesn’t fall apart.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is a look at how to make a pinwheel sandwich so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information, including amounts and storage.
- Place wrap on a cutting board. If not at room temperature, warm briefly in the microwave so it’s pliable and easy to roll.
- Spread on any condiments, nut butters, or hummus.
- Top with a layer of the fruit, veggies, and/or protein.
- Starting at one side, roll up, keeping the tortilla as tight as possible. Use a serrated knife to cut into rounds or just in half, depending on your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can serve simple sides such as fruit, fruit salad, applesauce, chips (for kids over about 3 to ensure they can be chewed safely), salad, and more.
Yes, though make sure not to use any produce or ingredients that can brown when cut, such as banana or avocado.
If you wrap them tightly, you can cut them right away. Or, wrap each roll up in plastic wrap very tightly, refrigerate for about an hour, and slice with a serrated knife.
How to Store
You can pack any of these wraps into a lunch box; just be sure to pack them tightly so they help each other hold together. You can also use a food pick or skewer—if the child is old enough for that to be safe—to help them stay put or you can wrap in plastic wrap.
Or serve them right away.
Any of the ideas below can be made up to 24 hours ahead if you prefer to pack lunches the night before. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Best Tips for Success
- Use tortillas labeled “soft” for easiest eating.
- Wraps at room temperature or very slightly warmed will be easier to roll than cold ones.
- Roll each as tightly as you can to help them hold together.
- Put a little of your condiment or sticky ingredient (like peanut butter or hummus) on the edges of the wrap to help it hold together.
- Add flavor by adding crisp cooked bacon, fresh herbs, sliced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or fresh basil.
- Slice using a sharp serrated knife.
- Use as a fun appetizer or finger food for a party or dinner.
- Pair with fruit or veggies or simple lunch snack sides—as well as water or milk as you like.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Easy Pinwheel Sandwiches
Ingredients
Turkey-and-Cheese Pinwheel
- 1 whole wheat tortilla (or flatbread)
- 1 ounce deli turkey
- 1 ounce sliced cheese
- ¼ cup shredded lettuce
- 2 tablespoons mayo (or mustard)
Strawberry-Nutella Pinwheel
- 1 whole wheat tortilla (or flatbread)
- 2 tablespoons Nutella (or sunflower seed butter if needed to be nut-free)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced strawberries
Hummus-and-Veggie Pinwheel
- 1 whole wheat tortilla
- 1/4 cup hummus
- 1/4 cup matchstick slices of cucumber (or shredded lettuce or thinly sliced bell pepper)
Instructions
- Place wrap on a cutting board. If not at room temperature, warm for 5-10 seconds in the microwave so it's pliable and easy to roll.
- Spread on any condiments, nut butters, or hummus.
- Top with the fruit, veggies, and/or protein.
- Starting at one side, roll up, keeping the tortilla as tight as possible.
- Use a serrated knife to cut into rounds or just in half, depending on your preference.
Equipment
Notes
- Use tortillas labeled “soft” for easiest eating.
- Wraps at room temperature or very slightly warmed will be easier to roll than cold ones.
- Roll each as tightly as you can to help them hold together.
- Put a little of your condiment or sticky ingredient (like peanut butter or hummus) on the edges of the wrap to help it hold together.
- Slice using a serrated knife.
- Pair with fruit or veggies or simple sides—as well as water or milk as you like.
I love your ideas! The pinwheel lunch idea was a hit with my almost 3 year old grandson.
I’m so glad!