These Greek halloumi gyros are easy to make, healthy, and loaded with fresh tzatziki, hummus, and a simple cucumber tomato salad. You can air fry or pan fry the crispy halloumi!
Homemade Greek halloumi wraps
I love Greek food! Some of my favorites include this Greek pasta salad, these Greek chicken meatballs, this simple Greek salad, and these halloumi gyro wraps. Greek food is simple, fresh, super flavorful, and healthy.
Anyways, these homemade Greek halloumi gyros are next-level delicious. Each warmed pita has hummus, tzatziki, tomato cucumber salsa, and crispy halloumi cheese. This recipe makes for a quick and easy lunch and weeknight dinner since they’re ready in under 20 minutes.
My favorite part about these halloumi gyros is that you can air fry or pan fry the halloumi cheese. Both yield the crispiest, golden halloumi that literally melts in your mouth.
I love that these halloumi wraps are healthy, vegetarian, and full of good-for-you ingredients. You can even make them gluten-free by using gluten-free pita bread. Plus, they have 21 grams of protein!
Why you’ll love this healthy recipe:
- Halloumi gyros are flavorful and healthy.
- Served with homemade tzatziki and hummus.
- No oils, preservatives, or sugars in this recipe.
- The perfect healthy lunch or dinner.
- The halloumi cheese is golden and crispy.
- You can air fry or pan fry the halloumi.
- Served on warm pita bread.
- Topped with a simple, homemade tomato cucumber salsa.
- Easily make them gluten-free.
- They are vegetarian.
- Option to add chicken.
- They are high protein with 21 gram.
- Try these loaded Greek pasta salad next!
Ingredients needed & substitutions
This halloumi gyro recipe only calls for a handful of simple ingredients. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Halloumi: Grab one 8oz block of halloumi cheese. Halloumi is a sheep and goat milk cheese that doesn’t melt when cooked; it gets crispy and warm.
- Olive Oil Spray or Olive Oil: I like using olive oil or avocado oil spray to help crispen up the outside of the halloumi as it air fries. You can also use 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil if you are pan-frying it.
- Cucumber: Grab an English cucumber for the simple tomato cucumber salsa! You can also use 3 Persian cucumbers.
- Cherry Tomatoes: They are sweet and fresh! You can also use grape tomatoes.
- Red Onion: Red onion adds sharpness to the tomato cumber salad. You can also use white onion or shallots.
- Lemons: For a tangy flavor!
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
- Fresh Dill: This is optional, but fresh dill adds the best authentic Grek flavor to these gyros.
- Tzatziki: Make one batch of this low-fat tzatziki sauce or use store-bought.
- Hummus: Make a batch of this homemade hummus or use store-bought.
- Pita: You need 6 to 8 pieces of pita bread. You can use gluten-free pita bread or naan too.
- Feta Cheese: Optional, but I love adding crumbled feta as a garnish because it’s tangy and delicious.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making these easy halloumi gyros.
- Cutting Board + Kitchen Knife
- Air Fryer or Large Saute Pan
- Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Tools: 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/2 cup, and 1/2 cup.
How to make halloumi gyros
Homemade crispy halloumi gyros are so easy to make! Each warm pita is layered with hummus, tzatziki, cucumber tomato salad, and crisp air fryer or pan-fried pieces of halloumi cheese. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make it. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
First, make the homemade Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce or add a store-bought one to a bowl. You can follow the recipe instructions here.
Step 2:
Then, make hummus from scratch (best hummus recipe) or grab a store-bought container of hummus.
Step 3:
After that, make the tomato, cucumber, and onion salad by combining all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
Step 4:
Then, cut the halloumi block into ½-inch thick slices.
Step 5:
Now it is time to cook the halloumi cheese – you can air fry or pan fry it. If you want to air fry the halloumi, follow this 8-minute air fryer halloumi recipe.
If you want to pan-fry it, heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat with olive oil or avocado spray. Then, add the halloumi slices to the heated pan and cook for 1 – 2 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the other side for another 1 – 2 minutes.
I prefer air fryer halloumi since it is extra crispy and gooey.
Step 5:
Next, warm the pita in the oven, toaster oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. I like to lightly butter or oil them with olive oil and warm them in the oven so they are golden and warm.
Step 6:
Finally, assemble the vegetarian halloumi gyros by layering the warmed pita with hummus, followed by a generous layer of tzatziki, crispy halloumi, and cucumber tomato salad. Garnish with feta crumbles and tzatziki sauce. Then, roll them up in parchment paper or fold the pita in half like a taco.
Expert tips for making gyros
- Air fry or pan fry the halloumi. You can cook the halloumi cheese in the air fryer or on the stove in a pan. I left instructions for both below!
- Cut the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick pieces (nothing thinner). If you cut the halloumi cheese thinner than half an inch, it will shrivel, and the edges will burn as you cook it.
- Warm the pitas. Serve your halloumi gyros on warm pita bread! It makes such a difference.
- Make them gluten-free. You can make this recipe 100% gluten-free by using gluten-free pita bread wraps.
