Transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Athens with these incredible Turkey Gyros that bring all the Mediterranean flavors you love right to your kitchen. This healthier take on the traditional Greek favorite uses lean ground turkey seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, then served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. The turkey stays juicy and flavorful while being lighter than the classic lamb or beef versions. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, these gyros deliver authentic Greek taste with the convenience of cooking at home.
Serves: 4-6 people (makes 6 gyros)
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the turkey mixture:
- 2 pounds ground turkey (85% lean)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 large cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt to taste
For serving:
- 6 pita breads
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh lettuce leaves
Making the Perfect Tzatziki
Start with the tzatziki sauce since it tastes better when the flavors have time to blend. Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is important to prevent watery tzatziki.
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Mix well and season with salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the turkey.
Preparing the Turkey
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with the diced onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat.
Add the olive oil and lemon juice, mixing gently until just incorporated. The mixture should hold together but not feel dense or packed.
Cooking the Turkey
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey mixture, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is completely cooked through and nicely browned.
The turkey should be crumbly but moist, with a golden-brown color and fragrant aroma from all the spices. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Warming the Pita
While the turkey finishes cooking, warm the pita breads. You can do this by wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30 seconds, or by heating them individually in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
Keep the warmed pitas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay soft and pliable.
Building Your Gyros
Lay a warm pita bread flat on your work surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce down the center of the pita.
Add a generous portion of the cooked turkey mixture on top of the sauce. Layer on tomato slices, red onion, cucumber slices, and lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
The Perfect Wrap
Fold the bottom edge of the pita up slightly, then fold one side over the filling. Roll tightly from that side to create a neat package. The bottom fold helps prevent the filling from falling out.
Repeat with the remaining pitas and ingredients.
Serving Your Greek Creation
Serve the gyros immediately while the pita is still warm and the turkey is hot. Provide extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
These gyros pair beautifully with Greek-style roasted potatoes, a simple Greek salad, or crispy pita chips.
Make-Ahead Tips
The tzatziki sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve with time.
The seasoned turkey mixture can be prepared and cooked earlier in the day, then gently reheated when ready to serve. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems dry when reheating.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftover cooked turkey in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes excellent filling for salads, grain bowls, or quick pita pockets for lunch.
The tzatziki will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and is delicious with grilled vegetables, as a dip for fresh vegetables, or spread on sandwiches.
Why Turkey Works So Well
Turkey provides a leaner alternative to traditional gyro meats while still delivering plenty of protein and flavor. The blend of Mediterranean spices gives the turkey an authentic taste that rivals any Greek restaurant.
These Turkey Gyros prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. Every bite delivers the satisfaction of authentic Greek flavors with the added benefit of being lighter and more nutritious than the original.
