These tuna salad pinwheels are a delicious party appetizer or a convenient option for lunch, snacks or picnics. Quick and easy to make, they’re also perfect for preparing in advance. Creamy tuna salad, dill pickles and crisp lettuce are wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and sliced into bite-sized pieces.

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Tortilla pinwheel sandwiches, or tortilla roll-ups, are incredibly versatile and easy-to-make bite-sized appetizers. The possibilities for variations are endless, as you can mix and match a wide range of flavors and ingredients to suit any taste. This recipe comes together in no time; simply combine the right ingredients, roll up, refrigerate, cut, and serve.

Their simplicity, deliciousness, and attractive presentation make them a perfect addition to any buffet or tapas table. For a colorful spread, pair them with other pinwheel recipes, like ham and cheese pinwheels or pesto and roasted pepper roll-ups, to create a vibrant array of flavors.

Tuna pinwheels ingredients

• Flour tortilla: Large flour tortillas are ideal for this recipe. Tortillas that are 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in diameter are easier to fill and roll than smaller ones. Choose thick, high-quality tortillas to prevent them from becoming soggy if made ahead.
• Canned tuna: I prefer canned tuna in water, but canned tuna in (olive) oil or tuna packets works just as well.
• Pickles: Dill pickles provide a tangy, slightly sour flavor and a satisfying crunch. You can use either canned dill pickles or dill pickle relish for convenience.
• Onion: Thinly sliced onion adds a flavor boost and complements the tuna salad. You can use any type of onion you prefer.
• Mayonnaise: For mixing with the tuna to create a spreadable salad.
• Lettuce: Any lettuce or leafy greens will work. I have used Romaine salad for added crunch.
• Seasoning: I add salt and pepper to taste along with dried oregano and thyme for extra aroma.

How to make tuna roll-ups

As no baking or cooking is required for making this tuna pinwheel sandwich, this recipe comes together really fast. Follow these steps to make the best tuna salad roll-ups.

• Make the tuna salad: Either make this classic tuna salad recipe or choose to make a more simplified version. Drain the liquid from the canned tuna and add in a mixing bowl while breaking up the tuna chunks with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, oregano and thyme and mix until well combined.
• Cut the ingredients: Thinly slice the dill pickles lengthwise and cut the onions in thin moons. Roughly chop the lettuce leaves.
• Spread the mayonnaise: Spread a very thin layer of mayonnaise over the whole tortilla. Don’t use too much as the mayonnaise is used as a binder to keep the other ingredients in place and to stick to the tortilla when rolled up.
• Layer the ingredients: Over one half of the tortilla, spread the tuna salad and place the dill pickles, onions and lettuce leaves on top.

• Roll the pinwheels: Start rolling the wrap at the side where the ingredients are layered. Roll up tightly and firm.
• Wrap and refrigerate: Wrap the rolled tortilla firmly with plastic wrap, close the edges and place in the fridge.
• Cut and serve: Remove the wraps from the fridge just before serving. Unwrap the plastic and use a sharp knife to trim off the ends where there is no filling (you can snack on these if you’d like). Then, slice the rest into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pieces.

Ingredient variation and substitutions

• Mayonnaise: Substitute mayonnaise with a mix of cream cheese and Greek yoghurt for a healthier version. Or use half mayonnaise and half cream cheese or Greek yoghurt.
• Hummus: Instead of mayonnaise, spread the tortilla with a thin layer of hummus. Use store-bought hummus or make your own. Check this classic hummus recipe or roasted red pepper hummus.
• Tortilla: You can swap flour tortillas for whole grain, gluten-free (chickpea flour) or vegetable tortillas like those made with spinach or carrots. For a different twist, try using flattened sandwich bread to make a classic pinwheel sandwich.
• Lettuce: Any other type of leafy greens can be used instead of lettuce, like arugula or baby spinach.
• Make it spicy: Make a spicy tuna salad by adding tabasco, cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

How to store

Wrap the tuna salad pinwheels in plastic before refrigerating and they will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For the best taste, though, they’re most flavorful when eaten the same day they are prepared. Make them in the morning and enjoy them in the evening.

Also try these other bite-size appetizers

• Mussel vinaigrette bites
• Classic deviled eggs
• Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers
• Prosciutto wrapped pepper poppers
• Cream cheese stuffed piquanté peppers
• Tuna stuffed mini peppers