This falafel gyro recipe with tzatziki is makes an easy Greek-inspired meal. Falafel gyros are made with chickpea patties, tomato, red onions, lettuce, and a creamy yogurt-based tzatziki sauce wrapped in pita bread. You could also add ingredients like tahini lemon sauce, pickles, or olives to customize your Mediterranean meal. The whole family will love this falafel gyros recipe for dinner!
What is falafel gyro? A gyro, also known as a doner kebab, is a Greek or Middle Eastern dish that typically consists of roasted or grilled meat (traditionally beef, lamb, or chicken) sliced thinly and served in a pita bread with various toppings and sauces. The meat is usually cooked on a vertical rotisserie, allowing it to cook and develop a delicious flavor.
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs, spices, and onions. The mixture is formed into small balls or patties and then deep-fried until they become crispy on the outside and have a soft, flavorful interior.
When you combine falafel and gyro, you get a falafel gyro. Instead of using meat as the main filling, falafel is used as a vegetarian substitute. It means that the falafel balls or patties are placed inside a pita bread, along with traditional gyro toppings such as tzatziki sauce (yogurt and cucumber sauce). Let’s make it!
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🥙 Falafel Gyro Recipe
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make falafel gyros. (This recipe makes 4 gyro sandwiches.)
Falafel Gyro Ingredients
- Falafel, cooked (I used 3 small falafels per gyro)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- Spring mix lettuce
- ½ cup tzatziki sauce
- 4 pita bread, warmed
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
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I used air fried frozen falafel for this recipe. You could also use a falafel mix (Trader Joe’s has a good one) or make homemade falafel from scratch with dried chickpeas or canned chickpeas.
Falafel Gyros Recipe
- Cook the falafel until golden brown according to package or recipe directions.
- To warm the pita bread, place them in a stack on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds on high (or until soft and pliable).
- To make pita gyros, place the pita on a plate. Layer on the lettuce, tomato, onion, falafel, and tzatziki. Roll the gyro up and enjoy! Keeping the bottom of the gyro secured with foil or parchment paper makes eating it easier.
You’re using about 2 tablespoons of tzatziki per sandwich. You can thin the tzatziki with a little milk if it’s too thick to drizzle.
➕ Falafel Gyro Toppings
Falafel gyro toppings can vary depending on personal preferences and regional variations. Here are some other toppings you might find in a falafel gyro:
- Feta cheese
- Hummus
- Tahini sauce
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Pickles (such as pink pickled turnips)
- Chopped cucumbers
- Olives
- Hot sauce
- Fresh herbs (e.g., fresh parsley, fresh dill, cilantro, mint)
- Portobello mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper
If you don’t want a sandwich or wrap, you can turn these ingredients into a falafel salad or grain bowl instead. So many possibilities!
🌡️ How to Store Chickpea Gyros
Store cooked falafels for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Cooked falafel also freezes well. You can make the falafel ahead and reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds for a fast meal.
Don’t assemble the falafel gyros until right before eating. The wraps will get soggy if allowed to sit around for too long.
FAQs
Greek falafel is typically a mixture of ground chickpeas or fava beans, onions, garlic, herbs (such as parsley and coriander), and spices (like cumin and coriander). The mixture is formed into balls or patties and then deep-fried until crispy on the outside.
Mediterranean falafel is similar to Greek falafel and has similar ingredients. It commonly includes ground chickpeas or fava beans, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. The mixture is shaped into balls or patties and fried until golden and crispy.
The main difference between a gyro and shawarma lies in the cultural origin and seasoning. A gyro is a Greek dish of meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and typically seasoned with Mediterranean flavors. Shawarma, on the other hand, is a Middle Eastern dish of thinly sliced meat (often lamb, chicken, or beef).
Most falafel is vegan, so if you use vegan tzatziki sauce and vegan flatbread, you’ll have a vegan falafel gyro. However, it's always a good idea to double-check the specific ingredients used, as variations can exist.
This falafel gyro recipe has 479 calories, 69 grams net carbs (75.9 grams total carbohydrates), and 14.4 grams protein per serving. Exact nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
👩🍳 More Greek Recipes
Here are some other Greek-inspired recipes to try:
You may also enjoy this delicious Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma.
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📖 Recipe
Falafel Gyro Recipe (Falafel Gyros with Tzatziki)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package falafel (I used 3 small falafels per gyro)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- spring mix lettuce
- ½ cup tzatziki
- 4 pita bread
Instructions
- Cook the falafel until golden brown according to package directions.
- To warm the pita bread, place them in a stack on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds on high (or until soft and pliable).
- To make pita gyros, place the pita on a plate. Layer on the lettuce, tomato, onion, falafel, and tzatziki. Roll the gyro up and enjoy.
Video
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
This is a level 2 recipe (transition or weight maintenance). Are falafel gyros healthy? Ultimately, the overall healthiness of a falafel gyro depends on the ingredients, cooking methods, portion sizes, and your needs. It can be a nutritious and satisfying choice when made with wholesome ingredients and consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are some factors to consider for a healthy meal:- Nutrient-rich: Falafel itself is a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It contains ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices, which offer nutritional benefits.
- Cooking method: Opt for falafel that is baked or lightly fried rather than deep-fried, as excessive oil absorption can increase calorie content.
- Toppings and sauces: Choose toppings like fresh vegetables, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which add vitamins and fiber. Use sauces like tahini in moderation, as they can be high in calories and fat.
- Portion size: Pay attention to portion sizes, as larger sandwiches can increase calorie intake. Consider sharing or opting for a smaller portion if available.
- Bread choice: Whole wheat or whole grain pita bread provides more fiber and nutrients compared to white pita bread.
- Balanced meal: Pair your falafel gyro with a side salad or vegetable dish to add more variety and nutrition to your meal.
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