Finding easy lunch ideas that travel well can often feel like solving a puzzle, but these vegetable tortilla roll ups are the perfect solution. They are quick to assemble, stay fresh in the fridge, and offer a delicious way to pack more nutrients into your daily routine.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These vegetable tortilla roll ups are a staple for anyone needing a convenient yet healthy meal option. Here is why you will love making them:
- Quick and easy prep: These roll ups come together in just 15 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute appetizers or busy mornings.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare these several hours or even a full day in advance without worrying about them losing their texture.
- Kid-approved: The creamy filling and shredded cheese help mask the vegetables, making this a great choice for picky eaters.
- No cooking required: There is no need to turn on the oven or stove, which is perfect for keeping the kitchen cool during warm weather.
- Fully customizable: You can easily swap the vegetables or cheeses based on whatever you have available in your refrigerator.
Ingredients
To make these fresh vegetable tortilla roll ups, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp dried dill
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 large flour tortillas (10-inch diameter)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp sliced green onions
- 1 cup finely diced vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the consistency is completely smooth and well combined.
- Prep the vegetables: Dice your chosen vegetables into very small, 1/4-inch pieces. Mincing them finely ensures that every bite has a balanced variety of flavors and textures.
- Warm the tortillas: Place the large flour tortillas in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking during the rolling process.
- Assemble the roll ups: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface of each tortilla, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle the diced vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Roll and secure: Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly toward the opposite side. The cream cheese will help seal the roll. You can secure it with toothpicks if necessary.
- Chill: Place the rolled tortillas in the freezer for 20 minutes to set, or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step makes them much easier to slice.
- Slice and serve: Once chilled, remove any toothpicks and slice the rolls into even pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter for serving.
Expert Tips
To get the best results every time you make these vegetable tortilla roll ups, follow these professional tips:
- Manage moisture: If you are using watery vegetables like cucumbers or zucchini, pat them dry with a paper towel after dicing to prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
- Softened cream cheese is key: Always let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. Cold cream cheese is difficult to spread and may tear your tortillas.
- Tight rolls: For the best presentation, roll the tortillas as firmly as possible. Chilling them before slicing is essential for keeping the pinwheels intact.
- Avoid overfilling: While it is tempting to add extra veggies, overfilling can make the tortillas difficult to roll and cause the filling to squeeze out the ends.
Vegetable Tortilla Roll Ups
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the consistency is completely smooth and well combined.4 oz cream cheese, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp dried dill, 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Prep the vegetables: Dice your chosen vegetables into very small, 1/4-inch pieces. Mincing them finely ensures that every bite has a balanced variety of flavors and textures.1 cup finely diced vegetables
- Warm the tortillas: Place the large flour tortillas in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking during the rolling process.2 large flour tortillas
- Assemble the roll ups: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface of each tortilla, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle the diced vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions evenly over the cream cheese layer.1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp sliced green onions
- Roll and secure: Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly toward the opposite side. The cream cheese will help seal the roll. You can secure it with toothpicks if necessary.
- Chill: Place the rolled tortillas in the freezer for 20 minutes to set, or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step makes them much easier to slice.
- Slice and serve: Once chilled, remove any toothpicks and slice the rolls into even pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter for serving.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas?
Yes, whole wheat or spinach tortillas work very well for this recipe. However, avoid using corn tortillas, as they are not flexible enough and will likely crack when you try to roll them.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese acts as a barrier that helps keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Just be aware that the texture and “stickiness” of the filling may vary slightly.
What should I serve with these roll ups?
These pair beautifully with tortilla chips and fresh salsa, a side of guacamole, or a simple mixed green salad with a cilantro-lime dressing.
How do I prevent the tortillas from unrolling?
Ensure you spread the cream cheese mixture all the way near the edges to act as “glue.” Additionally, wrapping the rolls tightly in plastic wrap while they chill helps them maintain their shape.