Keto Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce (Easy 20-Minute Lamb Recipe)
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This keto gyros with tzatziki sauce recipe is a personal favorite born from my love for the bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Easy to make in just 20 minutes, it’s my take on a popular Greek dish, using fresh, simple ingredients you can easily find in the kitchen.
The result is a delectable meal that’s enjoyable as it is nutritious, packed with the heartiness of seasoned lamb and tangy homemade tzatziki sauce, all nestled in a soft cauliflower tortilla that holds the gyros together so you can get a bit of everything in one bite.
As an advocate of the ketogenic lifestyle, I’m constantly on the lookout for recipes that bring excitement to the table. These gyros are a fine example because not only are they healthy, they’re also delicious and fun to make.
Everything from the meat and sauce to the toppings and wrap are keto-friendly so really, nothing can hold you back from making this dish. Light, refreshing, and bursting with unique flavors, these lamb gyros are the perfect meal to add to your spring and summer rotation.
Bonus is that this makes a fabulous meal prep idea, too. Prepare the patties and sauce in advance and assemble the wraps when you’re ready for a quick and satisfying on-the-go meal that’s not just ideal for lunch or dinner, but also for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Keep reading for the full recipe details, and browse my collection of easy keto recipes for more inspiration that will make mealtime anything but ordinary.
Table of Contents (click to view)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These lamb gyros with tzatziki sauce are perfect for those on a ketogenic diet as they’re rich in protein and healthy fats which are essential for maintaining ketosis while keeping the carb count low. Here’s why this dish is a must-try:
- Simple ingredients
- Minimal cleanup
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Budget-friendly: uses local and seasonal produce that keep costs down.
- Amazing flavors: savory and aromatic, with meaty lamb seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, and mild tanginess from the sauce.
- Short prep and cooking time: serve in 20 minutes or less.
- Basic kitchen equipment: no need for a food processor, just a couple of mixing bowls, utensils for chopping ingredients, and a skillet.
- Easy-to-follow directions: follow 4 simple steps that involve making the lamb patties and preparing the sauce and wrap.
How to Make Keto Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
It took a few tries with an array of fresh ingredients before I finally perfected my keto gyros. Prep and cook times can easily be reduced to just 20 minutes if you’ve already made the cauliflower tortillas ahead.
To make the patties, combine ground lamb with herbs and spices, and shape the mixture in the palm of your hand. While frying the patties, make the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt and lemon juice with seasonings and olive oil. Once cooked through, stuff the patties into your cauliflower tortillas with some sliced tomatoes and cucumber. Garnish with tzatziki sauce and serve warm.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions to make these savory keto gyros.
Ingredients You Need
The key to this recipe’s keto-friendly status is to carefully choose its ingredients. High-quality meat paired with heart-healthy oil and a variety of herbs and spices result in a nutrient-dense meal that’s both filling and flavorful. To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Salt
- Dill
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Coconut oil
- Lemon juice
- Ground cumin
- Ground black pepper
- Turmeric root powder
- Ground lamb: more affordable and easier to work with compared to sliced lamb meat.
- Greek yogurt: opt for full-fat for a creamy base that’s low in fat and high in probiotics.
- Extra virgin olive oil: adds richness and mildly fruity flavor to the sauce.
- Cauliflower tortilla: low-carb alternative to traditional pita bread or tortilla; make them in bulk to simplify food prep.
- Sliced cucumber and tomato: to serve with cauliflower tortilla; add a refreshing, sweet-sour crunch to the dish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Keto gyros with tzatziki sauce is one of many great low-carb 30-minute meals you can enjoy for lunch or dinner any day of the week. It takes only 20 minutes to prep and cook, making it a great make-ahead recipe that you can whip up on a lazy weekend or whenever you’re craving a quick yet satisfying meal. Let’s get started!
- Make the patties. In a large bowl, mix ground lamb with herbs and spices, then form the meat mixture into 8 patties using the palm of your hand. In a preheated pan with coconut oil, cook the patties until browned on both sides.
- Make tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and seasonings. Mix well and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Serve warm. Place each patty in a cauliflower tortilla with sliced cucumber and tomato, and garnish with tzatziki sauce.
Variations
With a bit of creativity, you can transform traditional dishes into guilt-free indulgences without sacrificing flavors and satisfaction. For these healthy gyros, feel free to play around with the following variations and substitutions:
- Use cauliflower rice in place of tortillas.
