Vegetarian Grilled Gyros Recipe
Gyros are a traditional Greek dish typically featuring grilled meats such as lamb, beef, or pork, seasoned with Greek spices, and served wrapped in warm pita bread. This vegetarian take on the classic recipe replaces the meat with a medley of perfectly grilled vegetables, including zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant, all infused with a flavorful olive oil and garlic marinade. Served with creamy Tzatziki sauce, these gyros are a delicious and wholesome alternative for vegetarians. For this recipe, I’ve used tortillas instead of pita bread for convenience, but feel free to use pita for an authentic touch!
Recipe Details
| Cuisine | Greek |
|---|---|
| Course | Appetizer |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mini Pita Breads (or tortillas) | 6 |
| Tzatziki (or hummus) | ½ cup |
| Eggplant (Brinjal) | 1, cut into thin strips |
| Green Zucchini | 1, cut into thin strips |
| Yellow Zucchini | 1, cut into thin strips |
| Green Bell Pepper | 1, cut into thin strips |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1, cut into thin strips |
| Yellow Bell Pepper | 1, cut into thin strips |
| Button Mushrooms (or Portabella) | 1 cup, sliced |
| Tomatoes | 2, sliced lengthwise |
| Red Onion | 1, sliced |
| Cucumber | 1, sliced |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 5 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | Juice of 1 lemon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% of DV |
| Vitamin C | 35% of DV |
*DV: Daily Value, based on a 2000-calorie diet.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber as directed.
-
Make the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Add all the sliced vegetables (except cucumber, onion, and tomato) to the bowl and toss them gently to coat evenly.
- Allow the vegetables to marinate for 15–20 minutes while you preheat the grill.
-
Grill the Vegetables
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Arrange the marinated vegetables in a single layer on the grill.
- Grill for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 2–3 minutes. Adjust the cooking time for tender vegetables like zucchini to avoid overcooking or charring.
- Once cooked, transfer the vegetables to a platter and set aside.
-
Warm the Pita Bread
- Place each pita bread or tortilla on the grill for about 1 minute on each side until warm and slightly toasted.
-
Assemble the Gyros
- Spread a generous spoonful of Tzatziki sauce (or hummus) over the center of each pita bread.
- Layer the grilled vegetables, fresh cucumber slices, tomato slices, and red onion over the sauce.
- Fold the sides of the pita inward, then fold up the bottom to create a snug wrap. For easy handling, wrap the bottom half in aluminum foil.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Vegetarian Grilled Gyros immediately with additional Tzatziki or hummus on the side.
- Pair them with accompaniments like Ginger Walnut Chutney, Baked Potato Thyme Rolls, or a simple green salad for a delightful meal.
Cooking Tips
- If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or oven broiler works perfectly for grilling the vegetables.
- Experiment with different vegetables like asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.
- For a vegan version, substitute the Tzatziki sauce with a plant-based yogurt alternative or a tahini drizzle.
This Vegetarian Grilled Gyros recipe is perfect for appetizers, light dinners, or even casual get-togethers. Bursting with bold Greek flavors, it’s a delightful and healthy way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine!
