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    Home » Europe » Sides for Gyros – 31 Delicious Ideas!

    Sides for Gyros – 31 Delicious Ideas!

    Published on Sep 19, 2022 Modified: Sep 19, 2022 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Greek gyros are a popular street vendor dish full of veggies and protein, but if you plan to serve them at home, here you can find 31 recipes to serve alongside your delicious dinner!

    A gyro sitting on a plate with a side of tzatziki sauce in a small bowl.

    There are few things better than a warm pita stuffed with thin slices of juicy meat, flavorful onion, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and creamy tzatziki. The gyro is a staple at most Mediterranean restaurants and is so delicious in its simplicity. It has become a favorite of many street cart vendors in large cities across the U.S. and Greece.

    If you’ve ever had a truly great gyro you know there’s something nostalgic about grabbing a quick meal from a street vendor and eating outdoors as you’re on the move or exploring a new part of the world. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular option.

    The combination of flavors wrapped up in a soft flatbread is so satisfying and filling all by itself as a quick lunch. However, it can also be served at the center of a Mediterranean feast as it goes well with all the best side dishes from Greece.  

    If you’ve decided to bring the delicious flavor of a gyro home but are stumped about what to serve along with it, I have plenty of ideas! From Greek-style pilaf to pasta salad or homemade tzatziki, read on to find a number of delicious side dishes to choose from to make a complete Greek meal.

    Jump to:
    • FAQs about Gyros
    • Favorite Gyro Recipes
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Serve with Gyros
    • Sides for Gyros
    • Moussaka Recipe
    • Fried Feta Cheese
    • Spinach Pie Recipe
    • Easy Tzatziki Sauce
    • Fries
    • Avocado Salad Recipe
    • Vermicelli Rice
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Quinoa Salad
    • German Potato Salad
    • Green Goddess Salad
    • Instant Pot Pasta Salad
    • Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges
    • Pistachio Baklava
    • Loukoumades
    • Greek Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
    • Lemon Basil Rice
    • Bean Salad
    • Lemon Dill Hummus
    • Roasted Tomato Hummus
    • Air Fryer Tomatoes
    • Greek Pita Bread
    • Loaded Greek Fries
    • Garlic Dipping Sauce
    • Grilled Halloumi
    • Greek Style Potato Wedges
    • Greek Orzo Salad
    • Seared Halloumi with Tomato and Fresh Herbs
    • Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
    • Melitzanosalata
    • Homemade Spicy Pita Chips

    FAQs about Gyros

    Gyro meat cut into slices on a cutting board.
    What are Gyros Made Of?

    The protein inside a Greek gyro is traditionally made with a combination of beef and lamb meat but there are plenty of varieties and each is wonderful. 

    You could make this easy meal with lamb, beef, pork, chicken, sausage or even vegetarian options. All of these options make for delicious gyros when combined with the other staple ingredients of tomatoes, onion, lettuce and tzatziki.

    Can You Make a Gyro Vegetarian?

    Yes! Gyros are known for their juicy meat, but you can replace the meat with hummus, roasted chickpeas, fried eggplant, mushrooms or even grilled zucchini.

    How is Gyro Pronounced?

    Some people try to pronounce “gyro” by pronouncing the  “g” like “giraffe” and the Y as an “eye” sound. 

    The true pronunciation makes the “g” silent and the “y” into a “yee”–”Yee-roh” or “Year-oh”. If you can roll the “r” a bit, that’s correct.

    Is a Gyro Really Greek?

    The history of the gyro is a little bit unknown. Greeks are credited with creating the first gyros, with some inspiration from Turkey and the Middle East. When American tourists began to discover the dish, they brought it home and began to mass produce it in New York some time in the 70s. 

    Gyro in Greek means “to turn”, which makes sense because traditional gyro meat is packed onto a large, rotating skewer or spit and cooked vertically over high heat on a rotisserie grill. Many cooks will place a piece of fat or grease at the top of the skewer, sending grease down the entire cone as the meat cooks to keep it moist and juicy and add flavor. When a sandwich is ordered, the gyros meat is sliced off in thin pieces, directly onto a soft pita. 

    It’s still a popular dish in Greece and can be found in street vendor carts in large cities there like Athens. A similar dish, called a doner, can be found in the neighboring country of Turkey. The gyro is essentially Greek fast food.

