Touchdown Tortilla Wraps

You'll be the MVP after bringing these flavor-packed tortilla wraps to the next tailgate.

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Prep Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
  • Fresh basil and roasted red peppers make these wraps flavorful and packed with antioxidants.
  • Light cream cheese reduces fat content, while still providing protein and calcium for strong bones.
  • For easy folding, avoid overpacking and use high-quality tortillas that don’t tear.

Your crew will be cheering for you when you serve these Touchdown Tortilla Wraps. Chewy flour tortillas get a schmear of rich herby cream cheese, and fresh basil, antioxidant-filled roasted red sweet peppers and protein-rich deli meat create layer upon layer of flavor. Cut the rolled-up tortillas into small bite-sized pieces for an appetizer or in half for a main attraction. Keep reading for expert tips, including how to store these wraps if you make them ahead of time.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • These wraps are great for using leftover grilled or roasted meat from a previous meal.
  • This recipe calls for 7- to 8-inch wraps, which provide enough surface area for the filling. Be sure to buy good-quality flour tortillas that won't tear easily, and don't overpack the wrap, as this will make it difficult to fold up and keep the fillings intact.
  • We would serve these wraps with our Kale Chips, which can be made ahead and stay crunchy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or with our Microwave Potato Chips, which have 8 grams less fat than standard potato chips and can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. We also suggest a bowl of refreshing cut-up fruit.

Nutrition Notes

  • Flour tortillas are typically made with refined white flour. This means you won't get as much fiber and antioxidants from them as you would if you used whole-wheat tortillas. Either way, you'll get carbohydrates for energy, some fiber and B vitamins, since refined flour products are typically fortified with B vitamins.
  • Light cream cheese has about one-third less total fat and a third of the amount of saturated fat as regular cream cheese. Like other types of cheese, cream cheese provides some protein and calcium.
  • Roasted red sweet peppers are red bell peppers that have been roasted and had the charred skin removed, leaving the tender flesh of the pepper with a subtle smokiness. Red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and A, strengthening the vision, brain and immune system.
  • As far as nutrition goes, deli meats fall on a spectrum. One thing they all have in common is that they are a source of protein. Some kinds are processed more than others, and some have preservatives while others don't. Many are high in sodium, so choose low-sodium options without preservatives. And instead of buying pre-sliced meat—most of which is high in sodium and preservatives—have the deli counter slice it for you. This way you know it's fresh and you can get just the amount you need, reducing waste.
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Ingredients

  • 3 (7- or 8-inch) flour tortillas

  • ½ 8-ounce tub light cream cheese with chive and onion or roasted garlic

  • 18 to 24 fresh basil leaves

  • ½ (7-ounce) jar roasted red sweet peppers, well drained and cut into ¼-inch-wide strips

  • 4 ounces thinly sliced cooked roast beef, ham and/or turkey

  • 1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise dressing or light salad dressing

Directions

  1. Spread each tortilla with one-third of the cream cheese. Cover cream cheese with a layer of basil leaves, leaving a 1-inch border. Arrange roasted red peppers on basil leaves. Top with sliced meat. Divide dressing among tortillas, spreading over meat.

  2. Roll up each tortilla tightly into a spiral. Cut each tortilla roll in half crosswise.

To make ahead

Wrap the tortilla wraps in plastic and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, then pack them in an insulated cooler with ice packs for transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you store leftover tortilla wraps?

    For optimal storage, place the unused package of flour tortillas in the refrigerator, whether or not you have opened the package. They will remain fresh for approximately one month. Freezing is also an option—store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and they will last for about six to eight months. Note: It's best to separate the tortillas into multiple packages to make defrosting easier, as they will stick together.

  • How do you defrost frozen flour tortillas?

    To defrost tortillas, use the microwave on the defrost setting or set it to 50% power. Drape a damp paper towel over the tortillas, heat and check them every 30 seconds until they're pliable, turning them over and continuing to heat as needed.

  • What else can you do with a package of flour tortillas?

    There are numerous uses for them, such as creating taco shells, taco bowls and tortilla chips. They also work great as an easy pizza base—just add your preferred toppings.

  • How do I prevent the wraps from getting soggy?

    To keep your assembled tortillas firm and avoid sogginess, it's important to prevent air and moisture from reaching them. We recommend wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. If you want extra protection, you can also add a layer of foil on top of the plastic wrap or store them in reusable airtight food containers.

Originally appeared: Diabetic Living Magazine

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

135 Calories
6g Fat
10g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 serving
Calories 135
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 8g 16%
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 24mg 8%
Sodium 186mg 8%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Carrie Myers, M.S.
Carrie Myers
Carrie Myers is a portfolio entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the health and wellness space. As a writer and editor, Carrie has worked for both consumer and trade print and online publications. She's been quoted in several articles as a health and fitness expert. Carrie is also a certified life and wellness coach and exercise physiologist, and the founder of CarrieMichele Co., a lifestyle company that helps women create lives they love where they can be authentic.
and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.
Sources
EatingWell is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.
  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Philadelphia Cream Cheese Chive Light 270 GR.