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A close-up shot of several Chicken Cranberry Salad Pinwheels arranged neatly on a white rectangular platter, ready to serve.
Maryam

Chicken Cranberry Salad Pinwheels

A vibrant and delicious appetizer or light lunch, these Chicken Cranberry Salad Pinwheels are packed with tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a zesty dressing, all rolled up in soft tortillas.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 678

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Salad
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or finely diced
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise full-fat for best results
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 stalk celery finely diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely minced
  • 0.5 cup pecans toasted and chopped
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
For Assembling
  • 6 count large flour tortillas 10-inch size works best

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Rubber spatula
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, mayonnaise, dried cranberries, finely diced celery, minced red onion, toasted and chopped pecans, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
  2. Give the chicken salad a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon to really make those flavors pop.
Assemble the Pinwheels
  1. Lay one flour tortilla flat on your clean work surface. Spread about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the chicken salad mixture evenly over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
  2. Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a log. The tighter you roll it, the better your pinwheels will hold their shape when sliced. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken salad.
  3. Wrap each rolled tortilla log tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator and chill for at least 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for helping the pinwheels firm up and prevents them from unraveling when sliced.
Slice and Serve
  1. Once chilled, unwrap each tortilla log. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife clean between slices if needed.
  2. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter and serve immediately. They're perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a light snack!

Notes

Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the chicken salad mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the pinwheels a few hours before serving, as they are best enjoyed slightly chilled but not soggy.
Substitution Suggestions: Feel free to swap out the pecans for toasted walnuts or slivered almonds. For a lighter option, replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. You can also add a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or chives for extra color and herbaceous flavor.
Serving Idea: These pinwheels are fantastic for bridal showers, baby showers, picnics, or as an easy weekday lunch. Pair them with a simple green salad or some fresh fruit for a complete meal.