These Vegan Spinach Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the perfect blend of flaky, golden pastry and a savory, nutrient-packed spinach filling. With a creamy texture from blended seeds and a flavorful boost from garlic, lemon, and nutritional yeast, these rolls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pinwheels offer a perfect balance between convenience and gourmet flavor. The ready-to-use puff pastry makes preparation effortless, while the spinach filling brings in healthful greens and protein-rich seeds or nuts. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a simple plant-based snack, these pinwheels deliver on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. They’re also great for meal prep, lunchboxes, and holiday platters.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds or cashews
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk (for brushing)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend the spinach, sunflower seeds or cashews, nutritional yeast, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and spreadable. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the entire sheet.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log. Slice the roll into 1-inch rounds using a sharp knife.
- Place the rounds flat on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with a bit of non-dairy milk.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vegan yogurt dip or hummus.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 10 rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: 160 kcal
Variations
- Nut-free: Stick with sunflower seeds instead of cashews for a completely nut-free option.
- Add herbs: Fresh basil or dill can elevate the filling’s flavor.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Cheesy twist: Mix in vegan cream cheese or shredded vegan cheese for a richer texture.
- Mini pinwheels: Cut the rolls thinner for bite-sized party snacks.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
How do I keep the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure that the spinach is completely dry before blending, especially if using frozen spinach. Excess moisture can make the pastry soggy.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for longer storage.
Are these pinwheels gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free puff pastry. Make sure to check the packaging for gluten content.
Can I use store-bought spinach dip instead?
You can, but the flavor and texture will differ. Homemade ensures full control over ingredients and taste.
What dips go well with these pinwheels?
Vegan yogurt dip, hummus, or even a garlic aioli complement them nicely.
Can I serve these cold?
They’re best served warm but can be eaten cold as part of a lunchbox or picnic spread.
Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor. You can try a small amount of miso paste or vegan cheese as a substitute.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes, but it needs to be blanched or steamed and finely chopped or blended well.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
You can substitute with melted vegan butter or avocado oil, depending on your flavor preference.
Are these suitable for kids?
Absolutely. These are mild in flavor and fun to eat, making them great for children.
Conclusion
Vegan Spinach Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a delightful, flaky snack filled with vibrant, savory flavor. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they make an excellent addition to any table—from casual get-togethers to elegant events. With minimal prep and maximum impact, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your plant-based cooking repertoire.
PrintVegan Spinach Puff Pastry Pinwheels
These vegan spinach puff pastry pinwheels are a flaky, savory snack filled with a creamy spinach and seed-based mixture, perfect for parties or healthy appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds or cashews
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend the spinach, sunflower seeds (or cashews), nutritional yeast, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and spreadable. Scrape down sides as needed.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the entire sheet.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log. Slice the roll into 1-inch rounds using a sharp knife.
- Place the rounds flat on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with a bit of non-dairy milk for a golden finish.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm, with vegan yogurt dip or hummus on the side.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using to prevent cracking.
- Sunflower seeds provide a nut-free alternative to cashews.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Serve with vegan dips like yogurt sauce or hummus for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg