Name: Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; ¾ cup red grapes, halved; ¼ cup chopped pecans; ¼ cup celery, thinly sliced; ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 large flour tortillas; 6 to 8 leafy lettuce leaves; Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 51 reviews

If you’re looking for a refreshing and irresistibly tasty appetizer, the Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe is your new go-to favorite. These pinwheels combine tender shredded chicken with juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery all wrapped up in soft tortillas. The bright lemony mayo dressing ties everything together, creating bite-sized delights that are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a quick, make-ahead snack. The balance of creamy, sweet, nutty, and fresh flavors makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. There is one white plate in the center filled with bright green leafy lettuce. To the left of the plate, there is a clear glass bowl filled with shredded light-colored cooked chicken. Below that is a small white bowl with a creamy white sauce, and next to it is another small white bowl with chopped green celery. At the top left, there is a small white bowl filled with chopped brown nuts. To the right of the lettuce plate, there is a white bowl with halved red grapes. Above this bowl, a folded white tortilla rests, covering part of the white marbled surface. A whole yellow lemon is placed below the bowl of grapes, and on the far right, there are two wooden salt and pepper shakers. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to deliver texture, flavor, and color in every bite. From the sweetness of grapes to the crunch of pecans and celery, every component plays a vital role.

2 cups cooked chicken shredded: Use tender cooked chicken for the perfect protein base that soaks up the dressing.
¾ cup red grapes halved: Adds a juicy burst of sweetness that brightens up the salad.
¼ cup chopped pecans: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty undertones.
¼ cup celery thinly sliced: Offers fresh crispness and a lovely texture contrast.
⅓ cup mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy binder for the salad, keeping every bite luscious.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brings a refreshing tang that balances the richness.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
3 large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling the filling into neat pinwheels.
6 to 8 leafy lettuce leaves: Adds a crisp bed inside the wrap for freshness and structure.
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of color and herbaceous aroma to finish off beautifully.

How to Make Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing and Mix the Filling

Begin by whisking together the mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice in a large bowl. This dressing blend is what lends the salad its creamy yet bright personality. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your liking. Next, gently fold in the shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and thinly sliced celery until everything is evenly coated and ready to roll.

Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels

Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean cutting board. Place a few leafy lettuce leaves down the center to add a fresh crunch and help keep the tortilla from getting soggy. Spoon roughly one-third of the chicken salad mixture on top of the lettuce, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets a good amount of filling. Then, roll the tortilla up tightly into a log, making sure it’s snug for neat slices.

Step 3: Chill and Slice

To make slicing easier and keep your pinwheels looking perfect, pop the rolled tortillas into the freezer for about 15 minutes. This step firms them up, so when you slice into ½- to 1-inch pieces, the pinwheels hold their shape beautifully. Use a clean knife between cuts for nice, clean edges. Optionally, you can garnish each pinwheel with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding four separate layers of ingredients. One layer consists of pale shredded chicken placed on the left side. Next to it on the right is a bright green layer of sliced celery, showing smooth, fresh texture. Above the celery is a pile of chopped light brown pecans with rough edges, and the final layer at the top is made of halved red grapes showing their smooth, shiny skin and pale interiors. The layers stay separate with clear color contrasts, all inside the transparent bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a lovely choice to sprinkle over the pinwheels, adding a vibrant green that makes them even more inviting. You can also consider tiny lemon wedges on the side for those who love an extra citrus kick. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or paprika can give a subtle depth and an appealing pop of color.

Side Dishes

Chicken Salad Pinwheels pair wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, crunchy vegetable sticks, or even a chilled fruit salad. For more heartiness, try serving them alongside a bowl of soup or a crisp coleslaw—it’s a balanced combo that’s sure to satisfy.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn these pinwheels into party stars, arrange them on a large platter with alternating colors of red grapes and crunchy pecans scattered around for visual interest. You might also serve each pinwheel secured with a decorative toothpick topped with a tiny cherry tomato or olive. Wrapping each piece in parchment paper tied with twine can make them cute grab-and-go treats as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to two days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or light lunch option that’s just as tasty the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for these pinwheels as the mayonnaise-based filling can separate and the tortillas may become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a couple of days.

Reheating

Since these pinwheels are best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer them slightly warmer, allow them to sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to lose their chill before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works perfectly for the Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you want a lighter or different twist, Greek yogurt or a mixture of yogurt and mayonnaise can be a great substitute while keeping it creamy.

Are these pinwheels suitable for vegetarians?

Since the recipe centers around chicken, it’s not vegetarian, but you could swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu to create a vegetarian version.

How far in advance can I make the pinwheels?

You can prepare and roll the pinwheels up to a day before serving, just keep them covered tightly in the fridge until ready to slice and enjoy.

Can I use other types of tortillas?

Definitely! Whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free tortillas can be used to add different flavors or cater to dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunches, or just want a tasty snack, these pinwheels offer a wonderful combination of flavors and textures wrapped up in bite-sized fun. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before you know it!

Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Chicken Salad Pinwheels Recipe