    What is the Difference Between Gyro and Shawarma?

    Many people confuse gyros with Shawarma as both are popular street vendor dishes. Shawarma is from Turkey and is usually made with lamb, turkey or chicken, where gyros are more commonly made with beef, lamb or pork. 

    The two dishes are also seasoned with different seasonings and Shawarma may be wrapped in a thin flatbread while gyros are wrapped in a slightly thicker kind of bread called a pita. Shawarma is usually paired with salad and pickles while gyros are packed with tomatoes, onion, lettuce and creamy tzatziki sauce. 

    While the dishes are not the same–both are delicious in their own way!

    Can You Store Gyros?

    Yes! Although, I would recommend storing each of the ingredients for your gyro separately to make reheating easier. You can pre-cook the meat and pre-slice all your toppings and store each in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just heat up the meat and your pita bread and assemble. 

    You can even freeze leftover gyro meat for up to three months. 

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    Favorite Gyro Recipes

    Cast iron pan showing slices of gyro meat.
    • My gyro recipe combines beef and lamb meat in a loaf to make the traditional meat easier to make at home.
    • This Instant Pot gyro recipe from 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking allows you to have gyros on the table in about 30 minutes.
    • Chicken gyros are a great option if you don’t want to use lamb and beef.
    • If you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian option, try this Roasted Chickpea Gyro from Live Eat Learn. 

    Expert Tips

    • While you may not have a rotisserie grill to cook your meat on, you can still make gyros at home. I like to cook the meat in a loaf, slice off a thin slice and then brown both sides to give it as much crispy flavor as possible.
    • Homemade tzatziki made with fresh dill and fresh herbs is so easy to make and worth the effort to make the creamy sauce fresh.
    • Warming up your pita bread slightly will make it soft and flexible. If you buy your pita bread from the store, try toasting it for a few seconds or warming it up in a damp paper towel in the microwave for the best texture.
    • I had the opportunity to have a gyro in Greece once and saw that many gyros are served with French fries as a topping. Don’t be afraid to add a few fries on top of your gyro for a delicious, salty addition.
    • National Gyro Day is September 1. That makes September the perfect month to try making gyros at home!

    What to Serve with Gyros

    Protein: Ground lamb, ground beef, ground pork, cooked chicken, roasted chickpeas, ground chickpeas

    Toppings: Fresh tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, hummus, french fries, tzatziki, red onion, lettuce, kalamata olives, olive oil, green peppers, red bell peppers

    Sides: French fries, turmeric rice, Greek lemon potatoes, Greek style rice pilaf, hummus, potato chips, grilled zucchini, greek tomato soup, roasted brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, Greek fries, fried feta, onion rings

    Salads: Greek salad, orzo salad, bean salad, marouli salad, tabouleh, grilled zucchini salad, potato salad

    Drinks: Beer, wine

    Desserts: Baklava

    Sides for Gyros

    Moussaka Recipe

    A plate of Moussaka sitting in front of glasses of wine and a pan of moussaka with fork sitting in front of it.
    This Classic Moussaka Recipe is a rich, meaty casserole made up of eggplant, potatoes, meat sauce and topped with creamy bechamel sauce. It’s the perfect Greek comfort food dish!
    Read More

    Fried Feta Cheese

    Fried feta in a cast iron skillet topped with honey next to pita chips.
    This 5-Minute appetizer is the BEST way to enjoy a quick taste of Greece! This feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, cooked in olive oil, and then drizzled with honey and sesame seeds will impress anyone you serve it to. Enjoy it with pita chips, tomatoes, or even by itself.
    Read More

    Spinach Pie Recipe

    A piece of spanakopita on a stack of plates with a fork next to it.
    Spinach mixes with feta cheese, cream cheese, and cottage cheese and then is layered amongst crispy layers of phyllo dough for the most decadent Spinach Pie Recipe you’ve ever tasted. This dish is creamy, decadent, and oh so delicious!
    Read More

    Easy Tzatziki Sauce

    Tzatziki sauce in a small bowl, surrounded by pita bread and topped with olive oil and dill.
    Whether you’re serving it on gyros, eating it with pita, or enjoying it with veggies, you’ll love this Greek dip! Made with greek yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic, Greek Tzatziki Sauce is light, fresh, and versatile.
    Read More

