Creamy Greek Salad Pinwheels

This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer combines the tangy flavors of a classic Greek salad wrapped in spinach tortillas for a convenient, crowd-pleasing snack. The creamy feta mixture with fresh vegetables creates the perfect balance of flavors that will transport you to the Greek islands with every bite.

I first made these pinwheels for a summer potluck and they disappeared within minutes. Even my picky nephew who claims to hate vegetables devoured three of them before asking what was inside.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese the essential Greek ingredient that provides tangy creaminess and authentic flavor
• Greek yogurt adds protein and creates a spreadable consistency without being too rich
• Red wine vinegar brings that signature Greek salad tang that brightens all the flavors
• Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth that permeates the entire filling
• Cucumber adds refreshing crunch and makes these truly taste like a Greek salad
• Kalamata olives bring briny intensity and authentic Mediterranean flavor
• Red onion provides a sharp pungent bite that cuts through the creaminess
• Fresh parsley brightens the entire mixture with its clean herbaceous notes
• Roma tomatoes add juicy sweetness be sure to remove seeds to prevent soggy pinwheels
• Spinach tortillas not only taste great but create a beautiful green exterior that complements the filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the feta spread

Process feta cheese with Greek yogurt, vinegar, garlic and seasonings until completely smooth. This will take about 1 minute in a food processor. Make sure to scrape down the sides halfway through for even blending. The mixture should be thick but spreadable with no large chunks remaining.

Prepare the vegetable mixture

Combine all diced vegetables in a bowl and gently toss. The key here is cutting everything into very small uniform pieces so they distribute evenly and don't tear the tortillas when rolling. Pat the vegetables dry with paper towels if they seem watery to prevent soggy pinwheels.

Assemble the pinwheels

Warm each tortilla for 15 seconds in the microwave to make them pliable. Spread a thin even layer of feta mixture leaving a small border around the edges. Distribute vegetable mixture evenly on top pressing lightly so ingredients adhere to the cheese spread. Roll tightly starting from one edge applying gentle pressure as you go to create a compact log.

Chill and slice

Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap twisting the ends to secure. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but preferably 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the rolls to set. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into 1 inch pieces with a gentle sawing motion to avoid crushing.

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The fresh cucumber is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. Its refreshing crunch creates the perfect contrast to the creamy feta spread. I remember serving these at my daughters graduation party where several guests asked for the recipe before they even finished their first pinwheel.

Preventing Soggy Pinwheels

The biggest challenge with vegetable filled pinwheels is preventing excess moisture from making them soggy. Always remove seeds from tomatoes and pat cucumber dry with paper towels before dicing. For even more insurance against sogginess sprinkle a tiny bit of salt on the cucumber and let it sit for 5 minutes in a colander before patting dry. This draws out excess moisture and concentrates the flavor.

Easy Substitutions

These pinwheels are incredibly versatile and can accommodate many dietary preferences. For a dairy free version substitute dairy free cream cheese and skip the feta. For gluten free use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas and serve immediately. If you cannot find spinach tortillas regular flour or whole wheat work perfectly fine though they lack the pretty green color.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these vibrant pinwheels alongside other Mediterranean inspired dishes for a cohesive spread. They pair beautifully with hummus and pita chips tzatziki dip or a simple Greek orzo salad. For beverages try serving with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece or a light lemonade infused with fresh mint.

Traditional Greek Inspiration

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Greek village salad known as horiatiki which never includes lettuce but focuses on tomatoes cucumbers olives and feta. By transforming these ingredients into a portable appetizer you get all the authentic flavors in a convenient form. The addition of Greek yogurt to the feta is a modern twist that creates a spreadable consistency while honoring traditional ingredients.

Recipe Q&A

→ How far in advance can I make these Greek Salad Pinwheels?

You can prepare these pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. After rolling the tortillas into logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For best results, slice them shortly before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

→ Can I use a different type of tortilla instead of spinach?

Absolutely! While spinach tortillas provide a nice color contrast, you can substitute with plain flour tortillas, whole wheat, tomato, or any flavor you prefer. Just ensure they're large enough (12-inch size recommended) and pliable for easy rolling.

→ How do I prevent the pinwheels from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure to seed the tomatoes thoroughly before dicing them. You can also pat the diced cucumber with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Additionally, creating a barrier with the feta-yogurt mixture before adding the vegetable filling helps protect the tortilla.

→ What can I serve alongside these Greek Salad Pinwheels?

These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired sides. Consider serving them with tzatziki sauce for dipping, a simple hummus platter, marinated olives, stuffed grape leaves (dolmas), or a light Greek pasta salad to complete your spread.

→ Can I make these pinwheels vegetarian or vegan?

These pinwheels are already vegetarian. For a vegan version, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative and use dairy-free Greek-style yogurt. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, so the flavor profile will remain similar.

→ How do I get clean slices when cutting the pinwheels?

For clean, even slices, make sure the rolled logs are thoroughly chilled (at least 2 hours is ideal). Use a sharp serrated knife and gently saw through rather than pressing down, which can squish the filling. Wiping the knife clean between cuts also helps achieve neater slices.