Top 25 Side Dishes that Enhance Your Gyros Experience

The right sides can significantly enhance your gyro experience, from the cooling touch of tzatziki to the crisp bite of pickled red onions.

In this guide, we’ll examine 25 excellent side dishes that are suitable for gyros and cater to various tastes.

Whether you’re a fan of fresh salads, savory dips, or hearty grains, there’s something here for everyone.

Ready to discover the perfect pairings for your next gyro meal? Let’s dive in!

What are the Best Side Dishes to Serve with Gyros?

1. Tzatziki Sauce

• Flavor Profile: Creamy and tangy with a refreshing cucumber and garlic flavor.
• Best Pairings: Essential for gyros, adding a cool and creamy contrast to the spiced meat.
• Preparation or Recipe: Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Pita Bread

• Flavor Profile: Soft and slightly chewy with a mild flavor, perfect for scooping or wrapping.
• Best Pairings: These are ideal for gyros, where they are used to wrap the meat and toppings or as a side for dipping.
• Preparation or Recipe: Warm pita bread in the oven or on a skillet before serving. Cut into triangles for easy dipping.

3. Hummus

• Flavor Profile: Creamy and slightly nutty with a garlicky, lemony taste.
• Best Pairings: Complements gyros by providing a rich, smooth dip or spread.
• Preparation or Recipe: Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth—season with salt and pepper.

4. Greek Salad

• Flavor Profile: Fresh and tangy with crisp vegetables and salty feta cheese.
• Best Pairings: Pairs well with gyros, adding a refreshing and light contrast to the savory meat.
• Preparation or Recipe: Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and oregano.

5. Roasted Vegetables

• Flavor Profile: Savory and slightly caramelized with a tender texture.
• Best Pairings: Complements gyros by adding a flavorful and healthy side.
• Preparation or Recipe: Roast vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions in olive oil, salt, and pepper at 425°F (220°C) until tender and golden.

6. Falafel

• Flavor Profile: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a spiced, herbaceous flavor.
• Best Pairings: Adds a vegetarian option to the meal, providing a crunchy and flavorful side.
• Preparation or Recipe: Blend chickpeas with garlic, onions, parsley, and spices. Form into balls and fry until golden brown.

7. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)

• Flavor Profile: Savory with a hint of tanginess from the grape leaves and a spiced rice filling.
• Best Pairings: Complements gyros as a traditional Mediterranean side.
• Preparation or Recipe: Fill grape leaves with rice, pine nuts, and herbs. Roll tightly and simmer in a lemony broth.

8. Tabbouleh

• Flavor Profile: Fresh and light with a mix of bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and a lemony dressing.
• Best Pairings: Provides a refreshing and herbaceous side that pairs well with the savory flavors of gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Combine cooked bulgur with chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

9. Cucumber Salad

• Flavor Profile: Crisp and refreshing with a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
• Best Pairings: Adds a light, cool contrast to the rich flavors of gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Slice cucumbers and mix with a dressing made from vinegar, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving.

10. Olives

• Flavor Profile: Briny, slightly tangy, and rich, savory.
• Best Pairings: Complements gyros with a salty, flavorful snack or appetizer.
• Preparation or Recipe: Serve a variety of marinated olives as a side dish or appetizer. Choose from green, black, or a mix of varieties.

11. French Fries

• Flavor Profile: Crispy and salty with a soft interior, adding a comforting crunch.
• Best Pairings: Provides a classic, indulgent side that pairs well with gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Cut potatoes into fries, season with salt, and bake or fry until golden and crispy. Serve hot.

12. Spanakopita

• Flavor Profile: Savory with a flaky, buttery crust and a rich spinach and feta filling.
• Best Pairings: Complements gyros with a Mediterranean flair, adding a savory pastry element.
• Preparation or Recipe: Layer phyllo dough with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. Bake until golden and crispy.

13. Feta Cheese

• Flavor Profile: Tangy and creamy with a crumbly texture, adding a salty and rich flavor.
• Best Pairings: Pairs well with gyros, especially when added to salads or served crumbled as a topping.
• Preparation or Recipe: Crumbled feta cheese can be served as a topping for gyros or salads or in dishes like Greek salads.

