Introduction

Imagine a plate brimming with the vibrant and fresh flavors of a Greek gyro, but with a modern twist: no pita and no meat. The “Personal Pitaless Plate” is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine that elevates traditional ingredients to create a healthy, satisfying, and delightful dish. By focusing on fresh vegetables, hearty legumes, and aromatic herbs, this gyro-inspired plate offers all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic gyro in a nourishing, plant-based form. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for those seeking a wholesome and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

For the Gyro Plate:

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or use canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for vegan version)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for vegan)
• 1/2 English cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

   • In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and olive oil.
   • Mix well and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
   • Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

2. Assemble the Gyro Plate:

   • On a large serving plate, arrange the cooked chickpeas, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
   • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese (if using), chopped parsley, and dill over the top.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

4. Dress the Plate:

   • Drizzle the dressing over the assembled gyro plate.
   • Add dollops of the chilled tzatziki sauce around the plate.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of the Personal Pitaless Plate.

Elevation Tips:

• Roasted Veggies: Add roasted bell peppers or eggplant for extra depth of flavor.
• Grilled Halloumi: For a more indulgent twist, add grilled halloumi cheese.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or oregano to add different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

The “Personal Pitaless Plate” brings the essence of a Greek gyro to your table in a light, refreshing, and plant-based form. This dish is a testament to how traditional flavors can be reimagined to fit modern dietary preferences without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Enjoy the medley of textures and flavors, and relish in a meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious.