Ah, the allure of vibrant colors on a plate—there’s something almost magical about it, isn’t there? Picture this: a medley of fresh, crisp veggies snuggled in a soft tortilla, rolling out like a rainbow after a summer storm. And then, just when you think it can’t get any better, there’s the nutty, citrusy surprise of sesame lime quinoa waiting to dance on your taste buds.
Steps
- Combine whipped cream cheese with dry ranch powder in a bowl, mixing until the ingredients are well blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each of the four large tortillas, ensuring a thin and smooth layer.
- Arrange thinly sliced red bell peppers, carrots, yellow bell peppers, baby spinach leaves, and shredded purple cabbage in rows across each tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Optionally, add cooked shredded chicken on top of the vegetables for extra protein, distributing it evenly.
- Roll each tortilla tightly into a log, using additional cream cheese if necessary to seal the ends.
- Slice each rolled tortilla into pinwheels, cutting crosswise to create bite-sized pieces, and then serve them fresh or store for later use.
Ingredients
- 4 large tortillas
- 2/3 cup whipped cream cheese (light version optional)
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup carrot, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1216kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 272mg | Sodium: 2900mg | Potassium: 1428mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 19300IU | Vitamin C: 223.6mg | Calcium: 348mg | Iron: 6.8mg
FAQ
- How do you prepare Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels?
- To make Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels, start by spreading a mixture of whipped cream cheese and ranch powder over a large tortilla. Then, arrange thin strips of red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, baby spinach, and shredded purple cabbage on top. Roll the tortilla tightly, slice it into pinwheels, and serve. You can also add shredded chicken for extra protein if desired.
- Can the pinwheels be prepared in advance?
- Yes, you can make the pinwheels the day before you plan to serve them. This makes them a convenient option for preparing ahead of time for busy schedules.
- What are some alternative veggies to use in the pinwheels?
- While the recipe calls for red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, spinach, and purple cabbage, you can substitute with other colorful veggies like broccoli, green beans, orange bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, or cucumber.
- Are the pinwheels suitable for kids to make?
- Absolutely, children can help make these pinwheels under supervision. It’s a fun activity where they can spread the cream cheese mixture using a spoon or spatula instead of a knife.
- Is the chicken necessary in the recipe?
- The shredded chicken is optional. The pinwheels are delicious and satisfying without it, offering a great vegetarian option as well.
Tips
- Keep Veggie Layers Thin: Make sure to layer your vegetables thinly. This helps the pinwheels hold together better, preventing them from falling apart when sliced.
- Cut Vegetables into Strips: For better structural integrity, slice your veggies into long strips. Small pieces are more likely to fall out of the pinwheels.
- Seal the Ends with Cream Cheese: If the ends of the rolled tortillas don’t stay shut, use a bit of extra cream cheese to seal them securely.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: Prepare the pinwheels a day in advance to save time. They keep well and are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – For thinly slicing vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage.
- Spreader or Offset Spatula – To evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on the tortillas.
- Chef’s Knife or Serrated Knife – For cutting the rolled tortillas into pinwheels.
- Cutting Board – For slicing vegetables and assembling the pinwheels.
- Mixing Bowl – To mix the cream cheese and ranch powder.
