Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are a delightful, bite-sized appetizer featuring soft tortillas rolled up with creamy cheese, delicate smoked salmon, and fresh herbs. These elegant yet easy-to-make spirals are perfect for brunch, parties, or a light snack!

I first made these when I needed a quick, make-ahead appetizer for a gathering. The creamy filling complemented the smoky salmon beautifully, and the rolled-up shape made them so easy to serve and eat. They were gone in no time!

What’s great about these pinwheels is how versatile they are. You can add capers for a briny kick, mix in chopped cucumbers for crunch, or use a flavored cream cheese for extra depth. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, these pinwheels are always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

Mocktail parties
Holiday gatherings
Brunches
Potlucks
Quick and elegant appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 9 reasons why these Smoked Salmon Pinwheels will become your go-to appetizer:

Deliciously Savory: The combination of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs is a match made in heaven.
Visually Stunning: The beautiful swirl of salmon and cream cheese makes these pinwheels look impressive on any platter.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes, these pinwheels require no cooking and minimal effort.
Light yet Satisfying: The creamy filling and soft tortilla provide a perfect balance of textures.
Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust the flavors by adding capers, lemon zest, or different herbs.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and refrigerate for a stress-free party snack.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for brunch, parties, and even lunchboxes.
Low-Carb Option: Swap the tortilla for lettuce wraps to make them keto-friendly.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients to create a gourmet appetizer.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 pinwheels
Calories per serving: Approximately 50-60 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

For the Pinwheels:

4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
8 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tbsp capers, drained (optional)
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

Fresh dill sprigs
Lemon wedges
Additional capers

Ingredient Highlights

Smoked Salmon: The star of the dish, providing a rich and smoky flavor.
Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy base that complements the salmon.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and chives enhance the freshness of the pinwheels.
Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy contrast to the richness of the salmon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Mix the Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, dill, chives, capers (if using), lemon zest, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Pinwheels:

Spread the Mixture: Lay out one tortilla on a clean surface and evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over it, leaving about ½ inch of space from the edges.
Layer the Salmon: Arrange thin slices of smoked salmon over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
Roll It Up: Carefully roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other to form a log.
Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Chill and Slice:

Refrigerate: Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Slice Into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, trim the ends and slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
Arrange and Serve: Place the pinwheels on a serving platter, garnish with fresh dill sprigs, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Smoked Salmon Pinwheels:

As an Elegant Appetizer: Perfect for mocktail parties and gatherings.
On a Brunch Board: Serve alongside bagels, fruit, and cheeses for a stunning spread.
With Crackers and Dip: Arrange with assorted crackers and a creamy dip.
On Cucumber Slices: Skip the tortilla and serve the filling on cucumber rounds for a fresh, low-carb option.
As a Lunchbox Treat: Pack a few pinwheels for a light and tasty meal.
With a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a complete dish.
As a Wrap Variation: Leave them uncut and serve as smoked salmon wraps.
On an Hors d’Oeuvres Platter: Combine with other small bites for a diverse selection.
With Pickled Onions: Add tangy pickled onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese spreads more easily and prevents tearing the tortilla or wrap.
Pat Dry the Salmon – Remove excess moisture from the smoked salmon with a paper towel to keep the pinwheels from becoming soggy.
Chill Before Slicing – Refrigerate the rolled-up wrap for at least 30 minutes to firm up the filling, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Sharp Knife is Key – Use a sharp serrated knife to ensure neat, even slices without squishing the pinwheels.
Add Fresh Herbs – Dill, chives, or parsley enhance the flavor and give the pinwheels a fresh, aromatic touch.
Layer Ingredients Evenly – Spread the filling and salmon evenly to avoid uneven rolls and ensure each bite is well-balanced.
Experiment with Wraps – Try different flavored tortillas like spinach or sun-dried tomato for added color and taste.
Secure with Toothpicks – If serving at a party, use decorative toothpicks to keep the pinwheels intact and easy to grab.
Serve with a Dipping Sauce – A side of lemon-dill yogurt sauce or honey mustard adds an extra layer of flavor.
Make Ahead Friendly – Pinwheels can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Salmon Pinwheels: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
Everything Bagel Style: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the cream cheese layer.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and smoked carrot lox instead of salmon.
Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free tortillas or wrap in lettuce leaves.
Avocado Twist: Add mashed avocado for extra creaminess.
Cucumber Roll-Ups: Use thinly sliced cucumber instead of tortillas for a refreshing bite.
Pesto Version: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto under the cream cheese.
Smoked Trout Alternative: Swap smoked salmon for smoked trout for a unique twist.
Sesame & Soy Fusion: Add a hint of soy sauce and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavor.
Dill & Mustard Addition: Mix in a bit of Dijon mustard for an extra tangy bite.

Special Equipment

Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly slicing the pinwheels.
Mixing Bowl: For blending the cream cheese filling.
Plastic Wrap: To help set the rolls before slicing.
Cutting Board: For easy preparation and slicing.
Serving Platter: To elegantly present your pinwheels.

FAQ Section

What are Smoked Salmon Pinwheels?
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are bite-sized appetizers made by spreading a creamy filling over a soft tortilla, layering smoked salmon, rolling it up, and slicing it into spirals.
Can I make Smoked Salmon Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What’s the best type of smoked salmon to use?
Cold-smoked salmon or lox works best because of its silky texture and delicate flavor. Hot-smoked salmon is firmer and flakier but can also be used.
What kind of cheese works best for the filling?
Cream cheese is the most popular choice, but you can also use goat cheese, Boursin, or a cream cheese-based spread with herbs.
Can I add other ingredients to the pinwheels?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like dill or chives, capers, thinly sliced cucumbers, or red onions can enhance the flavor.
How do I prevent my pinwheels from unrolling?
Use a generous but even layer of filling to help everything stick together. Wrapping the rolled-up tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it before slicing also helps.
Are Smoked Salmon Pinwheels gluten-free?
They can be! Just use gluten-free tortillas or wraps as a substitute.
What’s the best way to serve Smoked Salmon Pinwheels?
Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh dill, lemon zest, or a drizzle of honey mustard for extra flavor.
How long do Smoked Salmon Pinwheels last?
They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture and taste.
Can I freeze Smoked Salmon Pinwheels?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the tortilla and the cream cheese filling may become soggy once thawed.

Conclusion

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are a delicious and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with soft tortillas, creamy cheese, and savory smoked salmon, these bite-sized rolls are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. A touch of fresh dill, capers, or thinly sliced cucumber adds an extra layer of freshness and crunch.

This recipe is easy to customize—swap cream cheese for goat cheese, add a hint of horseradish for a zesty kick, or mix in chopped chives for extra flavor. Whether you’re making them for brunch, a party, or a quick snack, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit!

I can’t wait to see how your Smoked Salmon Pinwheels turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!