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If you ask me, Mexican tortilla roll ups are a total game-changer for easy lunches.
These plant-based pinwheels put a fresh spin on the classic party appetizer, packed with beans, corn, and creamy avocado spread. The combination of texture from the crunchy vegetables and smooth filling makes every bite interesting.
They’re rolled up in soft flour tortillas with a layer of dairy-free cream cheese that’s mixed with zesty taco seasonings. Fresh cilantro and lime juice add that perfect Mexican-inspired kick that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s a crowd-friendly snack that works great for parties, picnics, or packed lunches – and nobody will even guess they’re completely vegan.
Why You’ll Love These Tortilla Roll Ups
- Quick and easy – These roll ups come together in just 15 minutes – perfect for last-minute party prep or when you need a quick lunch option.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare these roll ups several hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Plant-based goodness – Packed with protein-rich hummus and black beans, these vegan roll ups will keep you satisfied without any animal products.
- No cooking required – Just spread, layer, and roll – no stove or oven needed, making these perfect for hot summer days or when you don’t feel like cooking.
- Party-perfect – These colorful roll ups are great for potlucks, picnics, or game day snacking, and they’re easy to transport.
What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?
For these Mexican roll ups, you’ve got plenty of tortilla options to choose from. Traditional flour tortillas are the most common choice since they’re soft and pliable, making them perfect for rolling without cracking. If you’re keeping things strictly vegan, just double-check the ingredients list as some flour tortillas contain lard. Whole wheat tortillas work great too and add some extra fiber, though they can be slightly less flexible than their white flour counterparts. For a different twist, you could even try spinach or tomato-flavored tortillas – just make sure they’re fresh and at room temperature when you’re ready to roll, as this will help prevent tearing.
Options for Substitutions
This recipe is super adaptable and you can make several swaps based on what you have in your kitchen:
- Tortillas: While large flour tortillas work best for rolling, you can use whole wheat tortillas or spinach wraps. Just make sure they’re at least 25 cm in size to hold all the filling. Corn tortillas aren’t recommended as they tend to break when rolled.
- Hummus: No hummus? Try mashed avocado mixed with a bit of lime juice, or refried beans. You can also use vegan cream cheese or cashew spread – just add some taco seasoning for extra flavor.
- Black beans: Feel free to swap these with pinto beans, kidney beans, or any other beans you have on hand. Just remember to rinse and drain them well.
- Red bell pepper: Any color bell pepper works fine here. You could also use chopped tomatoes (seeds removed) or even grated carrots for crunch.
- Jalapeños: If you don’t like spice, leave these out completely. For heat lovers, try fresh jalapeños, pickled banana peppers, or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Cilantro: Not a cilantro fan? Use fresh parsley instead, or just leave it out – the roll-ups will still taste great!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making tortilla roll ups is overfilling them, which can lead to messy rolling and ingredients spilling out – stick to spreading a thin, even layer of hummus and keeping your fillings to about 2-3 tablespoons per tortilla.
Another common mistake is not patting your ingredients dry enough – excess moisture from the beans, corn, or vegetables can make your tortillas soggy, so make sure to drain and pat them thoroughly with paper towels before assembly.
For the best results, wrap your finished rolls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing – this helps them hold their shape and makes clean cuts possible (use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts).
If you notice your tortillas are stiff and breaking when you try to roll them, try warming them briefly in the microwave under a damp paper towel for 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable and prevent cracking.
What to Serve With Tortilla Roll Ups?
These Mexican-inspired roll ups are perfect for serving alongside your favorite dips and sides to make a complete meal or party spread. A bowl of fresh guacamole or salsa makes an excellent dipping companion, while a simple Mexican-style rice adds substance to turn these into a filling dinner. For a refreshing contrast, try serving them with a crisp cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice and a touch of olive oil. If you’re hosting a party, set up a DIY salsa bar with mild pico de gallo, spicy chipotle sauce, and cool vegan sour cream so everyone can customize their plate.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These Mexican tortilla roll ups are perfect for meal prep! Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing in the container to keep them from drying out.
Make Ahead: You can prep these roll ups a day before your event or gathering. Just assemble them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and keep them in the fridge. The flavors actually get better as they hang out together! Cut them into pinwheels just before serving for the best presentation.
Pack: These make great lunch box additions! To keep them fresh in your lunch box, wrap individual portions in parchment paper or aluminum foil. Add a small ice pack to keep them cool until lunchtime. The tortillas will stay nice and soft this way.
| 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: 1200-1400
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 180-200 g
Ingredients
- 5 large tortillas (approximately 25 cm in size)
- 1 ½ cups hummus (about 350 ml, choose your preferred type)
- 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped finely)
- 1 small can of corn (rinsed and drained)
- Half of a red onion (diced finely)
- 3 tablespoons chopped jalapeños (from a can)
- A small bunch of fresh cilantro (chopped)
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
Lay your tortillas flat on a clean working surface.
Slather each tortilla with approximately 5 tablespoons of hummus, ensuring you spread it evenly all the way to the edges.
This will help keep the toppings adhered and the rolls together.
Step 2: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle about 1 ½ tablespoons of each of your chosen toppings over the hummus, avoiding overstuffing.
If you’re using jalapeños, adjust the amount to your taste, perhaps just ½ a tablespoon unless you prefer a spicier roll-up.
Make sure the toppings are spread evenly to ensure a balanced bite.
Step 3: Roll the Tortillas
Starting from the bottom, tightly roll up each tortilla, maintaining consistency to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Take your time to ensure a firm roll.
Step 4: Slice into Bite-Sized Pieces
Carefully slice each rolled tortilla into bite-sized pieces.
It’s recommended to begin cutting from the middle rather than one end, which can help in keeping the filling intact and prevent it from squeezing out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the sliced tortilla rolls on a platter and serve.
These make great appetizers or snacks, perfect for parties or a fun meal at home.
Enjoy your tasty, hummus-filled bites!