Introduction: Vegan Gyros are a fantastic plant-based twist on the classic Greek street food. Traditionally made with seasoned meat, vegan gyros use flavorful, marinated ingredients like mushrooms, jackfruit, or tofu to recreate the deliciously spiced filling. Wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and dairy-free tzatziki sauce, these gyros are packed with Mediterranean flavors, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s 100% vegan. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, this recipe is a must-try for those craving a comforting, flavorful, and filling vegan dish.

Ingredients:

For the Vegan Gyro Filling:

  • 2 cups oyster mushrooms or jackfruit (pulled or sliced for a “meaty” texture)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

For the Dairy-Free Tzatziki Sauce:

  • ½ cup coconut yogurt or any unsweetened non-dairy yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated cucumber, squeezed to remove excess water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembling the Gyros:

  • 4-5 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • ¼ cup sliced cucumbers
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegan Gyro Filling:
    • If using jackfruit, drain and rinse it well, then pull apart with a fork to create a shredded, “meaty” texture. If using mushrooms, slice them thinly.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a marinade.
    • Add the jackfruit or mushrooms to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors (or up to a few hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
  2. Cook the Gyro Filling:
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated jackfruit or mushrooms.
    • Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms or jackfruit are browned and crispy around the edges.
  3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, combine the coconut yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thicker consistency, you can let the sauce sit in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.
  4. Assemble the Gyros:
    • Warm the pita bread or flatbread in a skillet or oven until soft and pliable.
    • Lay the bread on a clean surface and start by spreading a spoonful of tzatziki sauce down the center.
    • Add a generous portion of the vegan gyro filling, followed by shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
  5. Wrap and Serve:
    • Gently fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap. Serve immediately with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
  6. Optional Toppings and Variations:
    • Feel free to add other toppings such as olives, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese for added Mediterranean flair.
    • To make a spicier gyro, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the filling before wrapping.
  7. Storage Tips:
    • If you have leftovers, store the vegan gyro filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Tzatziki sauce can be stored separately for up to a week. Reassemble fresh gyros as needed.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 280
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Vitamin A: 8% of the daily recommended intake
  • Vitamin C: 12% of the daily recommended intake
  • Calcium: 6% of the daily recommended intake
  • Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake

WW SmartPoints (Per Gyro):

Each gyro has approximately 6 SmartPoints on the Weight Watchers program, making it a satisfying yet point-friendly meal option.

This vegan gyro recipe is a versatile, delicious alternative to traditional meat-based gyros, offering all the Mediterranean-inspired flavor and texture in a plant-based package. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or weekend gathering, these gyros are sure to satisfy everyone at the table—whether vegan or not!