Name: Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; ¾ cup red grapes, halved; ¼ cup chopped pecans; ¼ cup celery, thinly sliced; ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 large flour tortillas; 6 to 8 leafy lettuce leaves; Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Introduction

These Chicken Salad Pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or light lunch option. Combining shredded chicken with sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy lemony dressing, they’re wrapped in soft flour tortillas for a perfect bite-sized treat. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

The image shows several wrap slices placed closely on a wooden board, each with visible layers starting with a light beige tortilla on the outside, followed by bright green lettuce leaves, creamy white mix of chicken salad filling with small pieces of chopped celery and nuts, and slices of deep red and purple grapes. The wraps are garnished with small bits of green herbs scattered on top. Around the board, there are whole grapes and bits of nuts on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Add the shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and sliced celery to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 3: Lay one tortilla flat on a cutting board or clean work surface. Place a few lettuce leaves across the center of the tortilla.

Step 4: Spoon about one-third of the chicken salad mixture over the lettuce. Spread it into an even layer, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Roll the tortilla up tightly into a log shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken salad filling.

Step 6: Place the rolled tortillas in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This firms them up and makes slicing easier.

Step 7: Remove the rolls from the freezer and slice each into ½- to 1-inch pinwheels. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise mixture.

Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.

Use spinach or kale leaves instead of lettuce for a different texture and added nutrients.

To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein.

Serve pinwheels with a side of ranch or honey mustard dressing for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated before serving. Avoid freezing after assembly, as the texture of the tortillas and filling may change. When ready to eat, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I prepare the chicken salad filling in advance?

Yes, you can make the chicken salad filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Assemble the pinwheels just before serving to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

What can I use instead of flour tortillas?

You can substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a different flavor and added nutrition. Just make sure they are large enough to hold the filling comfortably.