Name: Gyro Bowls with Meatballs, Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground lamb, beef, or pork (lamb preferred); ¼ cup minced onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; ½ cup finely crumbled feta cheese; 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed; ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste; Half of one European cucumber, peeled, grated, and drained; 1 cup plain yogurt, drained; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (plus more to taste); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); Juice of one half lemon (about 1 tablespoon); ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste; 1 cup tomatoes, diced, halved, or chopped; 1 cup diced cucumber, drained; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt, to taste; Hummus; Crumbled feta cheese; Chopped fresh dill; Chopped fresh parsley; Sumac spice; Pita bread

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If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, then this Gyro Bowls with Meatballs, Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. It’s a wonderful harmony of juicy meatballs seasoned to perfection, creamy homemade tzatziki with that refreshing tang, zesty lemon-infused rice, and a crisp, bright cucumber salad that ties everything together. This recipe brings together all these delights in one bowl, making it an impressive yet straightforward meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever your taste buds want a happy escape to Greece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of white rice on the right side, topped partially with a creamy white sauce flecked with green herbs. Above the rice, there are several browned meatballs garnished with sprigs of fresh dill. On the left side of the bowl, there is a colorful salad of bright red cherry tomato halves mixed with green cucumber chunks and sprinkled with small white cheese crumbles. A light tan dollop of hummus with a pool of olive oil and red pepper flakes is placed near the salad. Pieces of soft white flatbread are tucked along the edge of the bowl behind the meatballs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and another dish with similar meatballs is visible in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together to create layers of taste and texture. Each component plays its part; from the aromatic meatballs, creamy tzatziki, and citrusy rice, to the cool crunchy salad — every ingredient adds personality and color to the dish.

Ground lamb, beef, or pork: Lamb is preferred for its rich, authentic flavor that makes the meatballs stand out.
Minced onion and garlic: These provide aromatic depth and a touch of sharpness.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep those meatballs perfectly shaped and tender.
Feta cheese: Adds a salty creaminess inside the meatballs for an unexpected, delicious twist.
Greek seasoning and salt: Essential for that traditional Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic, cucumber, yogurt, mint, dill, and olive oil (for tzatziki): The heart of the creamy sauce with herbs lending freshness and zing.
Cooked rice, lemon juice, and salt (for lemon rice): The light, citrusy base that complements the savory meatballs.
Tomatoes, diced cucumber, and salt (for cucumber salad): Crisp and refreshing, balancing the rich elements.
Optional garnishes: Hummus, crumbled feta, fresh dill, parsley, sumac, and pita bread bring extra layers of flavor and texture.

How to Make Gyro Bowls with Meatballs, Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet for an easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine your ground meat with minced onion, garlic, egg, crumbled feta, Greek seasoning, and salt. Mixing with your hands gently brings everything together without overworking the meat, keeping the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into evenly sized balls and arrange them on the baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 10–14 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. While they’re baking, you can move on to the other components of your gyro bowls.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Transform your garlic into a smooth paste with a pinch of salt by mashing it on your cutting board — this step brings out its intensity without harshness. Mix the garlic paste with the grated, peeled, and thoroughly drained cucumber, yogurt, fresh mint and dill, freshly ground black pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Stir everything together and adjust the seasoning to taste. The result is a cool, creamy, herbaceous sauce that beautifully cuts through the richness of the meatballs.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Rice

Combine cooked rice with fresh lemon juice and a bit of salt, and stir until it’s well incorporated. This simple step elevates plain rice with zingy brightness that harmonizes perfectly with the meat and tzatziki. Taste and tweak the lemon and salt for that perfect balance that makes this component pop.

Step 4: Mix the Cucumber and Tomato Salad

In a small bowl, toss diced tomatoes and cucumbers with a pinch of salt. This salad adds a refreshing crunch and juicy sweetness that adds vibrancy to the gyro bowls. It’s such an easy but important touch that lifts the entire meal experience.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyro Bowls with Meatballs, Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Divide the lemon rice evenly among your serving bowls. Nestle the cooked meatballs on top, add generous dollops of tzatziki, and spoon over your crisp cucumber and tomato salad. Add any optional garnishes you love — a sprinkle of feta, fresh herbs, or a dash of sumac brings that final authentic flourish. Serve right away and enjoy a bowl full of Mediterranean goodness.

How to Serve Gyro Bowls with Meatballs, Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad Recipe

A white bowl is filled with four layers: on the bottom, there is a layer of cooked white rice; next to it, small meatballs with a browned, crispy texture are placed closely together; beside the rice and meatballs is a fresh salad made of chopped cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes, showing bright green and red colors with some white cheese crumbles on top; a dollop of white creamy sauce with green herb pieces is spread partially over the rice next to the meatballs; a piece of soft, folded flatbread with a light golden color leans against the edge of the bowl. A woman's hand holding a fork is picking up one meatball. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your gyro bowls even more memorable, don’t hesitate to add complementary garnishes like creamy hummus, crumbled feta cheese, fresh dill or parsley, and a sprinkling of sumac for a subtle tangy edge. Warm pita bread on the side is practically a must-have, allowing you to scoop up every flavorful bite.

Side Dishes

This dish shines beautifully on its own, but if you want to serve it alongside something else, consider light Mediterranean sides like roasted vegetables, a simple Greek salad, or even some warm, soft pita chips. These choices won’t overwhelm but will add extra colors and textures to your meal spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve the meatballs on skewers over the lemon rice and drizzle the tzatziki on top. Or try layering the ingredients into a glass jar for a portable, Instagram-worthy meal. You can also spread a layer of hummus at the bottom for depth before adding the rest of the components in your bowl. Presentation can be as fun and unique as you want while keeping all the delicious flavors front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover gyro bowl components separate for best results. Store the meatballs, tzatziki, lemon rice, and cucumber salad in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps them stay fresh and retain their individual textures and flavors for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs alone by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container, perfect for quick future meals. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Avoid freezing tzatziki and salads as their texture suffers from freezing. Lemon rice can be frozen, but it’s best eaten fresh.

Reheating

Warm the meatballs and lemon rice gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating the tzatziki and cucumber salad; instead, serve them chilled to maintain their fresh, vibrant qualities. This way, every bite tastes as wonderful as the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of lamb for the meatballs?

Absolutely! While lamb offers that classic gyro taste, ground chicken or turkey can be lighter alternatives and will still work beautifully if you adjust seasoning to keep the flavor bold.

Do I have to peel the cucumber for the tzatziki?

Peeling the cucumber helps reduce bitterness and ensures a smooth texture in your tzatziki. However, if you prefer a bit more bite and color, you can leave some skin on—just be sure to grate finely and drain well to avoid excess moisture.

How do I ensure the meatballs stay juicy and don’t dry out?

Gentle mixing, not overworking the meat, plus adding feta and egg, keeps the meatballs moist. Baking at a high temperature for a short amount of time also helps lock in juices while giving a lovely crust.

Can I make the lemon rice ahead of time?

Yes, lemon rice can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick fluff or light reheat, and add fresh lemon juice if needed to brighten the flavor again before serving.

What’s the best way to drain cucumbers for the salad and tzatziki?

The secret is salting the cucumbers, letting them rest in a colander for 20 minutes, and then pressing out any remaining moisture using paper towels. This prevents watery dishes and keeps flavors concentrated.

Final Thoughts

This Gyro Bowls with Meatballs, Tzatziki, Lemon Rice, and Cucumber Salad Recipe is a celebration of fresh, bold flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. It’s one of those meals that feels special without requiring a ton of fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining. I sincerely hope you give it a try—you might just find it becoming a new favorite in your recipe rotation!