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Coming up with easy lunch ideas that travel well can feel like solving a puzzle, especially when you’re trying to pack something that won’t get soggy or fall apart by noon. Whether you’re bringing lunch to the office, packing school lunches, or planning a picnic in the park, finding the right balance of convenient and tasty isn’t always straightforward.
That’s where these vegetable tortilla roll ups come in handy: they’re quick to put together, stay fresh in the fridge, and can be customized with whatever vegetables and spreads you have in your kitchen.
Plus, they’re a great way to sneak more veggies into your daily routine without much effort.
Why You’ll Love These Tortilla Roll Ups
- Quick and easy prep – These roll ups come together in just 15 minutes – perfect for last-minute party appetizers or quick lunch prep.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare these roll ups several hours or even a day before serving, making them perfect for busy schedules and party planning.
- Kid-friendly veggies – The cream cheese mixture and cheese help mask the vegetables, making this a sneaky way to get picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables.
- No cooking required – Just mix, spread, roll, and slice – no need to turn on the oven or stove, which is especially nice during warm weather.
- Customizable filling – You can easily swap in different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
Options for Substitutions
This easy roll-up recipe is super adaptable and you can make quite a few swaps based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Vegetables: The veggie mix is totally customizable! Try cucumber, zucchini, cauliflower, or corn – just make sure to dice them finely and pat dry any watery vegetables to prevent soggy rolls.
- Cream cheese: You can use light cream cheese, or swap it with goat cheese for a tangy twist. For a dairy-free version, try dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, though the texture might be slightly different.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or sour cream work great as mayo alternatives. They’ll give you that creamy texture while adding a nice tang to the filling.
- Flour tortillas: While flour tortillas work best for rolling, you can try whole wheat tortillas or spinach wraps. Just avoid corn tortillas as they tend to crack when rolled.
- Cheddar cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack for some heat, or a Mexican cheese blend. You can even try dairy-free shreds if needed.
- Green onions: Out of green onions? Finely chopped chives or red onions will work just fine. You can even leave them out if you’re not an onion fan.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making tortilla roll ups is using vegetables that are too large or wet – make sure to dice your veggies very finely (about 1/4 inch pieces) and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent a soggy filling that’s hard to roll.
Another common mistake is spreading the cream cheese mixture while it’s still cold, which can tear the tortillas – letting your cream cheese come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes makes it much easier to spread evenly.
For the tightest, most slice-able rolls, avoid overfilling your tortillas and leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges free of filling – then roll them firmly but gently, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to help them hold their shape when cut.
If you’re planning to serve these at a party, cut them just before serving and secure each roll-up with a toothpick to keep them from unraveling.
What to Serve With Tortilla Roll Ups?
These veggie-packed tortilla roll ups make a great party appetizer or light lunch, and there are lots of tasty ways to round out the meal.
A bowl of tortilla chips with fresh salsa or guacamole makes perfect sense alongside these rolls – plus, who doesn’t love chips and dip?
For a more substantial spread, try serving them with a cup of Mexican-style black bean soup or a simple mixed green salad tossed with cilantro-lime dressing.
If you’re putting these out for a party, they go really well on a platter with other finger foods like fresh veggies and ranch dip, chicken wings, or mini quesadillas.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These tasty roll ups are perfect for making ahead! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cream cheese mixture helps keep everything fresh and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy.
Make Ahead: Want to prep these for a party? You can make the cream cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store it separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, just spread, roll, and slice! This makes party prep so much easier.
Serving Tip: If you’re planning to serve these at a gathering, slice them just before serving – they’ll look fresher and more appetizing. If you’ve stored them pre-sliced, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving, as they taste best when not super cold.
| Preparation Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-45 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-900
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 50-60 g
- Carbohydrates: 70-80 g
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced vegetables: broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large flour tortillas meant for burritos
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Ingredients
- 1 cup diced vegetables: broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper
Begin by choosing and chopping your favorite veggies.
Mince them extra small to ensure each bite contains a bit of everything.
Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature, which makes it easier to mix.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper.
Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the consistency is smooth.
Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Tortillas
- 2 large flour tortillas meant for burritos
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
To make rolling easier, place the tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm them slightly.
Once warm, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla.
Sprinkle the minced veggies, cheese, and chopped onion evenly on top of the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Roll and Secure the Tortillas
Start at one edge of the tortilla and roll it tightly until you reach the opposite side.
The cream cheese mixture will help the tortilla stick together.
Secure the rolled tortilla with a toothpick or two to keep it intact.
Place the rolls in the freezer for 20 minutes to let them set, or chill overnight in the fridge (tightly wrapped or in a storage container) if you’re preparing them in advance for easy meal or snack prep.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the rolls have set, remove the toothpicks and slice each roll into pinwheels.
Arrange them on a platter and serve.
Enjoy these tasty bites as a snack or a light meal!