This post is sponsored by Real California Milk. I’m thrilled to partner with a commodity board I truly believe in.
Now that the kids are back in school, our routine is firmly in place: early mornings, packed backpacks and homework time. My children follow a before-school and after-school checklist. When they get home they have a bit of free time, then a snack before tackling homework. Finding healthy, appealing after-school snacks can be challenging, so I’m always trying new ideas. At the store I spotted fresh fruit, vegetables and a variety of tortillas and wraps — perfect for making pinwheels, both sweet and savory.
As a California native, I try to choose products made with 100% Real California Milk. California leads the nation in milk, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk and whey concentrate production. For these recipes I used California plain yogurt, cream cheese and shredded cheese marked with the Real California Milk seal. After touring dairy farms last winter, I feel confident using ingredients from Real California dairy families.
Vegetable Pinwheels
These savory vegetable pinwheels make a healthy and delicious after-school snack.
Ingredients
- Tortilla (regular, whole wheat, or spinach)
- ½ cup California plain yogurt
- ¼ cup California milk
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing mix
- Slices of deli meat (turkey or ham)
- Chopped vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, avocado)
- 1 cup California shredded cheese
Instructions
- Mix the California yogurt, California milk and ranch dressing mix. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to thicken.
- While the dip chills, chop vegetables and shred the cheese.
- Lay out the tortilla and spread a thin layer of the yogurt mixture over it.
- Layer deli meat, vegetables and shredded cheese on top.
- Starting from one side, roll the tortilla tightly.
- Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld.
- Remove the plastic wrap and slice the roll into 1-inch sections.
To make the pinwheels extra fun, I used a small flower cookie cutter to cut shapes out of California cheese and added a cherry tomato half to resemble a flower center — little touches kids love.
Fruit Pinwheels
Sweet fruit pinwheels are another kid-friendly option — tasty, colorful and healthy.
Ingredients
- Tortillas
- 8 oz California cream cheese
- 1 tbsp honey
- Berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Optional: cinnamon-sugar mix
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese and mix in the honey until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortilla.
- Slice fruit and arrange it in rows across the tortilla.
- Starting at one side, roll the tortilla tightly.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate, then slice into 1-inch sections.
- Optional: sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on the tortilla after spreading the cream cheese but before layering the fruit.
For a special touch I cut strawberries into heart shapes for the fruit pinwheels — a simple detail that kids notice and appreciate.
I found a shower caddy at the store and turned it into a portable snack station. I filled it with snacks, a water bottle and hand wipes so we can grab it for those busy afternoons when we’re constantly on the move. It’s a handy way to keep healthy snacks accessible when evenings are full of activities.
To make pinwheels portable, pack them in a to-go cup and slide a fork into the top. Although pinwheels are finger food, a fork makes them easier to eat while driving or walking.
I also use small snack cups to hold extra dip from the pinwheels and pack vegetables, pretzels or crackers for dipping. It’s a simple setup that gives kids plenty of options, helps you feel good about serving wholesome food, and makes you look like a snack-time superstar.
