When it comes to packing lunches, simple is the name of the game, and these Mini Hummus and Veggie Pinwheels are a total lifesaver. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re perfect for little hands, but older kids and adults will happily snack on them too. Quick to prep the night before or in the morning rush, they’re no-cook and no stress.
As a longtime plant-based mama with three now-grown kids, I’ve packed more lunchboxes than I can count in real-life mornings. I understand what it’s like to need simple, no-fuss, kid-approved vegan ideas that don’t require a lot of time or necessitate a trip to three stores.
This recipe is part of my series of tried-and-true, kid-friendly lunchbox meals using Trader Joe’s favorites - simple, plant-based ideas you can actually pull off on a school morning.
If you haven’t seen my Vegan Mac & Trees (that’s mac and broccoli in one pot), Easy Quinoa Fusilli Pasta Salad, or Nut Butter & Jelly Roll-Ups, they are other weekday-morning friendly winners that are fast and delicious.
The goal of these posts is to offer quick, no-stress inspiration for meals you can throw together in a school morning without overthinking it. Bonus: they're also great for picnics, summer camp, car trips, and pool parties!
If you’re a fellow Trader Joe’s lover, join my Trader Joe's Facebook group where everyone can share favorite Trader Joe’s vegan finds, recipe tips, and simple meals that make life easier (and tastier!).
Also, if you’re looking for more kid-friendly school lunch inspiration (not just Trader Joe's-specific), I’ve got a full post packed with ideas that have been tested, eaten, and approved in my house.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy – No cooking, no fancy tools. Just spread, roll, slice, done.
- Trader Joe’s Friendly – These pinwheels utilize some of the same ingredients as my Mediterranean Lunch Bowl, allowing you to grab everything in one trip to TJ's and enjoy them across multiple meals!
- Lunchbox Approved – Great for little hands, and even older kids and adults love them. Heck, I take these for myself on long road trips, just like these Eggless Salad Pockets and, of course, No-Mayo Chickpea Salad!
- Make-Ahead Magic – Prep the night before or whip it up easily in the morning chaos.
- Vegan & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, color, and crunch.
Ingredients
Carrots: Trader Joe's sells shredded carrots for easy preparation, but I find that using a julienne Y-peeler yields fresher, prettier strips with better texture, making them ideal for young children. Plus, it takes just a minute.
Cucumbers: For cucumber pinwheels, opt for English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. They’re thinner-skinned, less seedy, and roll up more easily. A mandoline or the julienne peeler I mentioned above works great for getting thin, flexible slices that won’t crack when rolled.
Hummus: This recipe is all about being easy, but it can still be easy with a little meal prep. Give this homemade High-Protein Low-Carb Lupini Bean Hummus a try.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
Variations
- Switch the Spread – Try Trader Joe’s vegan tzatziki or a different flavored hummus.
- Add Some Crunch – Shredded lettuce or TJ’s broccoli slaw works great and stays crisp.
- Protein Boost – Add thin slices of baked tofu, smashed chickpeas, or white bean spread for older children for a heartier option.
How To Make Mini Hummus & Veggie Pinwheels
This is your visual roadmap — swipe through, then scroll to the card for the full printable recipe.
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Julienne or shred cucumber and carrots, and roughly chop spinach if desired. Pat cucumbers dry with a paper towel to avoid soggy wraps.
Step 2: Layer on Lavash
Lay out a lavash sheet and spread a thin layer of hummus evenly over it. Assemble veggies in rows over the bottom two-thirds of the wrap.
Step 3: Roll It Up
Tightly roll from the bottom up. Place the seam-side down and let it sit for a minute to help it hold together.
Step 4: Slice into Pinwheels
Trim both ends slightly longer to ensure they contain some of the filling, then cut the rest into about 4-6 even slices.
Top Tips
- Consider patting dry the grated cucumbers before assembling to avoid soggy pinwheels.
