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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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
- ★★★★★
My kids begged for seconds on these! The cherry tomatoes made the pinwheels look like a rainbow, and the tuna salad was perfectly creamy.
- ★★★★★
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.
- ★★★★☆
The pinwheels were delicious, but the tuna salad was slightly bland. I added capers next time and it made all the difference!
