Savory Ground Turkey Gyros with Tzatziki and Pita

Instructions

1. Make the salsa. In a large bowl combine quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber and diced red onion. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss gently and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the meat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced red onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add 1 pound ground turkey (or lamb/beef if you prefer) and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease, then stir in oregano, kosher salt, black pepper and sun-dried tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer 3–5 minutes so the flavors combine.
3. Warm and assemble. Warm pita breads briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Fill each pita with seasoned meat, top with cucumber tomato salsa, feta crumbles, chopped fresh mint, a squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.

What is the difference between gyro and pita?

Gyro refers to the seasoned meat, traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced thin. Pita is the flat, pocket-style bread used to hold the meat and toppings. A gyro is commonly served inside pita bread as a gyro pita, wrap or sandwich.

More easy weeknight meals

If you like quick, flavorful dinners, try other fast recipes that come together in under 30 minutes. Here are five favorites to keep on rotation:

• One Pot Buffalo Taco Spaghetti – a playful mash-up combining taco seasoning and buffalo sauce with spaghetti for a cheesy, spicy weeknight hit.
• Spicy Vegetable Pad Thai – a quick, vibrant vegetarian stir-fry ready in about 15 minutes and perfect when you want takeout-style flavors at home.
• Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Penne – a creamy, comforting pasta that’s been a popular recipe for years and always satisfies.
• Veggie Fajita Rice Bowls – a fast, vegan dinner built from sautéed peppers and onions served over rice for a healthy Meatless Monday option.
• Korean BBQ Beef – easy, savory thin-sliced beef with a sticky-sweet marinade served over rice or in lettuce wraps.

Servings: 6 gyros

Prep Time: 14 minutes · Cook Time: 15 minutes · Total Time: 29 minutes

Author: Whitney Bond

Cucumber Tomato Salsa

1. Combine the cherry tomatoes, diced red onion and diced cucumber in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, black pepper and kosher salt in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss to combine and set aside so the flavors develop while you cook the meat.

Greek Turkey Tacos

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced red onion and cook 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Stir in oregano, black pepper, kosher salt and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
5. Warm pita breads briefly in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each pita with cooked meat, top with cucumber tomato salsa, feta, chopped mint and tzatziki. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the gyros.