Tuna Salad Pinwheels with Cherry Tomato Stars
Creamy tuna salad rolled into soft tortillas with vibrant cherry tomatoes for a no-cook appetizer that kids love to assemble. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 15 minutes pairs (canned, drained) tuna, mayonnaise, celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 oz (canned, drained) tuna
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 4 (8-inch) soft tortillas
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine drained 5 oz tuna, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1/4 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface, spreading 1/4 of the tuna mixture evenly over it, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Step 3: Arrange 1/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes in a line across the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
- Step 4: Roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other, pressing gently to seal. Slice the roll into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tuna Salad Pinwheels with Cherry Tomato Stars take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tuna Salad Pinwheels with Cherry Tomato Stars?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (canned, drained) tuna from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tuna Salad Pinwheels with Cherry Tomato Stars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tuna Salad Pinwheels with Cherry Tomato Stars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Tuna Salad Pinwheels with Cherry Tomato Stars?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So easy to make for school lunches! The cherry tomato stars were a hit with my picky eater, and it kept them full until snack time.
- ★★★★★
My kids begged for seconds on these! The cherry tomatoes made the pinwheels look like a rainbow, and the tuna salad was perfectly creamy.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe overall, but rolling the pinwheels took longer than expected with my 6-year-old helping. Still, the cherry tomatoes made it feel special!
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
