Healthy Greek Gyro Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest gyro? ›

Traditional gyro meat combines beef and lamb, which can be higher in fat, particularly saturated fat. For a leaner option, chicken or turkey gyro can be chosen. These poultry choices offer a lower fat content, making them a healthier alternative without compromising taste.

Gyros is a well-balanced meal that includes a variety of essential nutrients. Depending on the meat used, Gyros can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. The meat is usually marinated in Greek herbs and spices, which not only enhances its flavor but also offers numerous health benefits.

Generally it is pork gyro meat, tzatziki, tomato wedges, thin strips of red onion, and french fries all wrapped up in a piece of pita bread. There's a lot of variations, and the idea of a “traditional” gyro is up for debate.

Gyros are a delicious sandwich for lunch or dinner, with spiced, grilled meat topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and a flavorful tzatziki sauce. You can find tzatziki in the refrigerated condiment section of the grocery store or make your own using Greek yogurt, sour cream, cucumber, and fresh dill.

Gyro meat, traditionally made with a mixture of ground meat (often lamb or beef), fat, and seasonings, tends to be higher in saturated fat. However, if made with leaner meats and in moderation, it can still be a part of a balanced diet.

Typical gyro meat contains a lot of protein, carrying around 25 grams of it in a serving. Gyros are a healthy option because they can make you feel full even when you consume a small amount. Plus, so many vitamins and minerals make gyro meat a healthy dish that is capable of maintaining the body's energy.

Since these gyros are made with lean pork tenderloin or skinless chicken breasts, they make for a low-calorie meal. This makes them perfect for anyone wishing to not add more inches to their waistline or people trying to lose a few pounds. The gyros are topped with a tzatziki sauce made with plain yogurt.

The chicken portion contains 21 grams of protein, less than the lamb's 26 grams. However, the chicken only has 5 grams of fat and 1.9 grams of saturated fat. The lamb's 11 grams of fat more than doubles that number, and the latter meat is also high in saturated fat.

Conclusion. Tzatziki is not only a tasty, multi-use sauce, it's also a smart food pick. Its blend of yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs delivers key nutrients, which are proposed to support heart health, gut health, and may even lower diabetes risk.

In the United States, gyro meat is often ground beef, but in Greece, it's a blend of lamb and beef. Tzatziki sauce is a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment that adds a pop of freshness to the sandwich. Traditional gyro meat is cooked on a vertical spit, then sliced off.

How do you cut tomatoes for a gyro? ›

Slice the tomatoes into thin wedges. Optional - sprinkle with salt. Slice olives in half - optional, they're fine whole and you save a step. Scoop out peperoncini peppers.

With this diet, you are encouraged to eat meats high in protein, such as lamb, beef, chicken, pork, and eggs, among others. You should also consume foods rich in fats, such as avocado, nuts, and seeds, and olive oil, to name a few.

Beef flank steak: While traditional gyros are made with lamb, beef is a wonderful, crowd-pleasing alternative. Cucumber: Peel, grate, and strain this before incorporating into your tzatziki sauce so the condiment doesn't get too watery.

Gyro is savory with a hint of sweetness and garlic, while Shawarma has a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the marinade. To add flavor and texture, both dishes can be topped with various sauces, pickles, and vegetables. The main difference between shawarma and gyro is the type of meat used.

Dietary Protein Benefits

Gyro meat is a valuable addition to your diet because of its rich protein content that supports immune system functionality, muscle maintenance, and satiety.

Traditionally, the gyro is made with lamb, which provides a rich, robust taste. However, modern variations often incorporate a blend of lamb and beef. These meats are excellent sources of protein, which plays a vital role in building and repairing tissues, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting satiety.

Contrary to popular belief, authentic Greek gyros are NOT processed meat. Traditionally, gyros are made from slices of marinated chicken, or lamb, stacked on a vertical rotisserie, and slow-cooked to perfection.