Whether celebrating Greek Independence Day or relaxing at home with your family, you’ll enjoy some gyros today.
This quick-cooking meal from Greece has stood the test of time. And it’s still one of the most popular food items in the world today.
However, it’s versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. And that you can make it your unique way every single time!
Just check out our list of side dishes perfect for what to serve with gyros!
1. Tzatziki Sauce
Traditionally, tzatziki sauce is made with cucumbers, garlic, yogurt, and lemon juice. However, modern iterations include chopped dill or crushed mint to add freshness and contrast to the yogurt.
The most crucial ingredient is plain Greek yogurt, which has a thick and tangy consistency when pureed.
The balance of acidity and saltiness in the tzatziki sauce will let you further appreciate the flavors of your gyro.
2. Skordalia (Greek Garlic and Potato Dip)
This is a typical side dish that is served with gyros. Skordalia is a Greek garlic and potato dip that complements the rich flavor of the meat.
Moreso, it’s simple to make: boil potatoes until they are soft. And then, blend them with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt until you reach a paste-like consistency.
However, In Greece, skordalia is usually made using raw garlic, which can be pretty potent. If you don’t like your dish too spicy, add more potatoes or a little water to balance it.
This dish might remind people of the famous Middle Eastern hummus in the US because both contain the same ingredients: tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, salt, and garlic.
3. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
This Middle Eastern dip has been around for centuries and is as popular today as it was back then. A perfect dipping sauce for gyros is what to serve with gyros. Roast the red peppers to get a hint of sweetness and a whole lot of added flavor.
However, here’s how: Place medium-sized red bell peppers on a baking sheet. Then, drizzle them with olive oil, and season them with salt.
Roast at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes until soft and evenly charred. Once roasted, allow the peppers to cool before handling, cut off the tops, and remove the core and seeds.
4. Ful Medames (Egyptian Fava Beans)
Ful medames is a trendy Egyptian dish made from boiled fava beans. It typically consists of mashed fava beans mixed with parsley, garlic, onions, olive oil, and lemon juice.
The mixture is then served over rice or bread. Ful medames can be eaten at any time of the day or evening. And can be accompanied by any other food that is offered.
While it’s most commonly eaten as a side dish. Ful medames can also work as an entrée when topped with vegetables such as chopped onions, tomato sauce, and pickles.
And another way to prepare it would be by adding couscous to the recipe (although rice is also an option). If you’re not feeling creative, add sausage or eggs to the plate for additional protein sources.
5. Greek Salad
This salad is a staple in Greece and makes the perfect accompaniment to any lamb or beef dish. Ingredients include tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, parsley, and feta cheese.
Tomato juice is used as a dressing, and the ingredients are typically sliced very thin to maximize the flavors. This can be eaten with pita bread or alongside a gyro sandwich for added texture.
However, start by cutting up tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, and fresh parsley. Cut them all into small chunks so they fit nicely onto the sides of a plate.
Then, Layer them on top of each other. Cover this stack with pieces of feta cheese and add extra feta crumbles on top if desired.
6. Tabouleh (Tabouli Salad)
Tabouli salad is one of the easiest side dishes to prepare. It is a refreshing, light dish that tastes just as good in the winter as in the summer.
Therefore, chop up some fresh veggies if you’re feeling lazy or busy cooking. And mix a homemade dressing (recipe for making your tabouli salad dressing below).
Then, Combine these with cracked wheat and toss in some parsley or mint leaves if you have them. Alternatively, you can use couscous instead of cracked wheat.
7. Grilled Zucchini Salad
The humble grilled zucchini is versatile, inexpensive, and delicious. Thinly slice zucchini and then coat it with oil, salt, and pepper. Grill it until browned and crispy on both sides.
However, top the vegetables with thinly sliced lemon and generous olive oil. Add salt to taste. Zucchini is what to serve with gyros for a satisfying side dish that complements the spiced lamb pita well.
8. Mediterranean Bean Salad
You can serve this dish in a bowl or on a plate, and it also keeps well for a few days. So make it ahead of time for an easy side dish for what to serve with gyros.
Add brown rice and diced chicken breast if you want to make it more of a meal. Also, great northern beans were drained and rinsed. And medium cucumber, peeled and diced.
Salt, Fresh ground black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Then red wine vinegar and chopped fresh mint leave.
9. Roasted Broccoli Salad
A side dish is a key to any successful meal, and choosing what to serve with gyros can be tricky. Some side dishes are healthy and nutritious, like this roasted broccoli salad.
However, others might complement the texture of your gyros (but not so much the taste), like french fries or coleslaw. Lastly, some make an excellent complementary taste with this particular dish.
10. Greek Fries
Perfect for pairing with a hearty Mediterranean dish like a gyro. This simple take on french fries is sure to be a hit. Slice regular potatoes into thin strips, and soak them in cold water for one hour.
