It’s almost a new year and for many of us that means new resolutions. According to Inc.com, the top 3 resolutions last year were: eat healthier, exercise more, and lose weight. Sounds about right.
It usually takes the first two to accomplish the third. And for me, the best dietary approach to promote weight loss is to shed carbohydrates.
Finding a low carb snack or appetizer can be a real challenge. Which makes this one a winner! Keto friendly without any artificial sweeteners. It'll please the keto AND non-keto folks alike!
Low Carb and Keto
Low-carb diets have been around for a while. But “keto” takes it to a whole ‘nother level. In the past, I avoided keto diets. My impression was that they were a version of Atkins, with an emphasis on bacon and red meat. However, there are many variations on the keto diet that can help each of us customize to personal preference.
So for the next few weeks I will be posting some low carb/keto options for appetizers and other dishes. You might find, as I did, that it’s actually quite easy to lower carbs with just simple substitutions. 🤓
Appetizers made low carb
Appetizers can seem challenging in low-carb world. I think I’ve posted a couple dozen dip recipes that say “serve with crackers or chips.” But with a thoughtful approach, low-carb appetizers are actually very easy to produce and just as delicious as their carb-heavy cousins.
Today’s appetizer is a great example requiring just a few ingredients.
We’ve all had the roll-ups/pinwheels that start with a soft tortilla and use ham, cream cheese and pickles, right? This version simply eliminates the tortilla. I made my cream cheese pinwheels with multiple types of meat and filling just to provide some variety. All were a big hit. 😀
(looking for more low carb appetizers? Check out these zucchini pizza bites for another yummy choice!)
How to make cream cheese pinwheels (roll-ups)
To start, get some nice big slices of deli ham (or turkey, or roast beef). To each slice, spread on a couple tablespoons of whipped cream cheese.
I used chive flavored and whipped because it’s much easier to spread.
Then, I added a little chopped dill pickle or avocado slice to the end – this is where the rolling begins.
Neatly roll up the meat and place it on a plate with the seam side down.
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Once all the rolls are made, refrigerate for 30 minutes, then cut the rolls into one-inch pieces and place on the serving plate cut side up.
Serve with toothpicks, but don’t be surprised if people just dive in with their fingers! (My personal favorites were the ones with avocado- YUM!)
You can also make these with whole pickles, if you can find the petite sized pickles. Just line up the pickles and roll per usual.
A cream cheese pinwheel makes a simple and delicious appetizer. And no one will think it’s a “diet” food!
📖 Recipe
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Low Carb/Keto Cream Cheese Pinwheels/Roll-ups
Ingredients
- 1 lb deli meat ham, turkey and/or roast beef
- 8 oz cream cheese whipped and flavored (chive or other flavor as preferred)
- 1 dill pickle diced
- 1 avocado sliced
Instructions
- Spread each slice of deli meat with about 2 tablespoons cream cheese. Add a strip or layer of diced pickle and/or avocado as desired. Roll each slice up starting at the short end. Place on a plate, seam side down. Repeat with the other meat slices.1 lb deli meat, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 dill pickle, 1 avocado
- Refrigerate rolls for at least 30 minutes, then slice into one-inch sized pieces. Place on a serving plate cut side up.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Debra
Could this be any easier? Great idea.
Sula
Yes, easy and delicious! Enjoy!
Michele peterson
I'm always looking for delicious low-carb recipes. This one was a winner!
Sula
I'm glad you liked it! I'm having it for lunch today 🙂
Chef Dennis
This dish looks amazing. I wish I could eat that right now!
Sula
I'm planning my trip to the store so I can have some today!!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
This dish looks SO deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right now!
Sula
Me too!
Emily Flint
These were so good and my son LOVED them! We will definitely be making these again for a quick snack or light lunch.
Sula
I'm so glad! I'm already craving them again! LOL
Raquel
This was the perfect lunch idea for a warm day like today. Will make again soon!
Sula
I know what you mean, I'm already planning my next batch!!
Andréa Janssen
What a great idea to serve these as an appetizer or light lunch.
Sula
Yes they look so attractive on a tray! And everyone loves the quick bite!
Alexandra
This is such a clever idea, and makes for such a delicious appetiser or lunch!
Sula
Yes I love them all day long!
meesha
What a creative idea ! This is a really great alternative to the traditional pinwheel
Sula
Yes I actually like them better this way!
Robyn
What a great low carb idea! I could eat them all day long 😉
Sula
LOL that's kind of what I do 🙂
Rachael | Milk Glass Home
Love the idea of chive cream cheese! I love roll ups like these and they are great for packing lunches.
Sula
Oh yes a very versatile lunch option!
Taleen | Just As Tasty
What a fun idea! I love cream cheese and cucumber together, and love that these are low carb!
Sula
Low carb and so tasty!
Jacque Hastert
I make these for afternoon snack all year long! My entire family loves them and they are gone in minutes.
Sula
Oh they are perfect to have on hand for a quick snack!
Priya Lakshminarayan
These look delicious...I will try them this weekend
Sula
They are so good!
Beth Sachs
I LOVE these low carb roll-ups for lunch. So tasty
Sula
I agree - I can hardly wait to have them again!
Pam
We are always on the lookout for low carb recipes around here. I can't wait to make this.
Sula
They are tasty for sure!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
Such a clever idea -- and love how low-carb these pinwheels are.
Sula
Thank you, and they are so tasty!
Texasgirl
These are the best thing since sliced bread...or should I say sliced pickles 😊
Sula
And so easy to customize!