Greek-American Souvlaki Pita combines the bold flavors of grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in a warm, soft pita bread. It’s a popular dish in Greek-American cuisine, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. The tender, marinated meat pairs beautifully with the crunchy vegetables and the cool, tangy tzatziki sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.
1 Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill (for grilling the meat)
1 Knife (for chopping vegetables)
1 Cutting Board (for slicing vegetables)
1 Spoon (for mixing the tzatziki sauce)
1 Small Bowl (for tzatziki sauce)
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
1/4cupOlive oil
2tbspLemon juicefreshly squeezed
4clovesGarlicminced
2tspDried oregano
Salt and pepper to tasteabout 1 tsp each
For the Meat:
1lbPorkchicken, or lamb (cut into bite-sized cubes)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1cupGreek yogurtfull-fat preferred
1/2cupCucumberfinely grated and squeezed dry
1tbspOlive oil
1tbspFresh dillchopped
2clovesGarlicminced
1tbspLemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
4Pita breads
1Tomatosliced
1/2Red onionthinly sliced
1/2Cucumbersliced
1/4cupKalamata olivesoptional
1tbspFresh parsleyoptional, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed meat and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Grill the Meat: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated meat onto the skewers. Grill the meat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside.
Warm the Pita: While the meat is cooking, warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or oven for a few seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Souvlaki Pita: Place a warm pita on a plate. Add a generous portion of grilled meat, followed by sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the top, and sprinkle with Kalamata olives if desired.
Wrap and Serve: Fold the pita around the fillings to form a wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Marination Tip: For best results, marinate the meat for at least 3 hours or overnight to ensure the flavors infuse properly. The longer the meat marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
Meat Substitution: Feel free to use any type of meat you prefer, such as chicken, lamb, or even beef. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Tzatziki Variation: If you want a spicier tzatziki, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce.
Leftovers: Store leftover grilled meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet before serving.