Creamy Greek Salad Pinwheels

These Creamy Greek Salad Pinwheels transform traditional Greek salad flavors into a portable, crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of creamy feta spread and crisp vegetables wrapped in spinach tortillas creates the perfect balance of textures and Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

I first made these pinwheels for a summer potluck, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now they're my go-to recipe whenever I need an impressive appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese provides the signature tangy Greek flavor foundation
• Greek yogurt creates creaminess while adding protein
• Red wine vinegar brightens the spread with acidity
• Garlic adds essential aromatic depth to the filling
• Cucumber brings refreshing crunch and is best when firm and seedless
• Kalamata olives provide briny richness look for pit-removed varieties
• Red onion adds sharp flavor and beautiful color contrast
• Fresh parsley brings herbal brightness use Italian flat-leaf for best flavor
• Roma tomatoes offer sweet acidity choose firm ones to prevent sogginess
• Spinach tortillas create a colorful exterior and add a subtle earthy flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Creamy Feta Spread

Combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and oregano in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. The mixture should have a spreadable consistency similar to cream cheese.

Prepare the Vegetable Filling

Mix diced cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and parsley in a medium bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine without crushing the vegetables. The filling should be evenly mixed but each component should maintain its integrity.

Assemble the Pinwheels

Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave just until pliable but not hot. Spread a quarter of the feta mixture evenly across each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Distribute the vegetable filling evenly over the feta spread, pressing gently to help ingredients adhere.

Roll and Chill

Roll each tortilla tightly into a log shape, applying gentle pressure as you roll to ensure the filling stays compact. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the rolls to set firmly.

Slice and Serve

Remove logs from refrigerator and unwrap carefully. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each log into approximately 1inch thick slices with a gentle sawing motion to avoid squishing the filling. Arrange on a serving platter in an overlapping pattern for an attractive presentation.

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The humble kalamata olive is what truly makes these pinwheels special to me. Their distinctive briny flavor immediately transports me back to my first trip to the Mediterranean where I fell in love with Greek cuisine. Whenever I serve these pinwheels, friends always comment on how the olives make all the difference.

Preventing Soggy Pinwheels

The secret to crisp rather than soggy pinwheels lies in properly preparing your vegetables. Always seed tomatoes thoroughly, removing all the juicy pulp before dicing. For cucumbers, I recommend scraping out the seeds with a spoon before chopping. Pat all vegetables dry with paper towels before adding to your filling mixture. These extra steps take just minutes but make a significant difference in the final texture.

Perfect Flavor Pairings

These Greek Salad Pinwheels pair beautifully with other Mediterranean dishes for a themed spread. Serve alongside hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita triangles for a complete appetizer platter. For beverages, a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc complements the tangy feta perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon mirrors the bright flavors in the pinwheels.

Creative Variations

While the classic Greek combination is delicious, this recipe adapts beautifully to seasonal ingredients. In summer, try adding diced bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness. For a protein boost, incorporate finely chopped grilled chicken. Experiment with different herb combinations like mint and dill for a fresh twist. The tortillas can also be swapped sun dried tomato or whole wheat varieties each bringing their own flavor profile to the dish.

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 with filling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Slice just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

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

Absolutely! While spinach tortillas complement the Mediterranean flavors nicely, you can substitute plain flour tortillas, whole wheat, or sun-dried tomato flavored varieties based on your preference. Just ensure they're large enough (12-inch size works best) to hold all the filling ingredients.

→ How do I prevent my pinwheels from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry the cucumber and tomatoes before adding them to the filling. Additionally, the feta-yogurt spread creates a protective barrier between the tortilla and the vegetables, helping to keep the pinwheels fresh.

→ What can I serve with Greek Salad Pinwheels?

These pinwheels pair wonderfully with other Mediterranean appetizers such as hummus, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, or a simple olive tray. For a complete appetizer spread, include a variety of textures and flavors like warm pita triangles, fresh vegetables, and perhaps some grilled shrimp skewers.

→ Can I make these pinwheels vegetarian or vegan?

The recipe is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative and use dairy-free Greek-style yogurt. The Mediterranean vegetable filling will still provide plenty of flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.

→ How should I store leftover pinwheels?

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making them just as delicious the next day!