Lemony-Herbed Shrimp Gyros With Ranch-Tzatziki #RSC

The scent of grilled shrimp always transports me back to summers on the Greek islands. I remember sitting at a taverna overlooking the Aegean, the air thick with the aroma of lemon, herbs, and seafood sizzling over hot coals. This recipe captures that essence, blending it with a creamy, tangy ranch-tzatziki that elevates the humble gyro to something truly special – a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 gyros
• Dietary Type: Varies, see notes

Ingredients

• 1 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing, divided
• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
• 1/2 cup English cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 2 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 pita bread rounds or 6 soft flat bread, warmed
• 1 bunch baby spinach leaves
• 1 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Ingredient Notes:

• For a dairy-free option, substitute dairy-free Greek yogurt and feta cheese alternatives.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita bread or lettuce wraps.

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Grill or Broiler
• Oiled grill rack or broiler pan

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and mint (if using). Gently fold in the finely diced cucumber. This is your Ranch-Tzatziki. Refrigerate until needed, allowing the flavors to meld. This chilling period is crucial for a refreshing and flavorful sauce.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, olive oil, and lemon zest. Add the shrimp to the bowl and fold them gently, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. The Ranch dressing tenderizes the shrimp and infuses them with a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the lemon zest beautifully. Refrigerate the marinated shrimp for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent final product.

3. Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat. Make sure the grill rack or broiler pan is lightly oiled to prevent the shrimp from sticking.

4. Arrange the shrimp on the oiled grill rack or broiler pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the shrimp instead of grilling or broiling them properly.

5. Grill or broil the shrimp until they are just cooked through, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. The cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the intensity of the heat, so keep a close eye on them.

6. To assemble the gyros, place a warmed pita bread on each serving plate. Generously spread each pita with the prepared Ranch-Tzatziki sauce.

7. Top each pita with a handful of baby spinach leaves, followed by 1/6 of the grilled or broiled shrimp, some chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.

8. Sprinkle each gyro with crumbled feta cheese.

9. Fold the pita bread to enclose the filling and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and lose their flavor. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp marinade.
• If you don’t have a grill or broiler, you can cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• To prevent the pita bread from tearing, warm it slightly before filling. You can warm it in a microwave, oven, or skillet.
• Make-ahead Tip: The Ranch-Tzatziki sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance. The shrimp can be marinated several hours in advance as well but should be cooked just before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Lemony-Herbed Shrimp Gyros immediately after assembling. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch.

Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the shrimp separately from the pita bread and toppings to prevent the pita from becoming soggy. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the gyros. The Ranch-Tzatziki sauce will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Assembled gyros are best eaten immediately.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	603.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	312g	52%
Total Fat	34.8 g	53%
Saturated Fat	6.6 g	33%
Cholesterol	215.3 mg	71%
Sodium	1803.7 mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate	42.7 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	3.5 g	14%
Sugars	3.9 g	15%
Protein	30.3 g	60%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Shrimp Gyros: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp marinade.
• Chicken Gyros: Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken breast cut into strips.
• Vegetarian Gyros: Replace the shrimp with grilled halloumi cheese or falafel.
• Gluten-Free Gyros: Use gluten-free pita bread or lettuce wraps.
• Dairy-Free Gyros: Substitute dairy-free Greek yogurt and feta cheese alternatives.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as dill, parsley, or oregano in the Ranch-Tzatziki sauce and shrimp marinade.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. Pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.

Q: Can I make the Ranch-Tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious sauce. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
A: You can substitute plain yogurt or sour cream for Greek yogurt, but the Ranch-Tzatziki will be slightly thinner.

Q: Can I grill the pita bread?
A: Yes, grilling the pita bread adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture. Grill it for a few seconds per side until lightly toasted.

Q: What can I serve with these gyros?
A: These gyros are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or French fries.

Final Thoughts

This Lemony-Herbed Shrimp Gyro recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the creamy tang of the Ranch-Tzatziki sauce creates a symphony of tastes that will transport you to the Mediterranean. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Feel free to experiment with different variations and make it your own! Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine for the perfect summer meal. Enjoy!