    Fries

    Fries with Andalouse Dipping Sauce
    Belgian Frites are soft on the inside, impossibly crispy on the outside, and so crunchy you can hear each bite from across the room. There’s a secret to making fries this delicious!
    Read More

    Avocado Salad Recipe

    bowl of avocado salad
    This Avocado Salad Recipe with Peanuts is absolutely delicious! The contrasting flavors ignite your tastebuds and keep your mouth craving more! Plus, those peanuts add a little crunch. Try this recipe on its own, with chips, or as a side for fish.
    Read More

    Vermicelli Rice

    Top view of a bowl of vermicelli rice with a serving spoon resting in it.
    This Armenian dish with Vermicelli rice can be thrown together with ingredients that I almost guarantee are already in your pantry. Rice and pasta are browned in butter then covered in chicken stock and left to simmer for 15 minutes. A taste of Armenia has never been so easy!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    A baked sweet potato topped with pecans and cranberries with parsley on the side.
    This post will teach you How to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot, one of the very best side dishes! These Sweet Potatoes are smooth and soft and the perfect hands-off recipe.
    Read More

    Quinoa Salad

    Quinoa salad in a glass bowl mixed with red onions, cheese, and chickpeas.
    This Quinoa Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Feta Cheese is a blend of pure deliciousness. This superfood makes an awesome base to a salad topped with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It is healthy and perfect as either a side dish or a main course!
    Read More

    German Potato Salad

    German Potato salad with red onions, fresh herbs, dressing, and golden potatoes.
    Potatoes are mixed with cut up onions, bacon, and herbs and then covered in a vinegar-based dressing. Serve this alongside sausage for a great German meal!
    Read More

    Green Goddess Salad

    Bowl of freshly prepared green goddess salad.
    This Green Goddess Salad Recipe is light and fresh and chock full of healthy produce. The fresh olive oil and vinegar drizzled over the top forms a healthy dressing that goes so well with the crunchy pistachios.
    Read More

    Instant Pot Pasta Salad

    Instant Pot Pasta Salad with rotini noodles, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, salami, and bell peppers.
    This Instant Pot Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is delightful! It has so much built-in flavor from the rotini being cooked in Italian Dressing. The pasta salad is then stocked full of salami, feta cheese, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Did someone say picnic?!
    Read More

    Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges

    Garlic parmesan baked potato wedges in a small plate with a side of ketchup sauce.

    I’m so in love with this truly crispy garlic Parmesan baked potato wedges recipe (from Curry Trail). They are so delicious. Reminds me of the kind you get in KFC but only much better than KFC wedges. 

    Read More

    Pistachio Baklava

    Pistachio and walnut baklava cut into triangles on a white plate.
    Layers of crispy phyllo dough, a delightful, cinnamon-y filling, all coated in a honey syrup. This Pistachio Baklava is a great twist on a classic, with a blend of walnuts and pistachios for the filling.
    Read More

    Loukoumades

    loukoumades with honey
    Loukoumades are a delightful dessert from Cyprus and Greece. They are fried donuts coated in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts.
    Read More

    Greek Salad with Feta Vinaigrette

    Greek salad in a bowl topped with a feta vinaigrette.

    Everyone loves a big fat Greek salad (from The Healthy Epicurean). This one is just like you get at a restaurant! It features crisp romaine lettuce with cucumbers, tomato, kalamata olives, green pepper, loads of feta cheese and the BEST feta dressing with olive oil and oregano.

    Read More

    Lemon Basil Rice

    Lemon basil rice garnished with lemon rounds.

    This easy 30-minute Lemon Basil Rice (from Balance with Jess) is perfectly fresh, zesty, and delicious. With star ingredients like butter, fresh basil, lemon juice, and lemon zest, this refreshing side dish pairs well with anything and everything!

    Read More

    Bean Salad

    Bean salad in a bowl.

    Bean Salad (from Glenda Embree) is a powerhouse of fiber, protein and nutrients. Plus, you can mix it up in 10 minutes or less! It’s great for potlucks and even makes a quick and tasty lunch. You can’t go wrong with this simple recipe.

    Read More

    Lemon Dill Hummus

    Lemon dill hummus garnished with fresh dill, whole chickpeas and chips around the bowl.

