Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree

Featured in: Weekend Warm-Table Favorites

These smoked turkey pinwheels combine cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and fresh vegetables rolled in tortillas, then sliced into bite-sized spirals. Chilled until firm, they're arranged on a platter in a festive tree shape and accented with pretzel sticks, cherry tomatoes, and parsley for a vibrant holiday appetizer. Quick and easy preparation makes them perfect for gatherings and offers adaptability with alternatives like smoked chicken or vegetarian fillings.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:09:00 GMT
Delightful Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree, showcasing vibrant pinwheels arranged for a festive appetizer. Save
Delightful Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree, showcasing vibrant pinwheels arranged for a festive appetizer. | saffronharbor.com

A festive and flavorful appetizer featuring smoked turkey, cream cheese, and vibrant vegetables arranged in a whimsical tree shape perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch):
  • 170 g (6 oz) cream cheese: softened
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise:
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard:
  • 200 g (7 oz) smoked turkey breast: thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper: finely diced
  • 1 small cucumber: julienned
  • 1 carrot: peeled and grated
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives:
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • 12 pretzel sticks: (for tree trunk)
  • Fresh parsley sprigs: (for tree branches)
  • Cherry tomatoes: halved (for tree ornaments)
  • Yellow bell pepper: sliced into a star shape (for tree topper)

Instructions

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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.
Product image
Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
These Savory Bites: Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree offer a delicious mix of turkey, veggies, perfect for the holidays. Save
These Savory Bites: Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree offer a delicious mix of turkey, veggies, perfect for the holidays. | saffronharbor.com

Required Tools

Mixing bowl Spatula or butter knife Chefs knife Cutting board Plastic wrap Large platter

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (tortillas) Milk (cream cheese) Eggs (mayonnaise check label) May contain Soy (depending on tortilla brand) Always read ingredient labels to confirm allergen safety

Nutritional Information

Calories 150 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 14 g Protein 8 g

Imagine creamy, flavorful Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree, a visually stunning appetizer ready for serving. Save
Imagine creamy, flavorful Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree, a visually stunning appetizer ready for serving. | saffronharbor.com
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Rinse vegetables, wash cookware, and fill pots easily while cooking with flexible spray control.
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This festive appetizer brings holiday cheer and bright flavors to your table every time.

Common Recipe Questions

What is the best way to roll pinwheels without cracking?

Use fresh, pliable tortillas and spread the filling evenly while leaving a small border. Roll tightly but gently to maintain shape without cracking.

Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, chilling the rolled tortillas for at least 30 minutes helps them set and makes slicing easier, plus enhances flavor blending.

Are there suitable substitutes for smoked turkey?

Smoked chicken or roast beef work well, and for a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables offer a tasty alternative.

How can I prevent the pinwheels from drying out?

Wrap rolled tortillas tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until slicing. Serve promptly or keep chilled to retain moisture.

What garnishes enhance the tree presentation?

Pretzel sticks simulate the tree trunk, fresh parsley adds greenery, cherry tomato halves mimic ornaments, and a yellow bell pepper star tops the display.

Is it possible to make these pinwheels gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular tortillas with gluten-free versions to accommodate dietary needs without compromising flavor.

Smoked Turkey Pinwheels Tree

A festive blend of smoked turkey, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables arranged in a holiday tree shape.

Prep Time
25 minutes
0
Overall Time
25 minutes
Recipe by Avery Watson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Pinwheels

01 4 large spinach or flour tortillas (10-inch)
02 6 oz cream cheese, softened
03 2 tbsp mayonnaise
04 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
05 7 oz smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced
06 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
07 1 small cucumber, julienned
08 1 carrot, peeled and grated
09 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
10 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishing & Tree Assembly

01 12 pretzel sticks (for tree trunk)
02 Fresh parsley sprigs (for tree branches)
03 Cherry tomatoes, halved (for tree ornaments)
04 Yellow bell pepper, sliced into a star shape (for tree topper)

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Spread filling on tortilla: Lay a tortilla flat. Evenly spread one-quarter of the cream cheese mixture over the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Step 03

Add layers: Layer smoked turkey slices, then scatter diced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, grated carrot, and chopped chives on top.

Step 04

Roll and chill: Tightly roll up the tortilla from one end to the other. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for slicing.

Step 05

Repeat filling and rolling: Repeat the spreading, layering, rolling, and chilling process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 06

Slice pinwheels: Unwrap chilled rolls and slice each into 6 even pinwheels.

Step 07

Assemble tree shape: Arrange pinwheels on a large platter in a triangular Christmas tree shape, starting with a wide base narrowing to a point.

Step 08

Add trunk and decorations: Insert pretzel sticks at the base to form the trunk. Decorate with parsley sprigs as branches, cherry tomato halves as ornaments, and a yellow bell pepper star on top.

Step 09

Serve: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or butter knife
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Plastic wrap
  • Large serving platter

Allergy Details

Check all components for allergens, and connect with a healthcare pro if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (tortillas), milk (cream cheese), and eggs (mayonnaise). May contain soy depending on tortilla brand.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This info is just a guide and shouldn't replace a doctor's input.
  • Calories Count: 150
  • Fat content: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 8 g