Save to Pinterest A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables, arranged in a whimsical tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings.
This is a fun recipe I love to make during the holidays since it brings everyone together in the kitchen and looks so festive on the table.
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Ingredients
- 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10 inch): For the pinwheels
- 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese, softened: Blended with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Mixed into cream cheese blend
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Added to cream cheese mixture
- 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced: Main protein for pinwheels
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced: Adds crunch and color
- 1 small cucumber, julienned: Fresh texture
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Sweetness and color
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: Flavor enhancer
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning
- 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunk): Assembly
- Fresh parsley sprigs (for tree branches): Garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (for tree ornaments): Decoration
- Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape (for tree topper): Finishing touch
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Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Lay a tortilla flat. Evenly spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a 1 cm (1/2 inch) border.
- Step 3:
- Layer smoked turkey slices, then scatter with diced red bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and chives.
- Step 4:
- Tightly roll up the tortilla from one end to the other. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for easier slicing.
- Step 5:
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 6:
- Unwrap and slice each roll into 6 pinwheels.
- Step 7:
- Arrange pinwheels on a large platter in the shape of a Christmas tree (wide base, narrowing to a point).
- Step 8:
- Insert pretzel sticks at the bottom for the tree trunk. Decorate with parsley sprigs between pinwheels, cherry tomato halves as ornaments, and a yellow bell pepper star at the top.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save to Pinterest I love how my family gathers to assemble and decorate the tree pinwheels each holiday season.
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Notes
Substitute smoked turkey with smoked chicken or roast beef for variation Use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber Add thin slices of cheese for extra richness For a vegetarian version omit turkey and add roasted vegetables.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl Spatula or butter knife Chefs knife Cutting board Plastic wrap Large platter
Nutritional Information
Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 8 g (per serving approx 3 pinwheels)
Save to Pinterest 
Enjoy making this festive appetizer that doubles as holiday decor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of tortillas work best for pinwheels?
Spinach or flour tortillas both hold fillings well; whole-wheat adds fiber and a nutty flavor.
- → Can I substitute the smoked turkey with other proteins?
Yes, smoked chicken or roast beef make great alternatives for different flavor profiles.
- → How should the pinwheels be stored before serving?
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow firm slicing and maintain freshness.
- → What is the purpose of the pretzel sticks in the assembly?
Pretzel sticks act as the tree trunk, adding an edible structural element to the display.
- → Are there vegetarian options available?
Omit smoked turkey and substitute with roasted vegetables or additional cream cheese for a vegetarian alternative.
