Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound High-Quality Deli Sliced Turkey Breast: Choose a low-sodium, nitrate-free variety if possible. The quality of the turkey significantly impacts the overall flavor. Sliced thinly but not paper-thin works best.
- 2 large Ripe Avocados: Hass avocados are preferred for their creamy texture and rich flavor. They should yield gently to pressure.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice: This not only adds a bright, zesty flavor but also helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly. Freshly squeezed is always best.
- 8 large Whole Wheat Tortillas (or low-carb/gluten-free alternative): Look for tortillas that are soft and pliable to prevent cracking when rolled. About 8-10 inches in diameter is ideal.
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened (optional): Adds an extra layer of creaminess and a tangy counterpoint to the avocado. You can use light cream cheese if preferred.
- 1/2 cup Baby Spinach Leaves, washed and dried: Adds a nutritional boost, a pop of color, and a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of a sharp, pungent kick. Slice very thinly so it doesn’t overpower.
- Salt, to taste: Fine sea salt or kosher salt works well to enhance the flavors.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
Instructions
- Prepare the Avocado Spread:
- Halve the ripe avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl.
- Add the fresh lemon juice to the avocado.
- Using a fork, mash the avocado to your desired consistency. Some prefer it chunky, while others like it smoother. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- Prepare the Tortillas (if using cream cheese):
- If you’re using cream cheese, ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese over the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge. This helps the roll-up seal better.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Whether you’ve used cream cheese or not, now spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado mixture evenly over the tortilla (or over the cream cheese layer).
- Arrange 2-3 slices of deli turkey breast over the avocado, covering most of the surface. You might need to slightly overlap the slices.
- Scatter a small handful of baby spinach leaves over the turkey.
- If using, sprinkle a few slivers of thinly sliced red onion over the spinach.
- Roll the Tortillas:
- Starting from one edge, tightly roll the tortilla into a log shape. The tighter you roll, the neater the slices will be and the less likely it is to fall apart. The moisture from the avocado and cream cheese should help it seal. If it’s not sealing well, you can lightly moisten the very edge of the tortilla with a dab of water or a little extra avocado mash.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended):
- For the neatest slices and to allow the flavors to meld, wrap each roll-up individually in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap.
- Place the wrapped roll-ups in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them much easier to slice without squishing. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but the roll-ups might be a bit messier to cut and eat.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once chilled (or if serving immediately), unwrap the roll-ups.
- Using a sharp serrated knife or a very sharp chef’s knife, slice the roll-ups into 1-inch to 1.5-inch thick pinwheels or rounds. You can also slice them in half on a diagonal for a more substantial sandwich-style portion.
- Arrange the turkey roll-ups on a platter or individual plates. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350