With school back in session, our afternoons have become busier and hungrier than ever. My son recently joined JrROTC, and the added activity means he gets home ravenous. To keep him satisfied until dinner, I focus on after-school snacks that are high in protein and low in added sugar. One of his favorite quick fixes is Tuna Pimento Cheese Roll-ups. They’re simple enough for him to prepare on his own, portable, and visually appealing—perfect for a fast, protein-rich snack.

These roll-ups are versatile. Sometimes we slice them into pinwheels to serve at the table, and other times they simply get rolled up for a quick hand-held snack when he’s heading out the door. One afternoon my neighbor called to ask what he was eating because her kids wanted some too — a sure sign that these are kid-approved.

I prefer using a solid white albacore tuna for the texture and flavor — the chunkier pieces stand up well in the roll-ups and make each bite satisfying. Combine it with creamy pimento cheese and a few chopped black olives for contrast, then spread on a soft flour tortilla and roll. It’s a straightforward assembly that takes just minutes but delivers a filling snack with good protein content for energetic kids.

Because the recipe is so easy, it’s a great one to teach older children to prepare for themselves. They learn a basic assembly technique, can practice even rolling without tearing the tortilla, and get a nutritious snack they can take on the go. It’s also flexible: swap in whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, add a few greens, or mix in diced celery for extra crunch.

Tuna Pimento Cheese Roll-ups

This recipe is quick to make and requires only a few ingredients. It’s ideal for busy afternoons, sports practices, or a simple lunch. Below are clear instructions and a short ingredient list so you can prepare a dozen roll-ups in just a few minutes.

If you prefer step-by-step photos, the images above illustrate the process, but the written instructions below are just as fast to follow.

Yield: 12

Tuna Pimento Cheese Roll-ups

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

A fast, protein-rich snack that’s easy to assemble and easy for kids to make themselves. The combination of tuna and pimento cheese creates a creamy, savory filling, while chopped black olives add a touch of briny contrast. Serve sliced as pinwheels or roll up whole for a portable treat.

Ingredients

• 1 small can solid white albacore tuna
• 1 small container pimento cheese
• 1/3 cup black olives, chopped
• 2 flour tortillas

Instructions

1. Spread a generous layer of pimento cheese evenly over a tortilla.
2. Top the pimento cheese with the drained solid white albacore tuna, spreading it across the tortilla so each bite will have tuna.
3. Sprinkle the chopped black olives over the tuna for a bit of texture and flavor contrast.
4. Starting at one edge, roll the tortilla tightly but carefully so it does not tear.
5. Slice the roll into 1/3 to 1/2-inch wide rounds for pinwheels, or leave whole for a handheld snack.
6. Serve immediately or wrap and refrigerate for a quick snack later. These are great for after-school hunger or a simple lunch.