14. Pickled Red Onions

• Flavor Profile: Tangy and slightly sweet with a crisp texture, offering a bright contrast.
• Best Pairings: Adds a zesty and crunchy element to gyros, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Preparation or Recipe: Slice red onions and pickle in vinegar, sugar, and spices. Let sit for at least an hour before serving.

15. Grilled Corn

• Flavor Profile: Sweet and smoky with a charred flavor, adding a juicy and satisfying side.
• Best Pairings: Complements gyros with a sweet and savory addition.
• Preparation or Recipe: Grill corn on the cob over medium heat, turning occasionally until charred. Brush with butter and season with salt.

16. Panzanella Salad

• Flavor Profile: Fresh and tangy with a mix of toasted bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette.
• Best Pairings: Provides a hearty and refreshing side that pairs well with gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Toss cubes of toasted bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil. Dress with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

17. Marinated Artichokes

• Flavor Profile: Tangy and slightly nutty, with a tender texture from marinating.
• Best Pairings: Adds a flavorful and tangy side that complements the savory gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Marinate artichoke hearts in olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.

18. Rice Pilaf

• Flavor Profile: Fluffy and savory with a mix of aromatic spices and vegetables.
• Best Pairings: Complements gyros by providing a flavorful, grain-based side that pairs well with the meat.
• Preparation or Recipe: Cook rice with onions, garlic, and broth, then stir in vegetables like peas and carrots—season with herbs.

19. Baklava

• Flavor Profile: Sweet and flaky with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey.
• Best Pairings: Provides a rich and indulgent dessert option to finish a gyros meal.
• Preparation or Recipe: Layer phyllo dough with chopped nuts and bake. Drizzle with a honey syrup and let cool before serving.

20. Sautéed Mushrooms

• Flavor Profile: Savory and earthy with a tender, slightly caramelized texture.
• Best Pairings: Adds a rich, umami flavor that complements the savory elements of gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Sauté mushrooms in olive oil with garlic, onions, and seasoning until golden and tender.

21. Grilled Eggplant

• Flavor Profile: Smoky and savory with a creamy, tender texture.
• Best Pairings: Gyros are complemented by a smoky, vegetable side that complements the flavors of the dish.
• Preparation or Recipe: Slice eggplant, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender and charred—season with salt and pepper.

22. Greek Lemon Potatoes

• Flavor Profile: Tangy and savory with a rich lemon and herb flavor.
• Best Pairings: Adds a zesty and flavorful potato option that complements gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Roast potato wedges with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano until crispy and tender.

23. Tzatziki-Stuffed Mini Peppers

• Flavor Profile: Creamy tzatziki with a crunchy, sweet mini pepper, offering a fresh, flavorful bite.
• Best Pairings: Provides a refreshing and savory appetizer or side dish that pairs well with gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Stuff mini bell peppers with tzatziki sauce. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

24. Eggplant Moussaka

• Flavor Profile: Rich and savory with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce.
• Best Pairings: Complements gyros with a hearty, Mediterranean-style side dish.
• Preparation or Recipe: Layer fried eggplant slices with ground meat and béchamel sauce, then bake until golden and bubbly.

25. Greek Yogurt with Honey

• Flavor Profile: Creamy and slightly tangy with a sweet touch from honey.
• Best Pairings: Provides a light, sweet dessert that balances the savory flavors of gyros.
• Preparation or Recipe: Serve Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts or fruit if desired.

Summing Up

We’ve explored a variety of sides that perfectly match gyros’ dynamic and strong flavors.

Imagine the creamy delight of tzatziki sauce, the sharp zest of pickled red onions, and the fresh crunch of Greek salads — each offering a distinct taste experience that amplifies your gyro.

These pairings broaden the meal’s appeal and temper the meat’s spiciness, ensuring every bite is memorable.

When you next serve gyros, include these amazing options to elevate your meal and create a dining experience that is both rich in flavor and satisfyingly diverse.

Share your experience in the comments and help this community grow!