- Use homemade tzatziki. Trust me, homemade tzatziki is so much better than the store-bought version. Try this easy 5-minute tzatziki recipe.
- Use homemade or store-bought hummus. I prefer homemade hummus because it is fresh and healthy, but you can also use your favorite store-bought brand.
What does halloumi cheese taste like?
Halloumi cheese is a salty, creamy, and mild cheese. It tastes similar to creamy sheep or goat’s cheese but has a firmer texture. It is not as tangy or as strong as feta.
What to serve with gyros:
You can serve gyros with so many things; here is a list of my favorites:
- Salad: I love this Greek spinach salad and this citrus tabbouleh salad.
- Vegetables: try these crispy garlic air fryer carrots or these blistered shishito peppers.
- Fries: I love these crispy sweet potato fries or Greek-style fries.
- Potatoes: Try these crispy air fryer fingerling potatoes or these smashed potatoes.
- Sauces & Sides: You have to serve gyros with this homemade tzatziki and hummus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best halloumi cheese substitute?
Kefalotyri is the best substitute for halloumi. Kefalotyri is a salty, white cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk. It has a slightly firmer texture than halloumi but a high-melting point, making it the best substitute.
What is grilling cheese?
Grilling cheese is another name for halloumi. It is called grilling cheese since it doesn’t melt when cooked because of its high melting point.
Is halloumi vegetarian?
Yes, halloumi cheese is vegetarian.
Is halloumi cheese vegan?
Halloumi cheese is not vegan.
Can you add chicken?
For extra protein, add grilled chicken to these halloumi gyro wraps.
What does tzatziki sauce taste like?
Tzatziki sauce tastes like garlic, lemon, and a hint of dill. It is tangy, zesty, and packed with flavor. But, don’t worry, the dill is not overpowering, and the garlic flavor is not too strong.
Is pita bread gluten-free?
Not all pita bread is gluten-free since it is typically made with all-purpose flour. However, you can buy gluten-free pita in your local grocery store.
Can I use store-bought hummus?
Yes, you can use homemade hummus or store-bought hummus for this recipe.
Is this recipe healthy?
These halloumi gyros are healthy for many reasons: (1) they are packed with protein, (2) they have healthy fats from the tzatziki and halloumi, (3) you will be full for hours, (4) they are made with fresh and healthy ingredients, (5) this recipe is vegetarian, (6) there is no oil, and (7) easily make them gluten-free.
Can you air fry halloumi?
Yes, you can air fry halloumi. Air fryer halloumi is crispy, golden, and only takes 8 minutes to make. Follow this recipe.
How many calories are in pita bread?
One piece of pita read ranges from 120 calories to 180 calories. It depends on the size and brand of pita bread.
How to store and reheat gyros:
Storing: For best results, store each component separately in airtight containers. Do not store halloumi gyros inside the pita bread because the pita will be soggy and wet.
Reheating: For best results, reheat halloumi in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 – 5 minutes until warm again or in a pan on medium heat. Then assemble the gyros on warm pieces of pita.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Halloumi
- Homemade Tzatziki
- Blender Hummus
- Greek Chicken Meatballs
- Greek Yogurt Chicken
- Greek Spinach Salad
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Halloumi Gyros
Ingredients
Halloumi:
- 1 (8oz) block of halloumi cheese
- Olive oil, avocado oil spray, or 1 tbsp of olive oil
Tomato & Cucumber Salad:
- ½ a large English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers, sliced or cubbed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 – 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, optional
Tzatziki:
- 1 batch homemade tzatziki
Hummus:
- 1 batch homemade hummus, OR 1 container of store-bought hummus
To Serve:
- 6 pita breads
- Feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
Prepare Sides:
- Make the tzatziki. Follow the recipe instructions here.
- Make or prepare the hummus. You can make homemade hummus recipe or use a store-bought one.
- Make the salad. Combine all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
Cook the Halloumi:
- Air Fryer Halloumi. Follow the instructions here – it takes 8 minutes total.
- Pan Fried Halloumi. Cut the halloumi block into ½-inch thick slices. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat with olive oil or avocado spray. Add the halloumi slices to the heated pan and cook for 1 – 2 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the other side for another 1 – 2 minutes.
Assemble Gyros:
- Warm the Pita. You can warm the pita in the oven, toaster oven, microwave, or on to stove top. I like to lightly butter or oil them with olive oil and warm them in the oven so they are golden and warm.
- Assemble. Layer the warmed pita with hummus, followed by a generous layer of tzatziki, then the halloumi and cucumber tomato salad. Garnish with feta crumbles and tzatziki sauce. Roll them up in parchment paper or fold the pita in half like a taco. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Cynthia L Volpe says
I am excited to try this recipe, as I absolutely love traditional gyros and I’m trying to eat more meatless dishes for my health. I am having a little trouble finding the halloumi cheese. May I ask where you get it? I see it on Amazon, but I’m wondering about refrigeration.
Tati Chermayeff says
Hi! I buy my halloumi cheese in the refrigerated cheese section at the grocery store. It may be in the “specialty” are near the bakery section. Sometimes halloumi cheese is also called “grilling cheese.”