    Looking for a creative and delicious way to flavor your basic hummus? This Lemon Dill Hummus (from Balance with Jess) is the best answer! It’s ultra creamy and smooth with bright zesty lemon and fresh dill for a fun twist.

    Read More

    Roasted Tomato Hummus

    Roasted tomato hummus in a small bowl.

    Roasted Tomato Hummus (from Chef Savvy) is the perfect appetizer or snack to make during the summer! It’s a great way to use up all of those juicy fresh garden tomatoes! Tomatoes and garlic are roasted until golden brown and soft then blended with a smooth creamy hummus. You will never want traditional hummus after making this roasted tomato hummus recipe!

    Read More

    Air Fryer Tomatoes

    Air fryer tomatoes served on a rectangular platter.

    If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy delicious summer tomatoes without turning on the oven, these air fryer tomatoes (from Two Cloves Kitchen) are for you. Dusted with salt, spices, and garlic, they are savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and maintain their juiciness.

    Read More

    Greek Pita Bread

    Greek pita bread stacked up on top of one another.

    This greek pita bread (from Rich and Delicious) is fluffy, soft, and delicious. After you will make these pitas, you will never want to buy store-bought pita bread.

    Read More

    Loaded Greek Fries

    Top view of loaded Greek fries.

    Loaded Greek Fries (from Recipes From A Pantry) are crispy, salty, and cheesy and loaded with Mediterranean and Greek flavors. This unexpected twist on traditional cheese fries is made in the Air Fryer using less oil, so it’s healthier and just as tasty.

    Read More

    Garlic Dipping Sauce

    Garlic dipping sauce in a bowl with some sweet potato fries laying besides the bowl.

    Make this super simple Garlic Dipping Sauce (from Always Use Butter) in just 5 minutes and have a delicious sauce to dip fries, veggies and bread in. Loaded with garlic flavor!

    Read More

    Grilled Halloumi

    A vibrant bowl of grilled halloumi, juicy watermelon, and fresh mint leaves.
    Grilled Halloumi is a fast, delicious appetizer that is crispy, creamy and absolutely scrumptious! All you need is some halloumi cheese from your local grocery store. Be prepared for a delicious and easy treat perfect for tossing in a salad, serving with a pita or drizzling with honey!
    Read More

    Greek Style Potato Wedges

    Greek style potato wedges in a small metal basket.

    Greek Style potato wedges (from Chili to Choc) that are bursting with flavour of homemade Greek seasoning. They are baked in the oven till golden and crispy. And can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.

    Read More

    Greek Orzo Salad

    A large bowl of Greek orzo salad.

    In this Greek orzo salad recipe (from Joy Food Sunshine), orzo pasta, tomatoes, chickpeas, veggies and fresh herbs are tossed in a delicious homemade dressing for healthy, flavorful side dish. Mediterranean orzo salad is a great dish for a pot luck or barbecue!

    Read More

    Seared Halloumi with Tomato and Fresh Herbs

    Seared halloumi slices on a plate.

    It’s hard to beat crispy cheese. This craveable dish is made from seared Halloumi (from Evergreen Kitchen), piled on top of juicy tomatoes and a fresh herb topping. A crowd pleaser. Serve this halloumi dish on its own, or with cooked grains or greens on the side.

    Read More

    Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings

    Air Fryer Frozen Onion rings laying on parchment paper with a small bowl of dipping sauce.

    These air fryer frozen onion rings (from The Littlest Crumb) make a quick and easy side dish or appetizer that is ready in under 10 minutes. Crispy and golden onion rings that taste like they were deep fried without the calories.

    Read More

    Melitzanosalata

    Melitzanosalata in a bowl with crackers laying around it.

    Melitzanosalata (from Living Lou) is a Greek roasted eggplant dip. It’s simple, and loaded with flavour made by roasting eggplant and blending it with garlic, shallot, lemon juice, vinegar and parsley.

    Read More

    Homemade Spicy Pita Chips

    Homemade spicy pita chips.

    If you’re a sucker for salty snacks like I am, you’ve got to try this Spicy Pita Chips recipe (from Chef Savvy)! They’re incredibly easy to make and so much better than store-bought (cheaper, too!). All you need is four ingredients, and you’ll have crispy, crunchy snack in less than 15 minutes!

    Read More
    A Pinterest image showing a gyro on a phone screen, with text showing "what to serve with gyros - 31 Ideas!"

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