Keto Pesto Pinwheels are the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and elegance—all while staying completely low-carb and keto-friendly. These bite-sized appetizers are creamy, herby, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, making them ideal for parties, meal prep, lunch boxes, or quick snacks. Whether you’re hosting guests, preparing appetizers for a holiday gathering, or simply looking for a savory keto snack, pesto pinwheels deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Traditional pinwheels are usually made with tortillas or puff pastry, which are high in carbs and unsuitable for a ketogenic diet. This keto version swaps out high-carb bases for low-carb alternatives such as deli meats, cheese wraps, or keto-friendly flatbreads, ensuring you stay within your macros without sacrificing taste or texture.
The star of this recipe is pesto—rich, aromatic, and packed with healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and cheese. When paired with creamy cheese and rolled into perfectly sliced pinwheels, the result is a visually appealing and delicious keto appetizer that feels indulgent but remains nutritionally balanced.
These Keto Pesto Pinwheels are no-cook (or minimal-cook), customizable, and incredibly versatile. You can adjust fillings, spice levels, and protein options to suit your preferences while keeping everything keto-compliant.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, pesto, mozzarella, parmesan, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Place deli meat slices flat on a cutting board, slightly overlapping if needed, forming a rectangle.
- Evenly spread the pesto cream cheese mixture over the deli slices, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Sprinkle spinach, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes evenly if using.
- Starting from one end, carefully roll the deli meat into a tight log using parchment paper to help maintain shape.
- Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Remove from fridge, unwrap, and slice into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife.
- Arrange on a platter or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutritional Facts and Total Calories (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 17g
- Net Carbs: 2–3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: <1g
Keto Pesto Pinwheels
Ingredient Notes
Keto-Friendly Deli Meat
Thinly sliced deli turkey, chicken, or ham acts as the wrap base instead of tortillas. Choose nitrate-free, sugar-free deli meat to keep carbs low. The slices should be wide and flexible enough to roll easily without tearing.
Cream Cheese
Full-fat cream cheese adds richness and helps bind the filling. It provides healthy fats essential for keto and creates a smooth, spreadable base for the pesto. Let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
Pesto Sauce
Use keto-friendly pesto made with fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, parmesan, and nuts. Avoid store-bought pestos with added sugars or seed oils. Homemade pesto is ideal for flavor and macro control.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella adds stretchiness and mild creaminess without overpowering the pesto flavor. Shredded mozzarella melts slightly when rolled, helping everything stick together.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan enhances umami and adds a salty, nutty flavor. Use freshly grated parmesan for best taste and texture.
Olive Oil
Optional but recommended if your pesto is thick. Adds extra healthy fats and improves spreadability.
Seasonings
Black pepper and garlic powder enhance the savory notes without adding carbs.
Optional Add-ins
Spinach adds freshness, olives provide saltiness, and red pepper flakes introduce heat. Keep portions small to maintain keto macros.
Serving Instructions
Serve Keto Pesto Pinwheels chilled or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with:
- Keto veggie sticks
- Olives and cheese boards
- Keto dips (garlic aioli or ranch)
- Salad platters
They are ideal for:
- Party appetizers
- Meal prep snacks
- Lunchboxes
- Holiday platters
Tips
- Chill before slicing for clean pinwheels.
- Use parchment paper to roll tightly.
- Adjust pesto amount to taste.
- Avoid overly wet fillings.
- Slice with a sharp knife to prevent smearing.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended due to cream cheese texture.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance for events.
FAQs
1. Are pesto pinwheels keto-friendly?
Yes, when made with deli meat or keto wraps instead of tortillas.
2. Can I use keto tortillas instead of meat?
Absolutely, ensure they are low-carb and flexible.
3. Is store-bought pesto okay?
Yes, as long as it’s sugar-free and keto-compliant.
4. Can I make these dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast.
5. Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, they store well and are perfect grab-and-go keto snacks.
