Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Just 3–6g net carbs per serving
✅ No Cooking Required – 15-minute prep, perfect for busy days
✅ Kid-Approved & Meal Prep Friendly
✅ High in Protein – Keeps you full and satisfied
✅ Customizable – Endless flavor combinations
Let’s be honest — lunch can often feel like a nutritional afterthought. Between busy workdays and keeping the family fed, it’s easy to fall into the carb trap. But when I discovered these Low Carb Turkey Roll-Ups, everything changed.
Creamy, savory, and packed with fresh greens, these no-bread roll-ups are now a fridge staple. My husband loves them, my kids ask for them, and I love that they require zero cooking.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you need to create the perfect roll-up — simple, wholesome, and full of flavor.
🥩 Base:
- 8–12 slices deli turkey (high quality, approx. 8–10 oz)
Tip: Choose oven-roasted, smoked, or cracked pepper turkey — low sodium, no fillers.
🧀 Filling:
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
(Flavored cream cheese like chive & onion works well — check for hidden sugars.) - 4–6 slices cheese (cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or Muenster)
Thin slices make rolling easier. - 1 cup baby spinach, washed & dried
(Ensure no moisture to prevent sogginess.)
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- 🧂 Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 🥓 Crispy Bacon Bits
- 🌶 Pickled Jalapeños
- 🌿 Fresh herbs (chives, dill, parsley)
- 🧄 Ranch seasoning powder
- 🍯 Dijon or whole grain mustard
💡 Pro Tip: Fewer ingredients = more impact from quality. Use fresh deli meat and premium cheeses for best flavor.
How to Make Turkey Roll-Ups
Follow these steps for foolproof, tightly rolled pinwheels or whole snack wraps.
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
- Soften cream cheese 30 minutes ahead or microwave for 10–15 seconds until spreadable.
- Dry spinach thoroughly (a salad spinner helps!).
Step 2: Flavor the Cream Cheese (Optional)
- Mix in your herbs, seasonings, or ranch powder at this stage.
Step 3: Lay Out the Turkey
- Place turkey slices flat on a clean board. Overlap slightly if small or holey.
Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese
- Add a thin layer over each slice, leaving a ¼-inch border along one edge.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Greens
- Top with cheese slice and a layer of spinach. Keep everything within the edges.
Step 6: Optional Extras
- Sprinkle bacon, seasoning, or jalapeños now if using.
Step 7: Roll & Slice
- Roll tightly starting from the filled side.
- For pinwheels: insert toothpicks, then slice into 1-inch rounds.
- For lunch wraps: keep whole and pack seam-side down.
Serving Suggestions
These Turkey Roll-Ups are endlessly versatile:
🥪 As a Lunch:
- Lunchbox Pairing: Add cucumber sticks, hard-boiled egg, olives, or a handful of almonds.
- Plated Meal: Serve with a green salad + olive oil vinaigrette + a few low-carb berries.
🥕 As a Snack:
- Post-Workout: High in protein and fat — ideal for recovery.
- Kid-Friendly: Slice into pinwheels — perfect with bell pepper strips or cherry tomatoes.
🍢 As an Appetizer:
- Party Platter: Slice, secure with toothpicks, sprinkle with parsley or seasoning, and arrange beautifully.
📍 Best served chilled.
📸 Want to show off your version? Tag us on Instagram @HerRecipeBox!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge (whole) | 2–3 days | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap |
| Fridge (pinwheels) | 24–48 hrs | Best sliced fresh to avoid drying |
| Freezer | ❌ Not Recommended | Cream cheese changes texture when frozen |
✅ Perfect for Sunday meal prep!
💡 Add wet toppings (avocado, tomato) just before serving to keep fresh and firm.
Variations to Try
Switch things up with these delicious flavor profiles:
- Italian Roll-Up: Turkey + provolone + arugula + sun-dried tomatoes + pesto cream cheese
- Buffalo Chicken Style: Shredded chicken + cheddar + buffalo sauce + ranch cream cheese
- Ham & Swiss Delight: Ham slices + Swiss + Dijon mustard + crisp lettuce
- Bacon Avocado Wrap: Mashed avocado + turkey + bacon + spinach + chipotle mayo
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overfill – Too much inside = messy rolls that won’t hold.
- Roll Tightly – Even pressure and a clean edge make all the difference.
- Use Dry Greens – Water causes sogginess. Spin dry or pat with paper towel.
- Chill Before Slicing – Wrap and chill for 15–30 mins to firm them up.
- Make a DIY Cream Cheese Spread – Mix pesto, herbs, or seasoning into your base.
FAQs
Can I make them ahead?
Yes! They keep well for 2–3 days. Wrap tightly and slice just before serving.
Are these keto-friendly?
Yes — especially when made with full-fat dairy and low-carb extras. Always check deli meat and cheese labels for hidden sugars.
Can I use other meats?
Absolutely. Try roast beef, ham, chicken breast, or even thin salami.
What else can I add?
Crunchy celery, bell pepper matchsticks, olives, mustard, herbs, or even sunflower seeds.
Can I freeze them?
Not ideal — cream cheese texture changes in the freezer.
📄 Printable Recipe Card
Low Carb Turkey Roll-Up Recipe
Yield: 4 servings (2 roll-ups each)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8–12 slices deli turkey
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 4–6 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, provolone, etc.)
- 1 cup spinach, dry
- Optional: bacon bits, herbs, seasoning, jalapeños
Instructions:
- Soften cream cheese and mix in optional flavorings.
- Lay out turkey slices flat.
- Spread thin layer of cream cheese, leaving ¼-inch clean edge.
- Layer cheese, spinach, and optional extras.
- Roll tightly from one edge to the other.
- Serve whole or slice into pinwheels.
Nutrition (per 2 roll-ups):
Calories: 350–450 | Net Carbs: 3–6g | Protein: 30–40g | Fat: 25–35g | Fiber: ~2g
📌 Save for Later!
🍴 Easy, satisfying, and ready in 15 minutes — these Low Carb Turkey Roll-Ups are a must-try if you’re low-carb, gluten-free, or just looking to shake up your lunch routine.