Easy Tuna Pinwheels You Can Make in Minutes
Tuna Pinwheels – There’s something so comforting about a good tuna salad. It reminds me of summer picnics with my grandma, who could turn a can of tuna into magic. But instead of her old-school sandwich triangles, I gave it a modern, party-friendly twist—pinwheels that are just as easy to make but a whole lot cuter to serve.
These Tuna & Mozzarella Pinwheels are cool, creamy, and have just the right tang from mustard and lemon. They’re perfect for light lunches, road trips, or that mid-afternoon snack that needs to feel a little more exciting than just crackers and cheese.
Tuna Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 can (150g / 5 oz) tuna, drained
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup fresh lettuce leaves (romaine, iceberg, or arugula)
Instructions:
- Make the tuna magic: In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayo, mustard, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper until it’s creamy and well blended.
- Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla—right up to the edges. (yes, I messed up here too :D)
- Sprinkle mozzarella generously on top.
- Layer with fresh lettuce for that satisfying crunch.
- Roll tightly into a log, then chill for 15–20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when slicing.
- Slice into 1-inch pinwheels and serve cold.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
- Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added fiber and color.
- Add thinly sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra crunch and freshness.
- Not into tuna? This recipe also works great with canned salmon or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Storage, Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
- These pinwheels can be made the night before and stored in the fridge (airtight container, please) for up to 24 hours.
- If you’re prepping for a crowd, roll up the tortillas, wrap them whole in cling film, and slice right before serving to keep them fresh and tidy.
Packing Tips
- Perfect for lunchboxes, road trip coolers, or poolside snacking.
- Lay a paper towel in the container to catch extra moisture and keep things crisp.
- Want to add a side? Toss in a few olives or cherry tomatoes and you’ve got a mini meal.
Time-Saving Hacks
- Use pre-shredded cheese and bagged lettuce to skip chopping.
- Make a big batch of tuna salad and store it in the fridge for quick wrap assembly all week.
Allergen Info & Diet Versions
- Gluten-Free? Use certified GF tortillas.
- Dairy-Free? Skip the mozzarella or sub in a plant-based version.
- Egg-Free? Choose vegan mayo to avoid eggs altogether.
Healthy Tips & Nutrition Notes
- Tuna is packed with lean protein and omega-3s—great brain fuel.
- Lighten things up with low-fat mayo or add chopped celery for fiber.
- Boost the green factor with spinach, kale, or arugula instead of lettuce.
Mini Shopping List
Fridge:
- Mayonnaise
- Shredded mozzarella
- Lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or arugula)
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Pantry:
- Canned tuna
- Flour tortillas (or whole wheat/spinach)
- Lemon (for zest)
- Salt & pepper
These tuna pinwheels are the kind of snack that feels like you put in way more effort than you did. Quick, fresh, satisfying—and honestly, kind of addictive. Whether you’re making them for a picnic or just because your lunch needs a glow-up, they’re the real deal.
Let me know if you ever try them with a spicy twist or another protein—I’m always game for a new version of a wrap-and-roll lunch!
If you loved these tuna pinwheels, don’t miss two more reader favorites that are just as easy and delicious! Try my Ham Tortilla Pinwheels for a creamy, savory twist, or check out the 7-Layer Mason Jar Salad—the ultimate grab-and-go lunch that stays fresh for days.
Want more quick, feel-good recipes? Come hang out on Pinterest for fresh meal ideas, snack hacks, and tasty inspiration all week long!
