Caprese Pinwheels with Whipped Ricotta and Pesto

A platter of pinwheel sandwiches feels so nostalgic and relaxed for a late summer pool party! My Caprese Pinwheels are all grown up with lemon whipped ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil pesto. A bit of whimsy for an afternoon by the pool!

Caprese Pinwheels with Whipped Ricotta and Pesto

When I’m hosting a pool party in late summer, I love to prepare a few snacks that feel a little unexpected. I want guests to be able to kick back and enjoy the relaxed pool vibes while also finding unique and fun little moments that make the afternoon memorable. I love designing a menu with a few nods to nostalgic dishes, especially when I can give them a modern twist.

A pinwheel sandwich is nostalgic and fun. It always takes me back to school lunches and kids’ birthday parties, when pinwheels were served as a fun way to entice kids to try a sandwich. So they fit right into the vibe of a pool party, naturally bringing a little sense of merriment. But it’s the filling of this Caprese version that makes it feel distinctly more grown up.

My Caprese Pinwheels start with a spinach tortilla wrap, which I spread with a lemony whipped ricotta mixture. I sprinkle on shredded mozzarella and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to really bring home that Caprese flavor. You could use chopped fresh tomatoes in these as well, but I love the concentrated sweetness of the sun-dried version. A drizzle of basil pesto, and then I roll them up! I like to keep them in the fridge until party time, then slice and serve.

These pinwheel sandwiches are bright and fresh from the combination of lemon, basil, and creamy ricotta. And they look so whimsical on the serving plate, basically daring you not to have a good time. I like to set them out as a snack and watch them absolutely vanish. They’re a snack with a little more sustenance, so they’re a nice balance to my Hot Honey Pepperoncini Chex Mix, Pizzeria Popcorn, and frozen grapes. All together, they bring a cheery vibe to my Elegant Pool Party Menu, and they feel like a special little treat on the plate.

Hosting Tips

• I like to make these roll ups ahead and then keep them in the fridge until party time. Once guests are on their way, slice them and transfer to a platter. I find they stay together best with this method.
• Serve leftover pesto on the side for guests to use as a dip for the pinwheels.
• You can change up the flavor of the pinwheels by making or buying different flavors of pesto. If I have extra time, this is delicious with my Citrus Pistachio Pesto. Or I’ve tried it with a lemon pesto from Trader Joe’s that is delicious.
• When making these, I like to make one roll up first just to make sure I’m not overstuffing them. These come up much cleaner when there aren’t too many ingredients inside.
• You could dress these up with some fun toothpicks. I’ve also served them with little umbrellas poolside, which is very sweet.

A Nostalgic Snack Made Modern

I love the whimsical nostalgia of these Caprese Pinwheel Sandwiches. They bring a bit of charm to my Elegant Poolside Menu. Especially when served alongside a Piña Colada Spritz and a slice of Strawberry Lemonade Ricotta Cake–a truly beautiful poolside plate!

If you enjoy the flavor combinations of a caprese, definitely try my Chicken Caprese Farro Salad. That is a stunning salad for the end of summer/beginning of Fall. Or my Mushroom and Ricotta Toasts would also be a good way to use any leftover ricotta for an open face sandwich/snack. And if you’d like a heartier sandwich, try my Turkey, Brie, and Plum Baguette. You could slice the sandwich in 4″ lengths and serve them poolside for something a little heartier.

I hope you enjoy the cheekiness and nostalgia of these roll ups! I love seeing them all together on the plate–they’re the perfect little snack to enjoy while my toes are dipping in the pool.