Easy Dairy Free Tortilla Roll Ups

Let me tell you, dairy free tortilla roll ups are a total game changer.

These handheld bites make the perfect lunch or party snack without any dairy in sight. Fresh vegetables and herbs combine with creamy dairy-free spread to create something that everyone can enjoy.

They’re rolled up with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and the best part is you can prep them ahead of time. The flavors get even better after they chill in the fridge for a bit.

It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe that makes both kids and adults happy, perfect for picnics or packed lunches.

dairy free tortilla roll ups
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Why You’ll Love These Tortilla Roll Ups

  • Dairy-free friendly – Perfect for those avoiding dairy or following a plant-based diet, these roll ups don’t compromise on creamy texture or taste thanks to the dairy-free cream cheese spread.
  • Quick prep time – Ready in just 10-15 minutes, these roll ups are perfect for busy weekday lunches or last-minute party appetizers.
  • Customizable – You can easily swap vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season – making this recipe super flexible for your preferences.
  • Fresh and crunchy – Packed with crisp vegetables and peppery arugula, these roll ups offer a satisfying crunch and loads of nutrients in every bite.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

The beauty of tortilla roll ups is that they work well with pretty much any type of tortilla you have on hand. Flour tortillas are the most common choice since they’re pliable and roll easily without cracking, while whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor and extra fiber. If you’re keeping things gluten-free, corn tortillas can work too, but you’ll want to warm them slightly first to make them more flexible and prevent breaking. Just make sure to pick tortillas that are fresh and at room temperature – cold tortillas tend to tear more easily when you’re rolling them up. For the best results, choose tortillas that are around 8-10 inches in diameter, which gives you enough space to spread your fillings while keeping everything contained when rolled.

dairy free tortilla roll ups
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Options for Substitutions

These roll ups are super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your fridge:

  • Non-dairy cream cheese spread: If you’re not dairy-free, regular cream cheese works perfectly. You could also try hummus, mashed avocado, or white bean spread for different flavors.
  • Bell peppers: Any crunchy veggie will work here – try julienned snap peas, shredded cabbage, or thinly sliced celery for that nice crunch factor.
  • Arugula: Not a fan of arugula’s pepper kick? Swap it with spinach, lettuce, or mixed greens. You could even try fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.
  • Tortillas: While flour tortillas are easiest to roll, you can use corn tortillas (warm them first to prevent cracking), grain-free wraps, or even large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
  • Carrots and radishes: These add great crunch, but feel free to swap them with julienned jicama, shredded brussels sprouts, or matchstick-cut kohlrabi.
  • Cucumber: If you’re not using cucumber, try zucchini strips or thinly sliced raw summer squash for a similar fresh crunch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making tortilla roll ups is spreading the dairy-free cream cheese too thick or thin – aim for an even, medium-thick layer about 1/8 inch deep to prevent the filling from squishing out when rolling. A common mistake is overstuffing the tortillas with vegetables, which makes them impossible to roll tightly and leads to filling falling out when sliced – stick to a single, well-distributed layer of each vegetable. To get the cleanest cuts and prevent your roll ups from unraveling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing, then use a sharp serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion. For the best texture and flavor, make sure your vegetables are very thinly and uniformly sliced, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make your tortillas soggy.

dairy free tortilla roll ups
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

What to Serve With Tortilla Roll Ups?

These fresh and crunchy tortilla roll ups make a perfect party appetizer or light lunch, and there are lots of tasty ways to round out the meal! A bowl of crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa or guacamole makes an obvious but delicious pairing. For a more substantial spread, try serving them alongside a warm bowl of black bean soup or a simple Mexican-style corn salad. If you’re putting these out for a party, they go great on a platter with some pickled vegetables, olives, and maybe even some dairy-free ranch dip for extra snacking options.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These roll ups are perfect for meal prep! Once prepared, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The veggies will stay crisp and the tortillas will maintain their texture nicely.

Make Ahead: Want to prep these in advance? You can slice all your veggies and make the cream cheese spread up to 2 days ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble your roll ups when you’re ready to eat. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy.

Pack: These roll ups are great for lunch boxes! Just wrap them individually and pack them with a cold pack to keep them fresh. If you’re packing them for later in the day, try putting the arugula on the cream cheese side rather than the outside to keep it from wilting.

Preparation Time 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time 0-0 minutes
Total Time 10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 800-900
  • Protein: 15-20 g
  • Fat: 40-50 g
  • Carbohydrates: 100-120 g

Ingredients

  • 1 batch non-dairy vegetable cream cheese spread
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (use any color you prefer)
  • 2 carrots, halved and thinly sliced
  • 3 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
  • A few handfuls of arugula
  • 8 tortillas of your choice

Step 1: Prepare the Tortilla

Lay a tortilla flat on a large plate or cutting board.

This will be your base for all the delicious ingredients to come.

Step 2: Spread the Cream Cheese

Evenly spread about 3 tablespoons of Dairy Free Veggie Cream Cheese Spread over the surface of the tortilla.

Ensure that the spread covers the entire tortilla to help all the vegetables stick when rolled.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Place 3-4 pepper slices, 3-4 carrot slices, 4 radish slices, and 3-4 cucumber slices across the cream cheese spread.

Finish off by sprinkling a handful of arugula leaves over the top to add a peppery flavor and crisp texture.

Step 4: Roll the Tortilla

Carefully roll up the tortilla as tightly as possible.

Make sure you keep the filling tucked inside to avoid any spilling out the sides as you roll.

Step 5: Slice into Bite-Sized Pieces

Using a serrated knife, gently cut the rolled tortilla into equal bite-sized pieces.

The serrated edge will help you cut through the tortilla cleanly without squishing the filling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the bite-sized pieces on a serving platter, ready for your next snack or appetizer.

Enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture!

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