And then, soak them in a bowl of ice water. Toss the potatoes with salt and then fry them until they are light golden brown.
Also, drain any excess oil and put the fries on paper towels to absorb the extra fat. These fries will have an authentic taste thanks to the technique of soaking potatoes before frying.
Therefore, this method soaks up any excess moisture from within the potato before it goes into the hot frying oil. That is producing crispy french fries without much fat or battering.
11. Sweet Potatoes Fries
Sweet potatoes are a healthful and satisfying side dish that is what to serve with gyros. Just peel and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds before tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. And paprika for about 20 minutes at 375°F.
When done, the fries turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with shredded Cheddar cheese if desired. This side dish can also be made with butternut squash or parsnips.
12. Greek Fried Zucchini Chips
Zucchini is a tasty and healthy vegetable making the perfect side dish for serving with gyros. The golden crust combined with the refreshing zucchini flavor makes for a delicious complement to spinners.
All you need are salt, pepper, olive oil, and grated parmesan cheese. Moreso, you may like to slice zucchini into chips.
But if you don’t want to fry them, feel free to use a mandolin or another slicing machine. Now let’s whip up these crispy fries in a tiny bowl. Combine grated parmesan cheese and salt.
13. Greek Tomato Fritters
Some people love them, and some people hate them. But with a name like fritters, you know they’re coming fried.
However, Greek tomato fritters are an excellent way to freshen your plate. And then serve something alongside the gyro without making it the focus of the meal.
Unlike most french fries, these tomatoes are peeled before being dredged in batter and cooked until golden brown.
Moreso, traditionally served with fresh lemon juice and feta cheese on top. Greek tomato fritters make for an exciting combo that is uniquely Mediterranean.
Add whatever other condiments you might want–sliced radishes or cucumbers, hummus, tzatziki sauce–and enjoy!
14. Greek Tomato Orzo Soup
As mentioned in the recipe for gyros, greek tomato orzo soup is the perfect dish to complement your gyro. The soups are both Mediterranean dishes and come from similar culinary histories.
However, most grocery stores can obtain ingredients for greek tomato orzo soup, which includes chickpeas, brown rice, tomatoes, carrots, onion, basil leaves, garlic cloves, and vegetable broth. This delicious soup also requires lemon juice and olive oil (optional).
Moreover, Chickpeas are a great addition to any meal because they provide protein, while barley offers fiber. And together, they create a nutrient-rich and filling meal.
Also, garlic provides necessary antioxidants to help promote good health. And it also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that can alleviate arthritis symptoms like joint pain.
15. Bamies (Greek Okra Stew)
My favorite way to enjoy bamies is with lamb chops or gyros, and I always cook the tomatoes a little before making them. So they are not too chunky and juicy, which takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it.
However, I simmer them in water for 30 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients and cooking for another 45 minutes.
When the bamies are finished cooking, I taste them and add salt if needed. (For more about how to make bamies click here.)
Moreso, the flavors in this dish work well with what to serve with gyros because both have rich tomato sauce bases.
Therefore, if you like garlic, then feel free to add some cloves when browning your onion. That would make this a perfect side dish for any Greek-inspired meal!
16. Gigantes (Greek Lima Beans)
Gigantes is a Greek side dish made with lima beans and rice, onions, garlic, and olive oil. If you’re unfamiliar with the term Gigantes, it comes from the Greek word gigas, which means giant.
However, Gigantes are considered among Greece’s most traditional dishes because they have been eaten since ancient times in many parts of Greece.
Moreso, I like to serve Gigantes when I prepare some traditional Greek food. Or as a complement to a gyro sandwich, like what you would find at King of Falafel & Shawarma or Shawarma Stop.
17. Briam (Greek Roasted Vegetables)
Briam is a traditional Greek dish that can be served with gyros or on its own. It consists of boiled eggplant, zucchini, green beans, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes.
The vegetables are placed in an oven-safe dish with onions and oil and roasted until they’re soft and caramelized.
Finally, they are seasoned with salt and oregano. Briam tastes excellent served hot or cold on its own or as a topping for gyros. Add freshness and crunch to the meat pita sandwich.
18. Greek Lemon Potatoes
What’s the best way to serve up a delicious, traditional gyro? Some think a Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment, while others might prefer french fries.
Also, why not try these Greek Lemon Potatoes for some added crunch? They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
19. Furmint
This lighter and less sweet version of Riesling grapes complements the savory flavors of grilled meat. We recommend it with chicken or lamb, but also gyros! Use this dish as an introduction to explore a range of other wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Therefore, if you find yourself making it for dinner and having some leftovers, these are delicious sandwiches on pita bread with tzatziki sauce made from Furmint’s favorite sister, Gewürztraminer.
Conclusion
Now that you know a little bit more about what to serve with gyros and what they taste like. It’s time to learn how to serve them. While there is no one right way to serve gyros, these lists of what to serve with gyros easily make your guests bite their fingers.
