These Cranberry Chicken Salad Pinwheel Sandwiches are a flavorful and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a light lunch. Made with tender chicken, crunchy almonds, tangy cranberries, and creamy feta, all wrapped in a spinach tortilla, these pinwheels are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Parties – These bite-sized pinwheels make an easy and elegant appetizer.
- Great Flavor Combination – The sweetness of cranberries, the crunch of almonds, and the creaminess of feta create a well-balanced taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare them in advance and slice before serving.
- Versatile and Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 4 green onions (chopped)
- ½ cup almonds (chopped)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 (10-inch) spinach tortillas
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, green onions, almonds, and feta cheese until well combined.
- Spread an even layer of the mixture onto each spinach tortilla.
- Tightly roll up each tortilla and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, slice into 1-inch pinwheels and arrange on a platter.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 pinwheels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Version – Omit the almonds or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Extra Creamy – Add an extra tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a smoother texture.
- Zesty Flavor – Mix in a teaspoon of lemon juice for added brightness.
- Different Wraps – Use whole wheat, flour, or sun-dried tomato tortillas for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the texture may become too soft when thawed.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! They can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge until serving.
What type of chicken should I use?
Rotisserie chicken, grilled, or poached chicken all work well for this recipe.
How do I keep my pinwheels from unrolling?
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate before slicing to help them hold their shape.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries work best for sweetness and texture, but you can use finely chopped fresh cranberries if desired.
What’s the best way to slice the pinwheels neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to keep the edges clean.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped celery, bacon bits, or a pinch of garlic powder would be great additions.
Do I have to use feta cheese?
No, you can substitute goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar for a different flavor.
What’s the best way to serve these pinwheels?
Arrange them on a platter with a side of honey mustard or ranch dip for extra flavor.
Can I use flavored tortillas?
Yes! Sun-dried tomato, jalapeño, or whole wheat tortillas would work well.
Are these pinwheels gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Chicken Salad Pinwheel Sandwiches are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a fantastic choice for parties, potlucks, or a quick and easy lunch. With their creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try them today and enjoy a delicious and festive appetizer!
Cranberry Chicken Salad Green Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- chill time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 24 pinwheels
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Holiday Snacks, Party Finger Foods
- Method: No-Cook, Rolled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Chicken Salad Pinwheel Sandwiches are a festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, and snack boards! Made with tender chicken, crunchy almonds, tangy cranberries, and creamy feta, all wrapped in a spinach tortilla, these pinwheels are both delicious and visually stunning.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 4 green onions, finely sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 (10-inch) spinach tortillas
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and feta cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in shredded chicken, dried cranberries, green onions, and chopped almonds.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the spinach tortillas, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Tightly roll up each tortilla, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up.
- Remove from the fridge, slice into 1-inch pinwheels, and arrange on a serving platter.
- Serve chilled and enjoy these flavor-packed holiday pinwheels!
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds before adding them to the filling.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best freshness.
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