A Creamy, Elegant Bite That’s Easier Than It Looks
The first time I made Smoked Salmon Pinwheels, I wasn’t expecting them to become such a favorite. They’re light but flavorful, with soft tortillas rolled around creamy cheese, delicate smoked salmon, and a touch of fresh herbs. Perfect for brunch, picnics, or when you want something that feels special without much effort.
These little rolls look like something from a café tray but come together in minutes. Whether you’re new to pinwheel recipes or simply love creamy appetizers, this one’s a keeper.
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Why You’ll Love These Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
These elegant little bites have the perfect mix of richness and freshness. The smooth cream cheese melts into the smoky flavor of the salmon, while lemon and dill keep everything bright and balanced.
They’re simple enough for a weekday snack yet beautiful enough for guests. I often serve them beside my Buffalo Chicken Dip Pinwheels or crisp Fried Ravioli for a mix of creamy and crunchy favorites. No matter the spread, these are always the first to disappear.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few simple things to make these cream cheese pinwheels shine.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas or soft wraps
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Thin cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch
- A drizzle of honey mustard or herbed mayo
- Baby spinach leaves for color and texture
Recipe Card
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Easy Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels (serves 6–8)
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are light, creamy, and elegant. Soft tortillas are layered with herbed cream cheese and smoky salmon, then rolled and sliced into perfect bite-sized spirals. They’re ideal for brunch, parties, or a quick make-ahead appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
4 large flour tortillas or soft wraps
8 oz cream cheese, softened
6 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
Thin cucumber slices
1 tbsp honey mustard or herbed mayo
A few baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla. Arrange the smoked salmon slices in a single layer on top.
- Roll and chill: Roll the tortillas tightly and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice and serve: Cut into ¾-inch rounds and arrange on a platter. Garnish with extra dill or lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Make ahead: Prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and slice just before serving.
Variations: Add cucumber, spinach, or use flavored cream cheese for a twist.
Serve chilled for the best texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: No-cook / Rolled
- Cuisine: American / Brunch
How to Make Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Step 1 – Mix the filling
In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, and pepper until smooth and creamy. The fresh herbs should make the mixture smell bright and inviting.
Step 2 – Assemble
Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla. Layer the smoked salmon slices over the top, covering most of the surface so every bite has flavor.
Step 3 – Roll and chill
Roll the tortillas tightly into logs, then wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps them hold their shape and makes slicing easier.
Step 4 – Slice and serve
Cut the rolls into ¾-inch rounds with a sharp knife. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with extra dill or lemon zest if you’d like.
Variations and Serving Ideas
These pinwheels are easy to customize. Add thin cucumber ribbons or arugula for a peppery touch, or use flavored cream cheese like chive or lemon herb. You can also try wrapping the filling in spinach tortillas for a little color.
For entertaining, I like to mix and match them with other appetizers such as Arancini or something salty like my Crispy Prosciutto Recipe. They also pair perfectly with Prosciutto Parmesan Jalapeño Poppers when you want a balance of creamy and spicy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can roll and refrigerate these up to a day ahead, then slice just before serving so they stay fresh. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container for up to two days. I don’t recommend freezing since the texture of cream cheese changes once thawed.
For a brunch board, I love serving these chilled next to a light salad or even a slice of Prosciutto Hawaiian Pizza. The smoky salmon and sweet pineapple combo always surprises guests.
Final Thoughts
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are one of those recipes that look fancy but take almost no effort. The cream cheese adds richness, the salmon brings that subtle smoky flavor, and the herbs keep every bite fresh and bright. It’s one of those pinwheel recipes that feels like a small celebration every time you make it.
If you enjoy easy appetizers that taste restaurant-worthy, this is the one to save. Try it for your next brunch or get-together and let me know how it goes. You can also find more cozy favorites like my Pastina with Prosciutto on my blog or visit my Pinterest page where I share new recipe ideas every week.