- Swap ground lamb for beef, chicken, pork, or turkey meat.
- Add more fresh herbs like rosemary, marjoram, thyme, or basil.
- Substitute cauliflower tortillas with crisp iceberg or bibb lettuce, or chop the lettuce to create a lamb gyro salad.
- Replace Greek yogurt with raw milk yogurt or coconut yogurt.
- Instead of cucumber and tomato, add in diced avocado and fresh lime juice for a tangy kick.
- If you’re not a fan of tzatziki, swap it out for hummus, baba ghanoush (eggplant spread), or avocado salsa.
- If you’re out of tortillas, substitute with gluten-free flatbread or sliced bread.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese for a creamy and tangy twist.
- Enjoy a bit of heat by mixing a teaspoon of spicy harissa paste into the lamb as it cooks.
Expert Tips
- Taste and adjust! I always recommend tasting while cooking so you can get to know the dish and adjust the seasonings as you like best.
- Prep ahead. To make serving even quicker, make the cauliflower tortillas and tzatziki sauce the night before. You can also make the patties ahead of time but wait to cook them until right before serving as reheating can dry them out.
- Sauce perfection. For the best flavor, let the tzatziki chill in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the dill and garlic to infuse the yogurt fully. Chilling overnight can further intensify the flavors.
- Lamb meat cooks very fast! Cook both sides of the patty as per the instructions. Don’t keep it in the pan for too long or you’ll end up with a tough, rubbery patty.
How to Store This Recipe
Keto gyros with tzatziki sauce is best served fresh and warm. If you have leftovers or preparing a big batch in advance, store each component separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Lamb meat and tzatziki sauce can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days. However, tzatziki is best enjoyed fresh so avoid freezing as it will completely change its consistency.
Meanwhile, cauliflower tortillas freeze well and should keep fresh for up to 3 to 5 days in the fridge or up to 1 month in the freezer. Be sure to place parchment paper in between each tortilla so they don’t stick together and will defrost better. But just like tzatziki, it’s best to consume cauliflower tortillas fresh or refrigerated, as freezing them can change the texture and make them mushy upon thawing.
When ready to enjoy, pull out the tortillas first to give them plenty of time to thaw. Reheat them in a damp paper towel in the microwave or oven, as well as the patties. Tzatziki can be served cold or warm, but make sure to give it a good stir to redistribute any separated liquids and to maintain its creamy texture.
What to Serve with Keto Lamb Gyros
There are many tasty options to serve alongside your keto gyros. Turn this recipe into a well-rounded meal by pairing it with any of the following sides:
- Serve over cauliflower rice seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs for a Mediterranean-inspired alternative to traditional rice.
- Pair with Greek salad (mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano).
- Enjoy alongside freshly roasted veggies (cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts with garlic, herbs, and olive oil).
- Serve extra tzatziki as a dipping sauce for a platter of crudites such as chopped raw carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Enjoy as a snack with Greek fries (oven-baked or air-fried zucchini or eggplant seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, and paprika).
- Pair with Dolmas (traditional stuffed grape leaves filled with a mix of herbs, pine nuts, and rice).
More Quick and Easy Keto Recipes to Try
- Mexican Omelet
- Pemmican Meal
- Gluten-Free Egg Drop Soup
- Avocado Soup with Bone Broth
- Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Carne Asada with Cauliflower Rice
- Canned Salmon with Summer Squash
If you make this keto gyros with tzatziki sauce recipe, please leave a review. I appreciate each and every 5-star rating and comment!
Greek Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the patties:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon parsley minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric root powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
For the sauce:
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt and ground black pepper
Serve with:
- cucumber sliced
- tomato sliced
- Cauliflower Tortilla optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat with all other herbs and spices. Shape the meat in 8 patties, form in the palm of your hand.1 pound ground lamb, 1 tablespoon parsley, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon turmeric root powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Warm coconut oil over medium-low heat in a frying pan. Place the patties in the oil and cook each side for about 4 minutes, until cooked through.
- While the patties cook, mix the yogurt and lemon juice in a small bowl. Add the herbs, stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil.1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, 1 clove garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt and ground black pepper
- To serve, add to a cauliflower tortilla and arrange with sliced tomato and cucumber. Top with sauce and enjoy warm.cucumber, tomato, Cauliflower Tortilla
Notes
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
