Healthy Salsa Tortilla Roll Ups

Finding crowd-pleasing party appetizers that you can make ahead of time can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Between coordinating different dietary preferences and trying to avoid spending the whole party stuck in the kitchen, appetizers often become more stressful than they need to be.

That’s where these salsa tortilla roll ups come to the rescue: they’re easy to prepare in advance, travel well to potlucks, and are so simple to customize that even picky eaters will find something to love about them.

What Kind of Tortilla Should I Use?

For roll-ups, you’ll want to start with a fresh, pliable tortilla that won’t crack or tear when you roll it. Regular flour tortillas are the most common choice since they’re soft and flexible, but you could also use whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber or spinach tortillas for a pop of color. The key is to make sure your tortilla is room temperature – cold tortillas tend to crack when rolled. If your tortillas feel stiff, you can warm them briefly in the microwave under a damp paper towel for about 15-20 seconds to make them more flexible and easier to work with.

Options for Substitutions

This easy roll-up recipe is super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have in your fridge:

• Tortilla: Any large flour tortilla works great here – whole wheat, spinach, or sun-dried tomato flavored ones are all good options. Just make sure it’s at least 10 inches to hold all the fillings. For a low-carb version, try using large lettuce leaves.
• Mayo: Not a mayo fan? Try using cream cheese, hummus, or mashed avocado instead. These spreads will still help the tortilla stick together while adding flavor.
• Ham and Turkey: Any deli meat works well – try roast beef, chicken, or even pepperoni. For a vegetarian version, you could use sliced avocado or grilled vegetables.
• Cheddar cheese: Feel free to swap in any sliced cheese you like – pepper jack adds a nice kick, Swiss is classic, or provolone works great too.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt makes a good substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option. You could also use guacamole or extra salsa.
• Salsa: Any type of salsa works – fresh, chunky, or restaurant-style. You could also try using pico de gallo or even a corn and black bean salsa for extra texture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making tortilla roll ups is overfilling them, which can lead to messy eating and ingredients falling out – stick to a thin, even layer of each ingredient and leave a small border around the edges. Another common mistake is using cold tortillas straight from the fridge, which can crack and tear during rolling; instead, warm them slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable. To prevent your roll ups from getting soggy, pat the salsa with paper towels to remove excess liquid, and layer the cheese next to the tortilla to create a moisture barrier between the wet and dry ingredients. For the tightest, most secure roll possible, press down gently as you roll and wrap the finished roll ups in plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

What to Serve With Tortilla Roll Ups?

These handy tortilla roll ups are perfect for a casual lunch or party spread, and there are lots of tasty sides that go great with them! A bowl of tortilla chips with extra salsa and guacamole makes for easy snacking alongside these rolls. If you want to keep things fresh and light, try serving them with a simple Mexican-style corn salad or a crisp coleslaw dressed with lime juice. For a more filling meal, a cup of black bean soup or Mexican rice on the side works really well with these flavors.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty roll ups will stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. I recommend placing a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture from the lettuce and salsa, which helps keep the tortilla from getting soggy.

Make Ahead: Want to prep these for tomorrow’s lunch? Go ahead and assemble them the night before, but consider leaving out the lettuce and salsa until you’re ready to eat. This way, your tortilla stays nice and fresh. Just pack the wet ingredients separately in small containers, and you can add them right before eating.

Pack: These roll ups are perfect for lunch boxes! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, and if you’re packing them for later in the day, try placing them in a lunch container with an ice pack to keep everything fresh and cool until lunchtime.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

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

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 30-35 g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 g

Ingredients

• 1 large tortilla (10 inches)
• 1 teaspoon of mayo
• 3 slices of ham
• 3 slices of turkey
• 3 slices of cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons of sour cream

Step 1: Warm the Tortilla

Warm a tortilla according to the package instructions or directly over a gas burner on the stove.

Be sure to heat it until it’s pliable and ready for filling.

Step 2: Prepare and Layer the Ingredients

Place the warm tortilla on a plate.

Smear a thin layer of mayonnaise over the entire surface of the tortilla.

Depending on the thickness of your deli meat, arrange a flat layer of meat covering the tortilla.

Top the meat with slices of cheese, evenly distributed across the tortilla.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Tortilla

Start at the edge of the tortilla closest to you and carefully roll it up tightly.

Once fully rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the roll in half.

Then, cut the halves in half again, creating four roll-up pieces.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Arrange the roll-ups cut side up on a plate.

Add a bed of shredded lettuce to the plate, and accompany with sour cream, salsa, and jalapenos for added flavor.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed, ensuring freshness and flavor.