- Trim the ends of the rolled lavash slightly larger to catch more of the filling, then slice the rest into smaller, even pinwheels.
- These work great in bento boxes or packed vertically in a thermos.
- Make ahead and refrigerate the night before if desired. They hold up well.
- Chopping veggies in the morning might not sound ideal, but a julienne Y-peeler makes it effortless. It turns prep into a super quick step — I can’t recommend this tool enough!
- When using the Y-peeler, peeling the larger English cucumbers is easier than the smaller varieties.
What to Serve with the Pinwheels
- Fresh fruit – Apple slices, grapes, berries, or mandarin oranges all make great bento-friendly sides to serve with the pinwheels—and if you’re curious about what containers keep it all fresh, I’ve got a whole post on my favorite lunchbox gear too.
- Crunchy snacks – Pair with TJ’s veggie straws, homemade popcorn, or a handful of pretzel twists.
- Protein boost – Add a side of edamame, roasted chickpeas, or a mini cup of vegan yogurt.
- Mini sweet treat – A date bar, fruit leather, or TJ’s animal crackers (yep, they’re vegan!) to seal the deal. Pictured in the bento box pictures are the Trader Joe's Snickerdoodles. You can also serve with mini vegan banana muffins.
- Dip, dip hooray – Include a little cup of vegan honey mustard dressing or vegan ranch for dunking, because kids love a dip moment.
Kid Pinwheels FAQS
Yes. Just roll them up, slice, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up well overnight with no soggy, sad spirals.
Not recommended. The veggies and hummus don’t love the freezer, and nobody wants mushy pinwheels in their lunchbox. Make fresh or the night before for best results.
Trader Joe’s lavash, flour tortillas, or even their whole wheat pita (just don’t roll that one — stuff it instead). Anything that wraps without cracking works!
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Drop a comment and tell me how these vegan pinwheels turned out! Was it love at first bite? Surprisingly edible? Or a full-on “Reg, what were you thinking?” And if my directions helped (or didn’t), please let me know so I can continue to improve these recipes for you.
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Mini Hummus and Veggie Pinwheels
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lavash bread or tortilla; I use the Trader Joe's brand
- 4 tablespoons hummus TJ’s classic organic or garlic is a great choice
- ¼ cup carrots shredded; you can buy preshredded for more convenience
- ½ cup spinach
- ¼ cup English cucumbers shredded or thinly sliced; sub with Persian cucumbers
Optional
- 1 package Trader Joe's Sriracha Baked Tofu sliced; note, it is not spicy
- Trader Joe’s vegan tzatziki for dipping
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: Start by shredding your carrots and cucumber. You can use store-bought shredded carrots for ease, but I prefer using a julienne Y-peeler for better texture and freshness (plus it super easy to use for quick meals like this one). Consider blotting the cucumber with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Roughly chop baby spinach if the leaves are large so they layer more evenly.
- Soften the Lavash: Place a sheet of lavash on a clean surface. If it feels a bit stiff, warm it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This makes it more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Add a Spread: Spread a thin layer of hummus over the lavash. Leave a ½-inch border around the edges to avoid overflow when rolling.
- Layer the Veggies: Layer in rows shredded carrots, cucumber, and spinach over the lavash. Add the sliced tofu if using. Try to keep most of the filling toward the bottom two-thirds of the wrap (the side closest to you). This strategy helps create a tighter, cleaner roll.
- Roll It Up: Begin rolling from the edge closest to you, gently but firmly tucking the veggies as you go. Continue rolling until you reach the end, then place the roll seam-side down. Let it sit for a minute or two so it holds together better when sliced.
- Slice: Grab a sharp serrated knife. Cut at the ends of the rolled lavash slightly larger to catch more of the filling, then slice the rest into smaller, even pinwheels. Serve with vegan tzatziki if desired.
Regi Pearce says
These pinwheels are on repeat at my house even though my kids are grown. They come together in minutes, which I love so we use it for quick snacks, roadtrips, or beach days.