This Pesto Turkey Wrap is a protein-packed, flavor-rich lunch that’s perfect for busy days.
With creamy cottage cheese blended with fresh pesto, lean turkey, and fiber-rich tortilla, it’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Low in carbs and saturated fat but high in protein and healthy fats, it’s a quick, delicious option for everyday meals or meal prep.
Pesto Turkey Wrap
Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 immersion blender (optional, for whipped cottage cheese)
- 1 plate
Ingredients
- ¼ cup whipped cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 1 8- inch high-fiber high-protein tortilla
- 2 slices provolone cheese thinly sliced
- 3 ounces deli turkey
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ roma tomato sliced
- ½ teaspoon sriracha optional
- ½ teaspoon balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Prepare Whipped Cottage Cheese: Begin by preparing the base of your creamy pesto sauce. If you don’t have pre-whipped cottage cheese, take ¼ cup of regular cottage cheese and transfer it to a small mixing bowl. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the cottage cheese until it becomes completely smooth and light in texture. This step ensures the sauce is creamy and spreads easily across the tortilla, giving every bite a rich flavor without lumps.
- Make Pesto Cottage Cheese Mixture: Once your cottage cheese is whipped, add 1 tablespoon of fresh or store-bought pesto to the bowl. Gently stir the mixture until the pesto is evenly incorporated, creating a bright green, aromatic, and protein-packed sauce. Taste it and adjust if necessary—add a tiny pinch of salt or pepper to enhance the flavors if desired. Set this mixture aside, as it will form the flavorful layer of your wrap.
- Prepare Tortilla Base: Place one high-fiber, high-protein 8-inch tortilla flat on a clean plate or work surface. Ensure the tortilla is soft and pliable, which will make rolling easier. If the tortilla feels stiff, you can briefly warm it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This prevents cracking when you fold the wrap.
- Layer Cheese: Take 2 thin slices of provolone cheese and place them evenly in the center of the tortilla. The cheese layer acts as a creamy, melty barrier that complements both the turkey and the pesto cottage cheese. Make sure the slices cover the middle area without spilling over the edges to make folding easier.
- Spread Pesto Sauce: Spoon the prepared pesto cottage cheese mixture over the provolone cheese. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread it evenly across the cheese, ensuring every bite will have the creamy, flavorful pesto. This step is essential for balancing the taste of the turkey, vegetables, and tortilla.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Next, add your fresh vegetables. Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded lettuce over the creamy sauce, followed by ½ sliced roma tomato. Arrange the vegetables in an even layer to maintain texture and freshness. The crispness of the lettuce and juiciness of the tomato create a satisfying contrast to the creamy sauce and savory turkey.
- Layer Turkey: Place 3 ounces of thinly sliced deli turkey on top of the vegetables. Spread it evenly across the wrap to ensure each bite contains protein-rich turkey. Layering the turkey over the veggies helps keep the wrap neat and prevents the sauce from soaking through the tortilla.
- Add Optional Flavor Enhancers: If you enjoy a hint of spice or tang, drizzle ½ teaspoon of sriracha and ½ teaspoon of balsamic glaze over the turkey layer. These optional ingredients add complexity, giving the wrap a subtle kick and a touch of sweetness. Adjust the amounts based on your taste preference.
- Fold and Roll the Wrap: Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the fillings. Then, starting from the bottom, roll the wrap burrito-style, keeping the ingredients snug inside. Roll tightly but gently to avoid tearing the tortilla. The folded sides help hold the fillings in place, preventing them from spilling out during eating.
- Slice and Serve: Place the rolled wrap on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it in half diagonally, if desired. This makes it easier to eat and presents beautifully on a plate. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or wrap it tightly for an on-the-go lunch or meal prep option.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality deli turkey for the best flavor and lean protein content.
- Whipping the cottage cheese ensures a creamy, spreadable texture that blends perfectly with pesto.
- High-fiber tortillas add bulk and nutrients while keeping the wrap low in carbs.
- Optional additions like sriracha or balsamic glaze can be adjusted based on your spice or sweetness preference.
- The wrap is versatile—swap provolone for another mild cheese like mozzarella or Swiss, or add avocado for extra healthy fats.
Chef’s Secrets For Maximum Flavor
The secret to a truly flavorful pesto turkey wrap lies in the balance of textures and ingredients.
Start by fully whipping your cottage cheese—it transforms from lumpy to silky smooth, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the pesto for a creamy, protein-rich base.
Don’t skip the layering technique placing cheese first, followed by the sauce, veggies, and turkey, keeps the wrap stable and prevents sogginess.
Using fresh, crisp lettuce and perfectly sliced tomatoes adds a bright, juicy contrast to the creamy sauce and savory turkey.
For a flavor twist, try lightly warming the tortilla to enhance pliability and flavor or experiment with a homemade pesto for an extra herbal punch.
Serving Suggestions For Best Experience
This wrap pairs beautifully with light sides that complement its fresh flavors.
A crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or a handful of crunchy veggie chips works well without overpowering the wrap.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside a cup of vegetable soup or a small bowl of quinoa salad.
The wrap is also ideal for meal prep make several in advance, wrap individually in parchment paper, and pack them for lunch on busy days.
For a refreshing drink pairing, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced green tea balances the richness of the cheese and pesto.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
If preparing the wrap ahead of time, store the uncut wrap in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Avoid adding tomatoes or sauces until right before serving if making it several hours in advance, as moisture can make the tortilla soggy.
Leftover wraps can be refrigerated for a day but are best eaten fresh.
If desired, individually wrap in parchment paper to maintain structure.
This method also makes them convenient for grab-and-go lunches.
Do not freeze the wrap; the fresh vegetables and tortilla lose texture and flavor after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone provides a mild, creamy texture, you can substitute mozzarella, Swiss, or even feta for a tangy twist. Choose cheeses that melt slightly and complement the pesto flavor.
2. Is this wrap low-carb?
Yes, using a high-fiber, high-protein tortilla keeps the carbohydrate content lower than traditional wraps while adding fiber for satiety. You can also use a lettuce wrap for an even lighter, ultra-low-carb version.
3. Can I make this wrap vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the deli turkey with plant-based protein options such as marinated tofu slices, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. The creamy pesto cottage cheese will still provide richness and flavor.
4. How can I keep the wrap from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, layer vegetables like lettuce and tomato after spreading the sauce, or add tomato slices right before serving.
Wrapping the tortilla tightly and storing in parchment paper also helps maintain structure.
5. Can I meal-prep these wraps in advance?
Definitely. Assemble the wraps (without delicate ingredients like tomato) and store in airtight containers or parchment paper in the fridge.
Add tomatoes and any sauces just before eating to preserve freshness. They’re perfect for quick, grab-and-go lunches.
