Vegan Cauliflower Gyros

Short Description

Vegan Cauliflower Gyros are a flavorful and satisfying plant-based twist on the classic Greek street food. This recipe features tender cauliflower florets marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices, then roasted until golden and served in warm flatbread with vegan tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and briny olives. It’s a healthy, delicious, and hearty meal option that even non-vegans will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gyros are a perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. The roasted cauliflower has a wonderful texture that holds up beautifully in flatbread, while the marinade infuses it with layers of savory, tangy, and herby notes. The fresh toppings like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and herbs add a refreshing crunch, and the vegan tzatziki brings creaminess and balance. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or simply looking to enjoy more plant-based meals, this recipe is an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 30 oz frozen cauliflower florets, defrosted (approximately 1 large head cauliflower; fresh may be used)

Marinade

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Gyro Fixings

  • 6 flatbreads (or naan)
  • Vegan tzatziki sauce
  • Cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ cucumber, sliced
  • ½ small red onion, finely sliced
  • ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley or dill, roughly chopped
  • Pitted kalamata olives

Directions

For the Cauliflower & Marinade:

  1. Defrost the cauliflower overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature. Cut larger pieces so the florets are uniformly sized. Drain and dry thoroughly using paper towels or a clean tea towel. Place in a large bowl and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Pour the marinade over the cauliflower and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours is ideal for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Spread the cauliflower out evenly, making sure the pieces don’t overlap. Roast on the middle rack for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crisp.

Assembling the Gyros:

  1. Warm the flatbreads by wrapping them in foil and placing in the oven during the last few minutes of roasting.
  2. To assemble, layer the roasted cauliflower, vegan tzatziki, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley or dill, and olives down the center of each flatbread. Fold and serve immediately. Wrap in parchment or foil for easier handling if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6 gyro wraps
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinating Time: 30 minutes minimum
  • Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Gyros: Increase the cayenne pepper or add chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
  • Different Sauces: Swap out the tzatziki for hummus, baba ganoush, or a garlic tahini sauce.
  • Bread Options: Use pita, lavash, or gluten-free flatbread as needed.
  • Add Protein: Include roasted chickpeas or slices of grilled tempeh for a protein-rich option.
  • Grilled Option: Instead of roasting, grill the marinated cauliflower for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings and bread separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Reheating: Reheat the cauliflower in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for the best texture. Alternatively, warm in the oven or microwave, though the latter may make it softer.

FAQs

What type of cauliflower works best for this recipe?

Both fresh and frozen cauliflower can be used. If using frozen, make sure it is fully defrosted and dried before marinating and roasting.

Can I marinate the cauliflower overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to develop further and results in even tastier gyros.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The cauliflower and marinade are gluten-free. Use gluten-free flatbread or wraps to make the entire dish gluten-free.

What is a good substitute for vegan tzatziki?

You can use hummus, garlic tahini sauce, or a vegan yogurt mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and dill as alternatives.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower and toppings in advance. Store them separately and assemble the gyros just before serving.

How do I keep the flatbread from becoming soggy?

Keep the roasted cauliflower and toppings separate until you are ready to eat. Toasting the flatbread slightly also helps prevent sogginess.

Are there other vegetables I can include?

Yes, shredded lettuce, roasted red peppers, or pickled onions would all be great additions.

Can I grill the cauliflower instead of roasting?

Absolutely. Grilled cauliflower adds a wonderful charred flavor that complements the marinade well.

What sides go well with cauliflower gyros?

Serve with a side of Greek salad, lemon rice, or baked sweet potato fries for a full meal.

Can I freeze the roasted cauliflower?

It is not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Conclusion

Vegan Cauliflower Gyros are a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that offers a delicious plant-based take on a beloved classic. With bold Mediterranean spices, hearty roasted cauliflower, and a medley of fresh toppings, these gyros are perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Versatile, satisfying, and full of nutritious ingredients, they are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

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Vegan Cauliflower Gyros

Vegan Cauliflower Gyros

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  • Author: Emma Delaney
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 gyros
  • Category: Plat principal
  • Method: Rôti au four
  • Cuisine: Méditerranéenne, Végane
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Ces Vegan Cauliflower Gyros sont une délicieuse alternative végétalienne aux gyros traditionnels. Avec des bouquets de chou-fleur marinés et rôtis, servis avec du tzatziki vegan et des garnitures méditerranéennes fraîches dans un pain plat, c’est un repas équilibré, savoureux et sans viande parfait pour le lunch ou le dîner.


Ingredients

Pour le chou-fleur :

  • 30 oz (environ 850 g) de chou-fleur en fleurettes surgelées, décongelées (ou 1 gros chou-fleur frais)

Pour la marinade :

  • 3 gousses d’ail, hachées

  • Jus d’un gros citron

  • 3 c. à soupe d’huile d’olive vierge extra

  • 2 c. à soupe de vinaigre de vin rouge

  • 1 c. à soupe d’origan

  • 1 c. à café de poudre d’oignon

  • 1 c. à café de cumin moulu

  • 1 c. à café de romarin séché

  • 1 c. à café de sel

  • 1/2 c. à café de poivre noir moulu

  • 1/2 c. à café de paprika fumé

  • 1/2 c. à café de coriandre moulue

  • Une pincée de piment de Cayenne (optionnel)

Garnitures pour gyros :

  • 6 pains plats (flatbread ou naan)

  • Sauce tzatziki vegan

  • Tomates cerises, tranchées

  • 1/2 concombre, tranché

  • 1/2 oignon rouge, émincé

  • 1/4 tasse de persil plat ou d’aneth, grossièrement haché

  • Olives kalamata dénoyautées


Instructions

  • Décongelez le chou-fleur au réfrigérateur ou à température ambiante. Égouttez et séchez-le bien avec du papier absorbant. Coupez les plus gros morceaux pour obtenir une taille uniforme.

  • Dans un petit bol, fouettez ensemble tous les ingrédients de la marinade. Versez sur le chou-fleur dans un grand bol, mélangez bien, couvrez et laissez mariner pendant au moins 30 minutes (plus longtemps si possible).

  • Préchauffez le four à 425°F (220°C). Huilez légèrement une plaque de cuisson ou tapissez-la de papier sulfurisé. Disposez le chou-fleur en une seule couche.

  • Faites rôtir pendant 25 à 35 minutes en retournant à mi-cuisson, jusqu’à ce qu’il soit doré et croustillant.

  • Pendant la cuisson, préparez les garnitures et la sauce tzatziki.

  • Servez le chou-fleur rôti dans des pains plats avec les garnitures fraîches et le tzatziki vegan.


Notes

Pour un effet encore plus savoureux, faites griller légèrement les pains plats avant de les garnir. Cette recette se prête aussi bien à un plat principal qu’à un repas à emporter.

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