Hi friends, and happy National Watermelon Month! That’s right, July is National Watermelon Month, and I’m so excited to continue my partnership with The Watermelon Board this year to bring you more fun recipes and tips for using one of my favorite summer fruits – watermelon! First up: these flavorful and summery Chicken Gyros with Watermelon Rind Tzatziki.
Did you know that 100% of a watermelon is edible, including the rind? Using watermelon rind in recipes is not only tasty, but also a great way to reduce food waste. Give it a try if you haven’t already! In addition to these delicious gyros featuring watermelon rind, you may also want to try my Watermelon Rind Coleslaw – it’s perfect for summery BBQs, either as a standalone side or as a sandwich or taco topper!
Here’s what you’re working with for this fast and easy lunch or dinner:
Tzatziki is a yogurt sauce that traditionally uses grated cucumber and dill, but I swapped out the cucumber for grated watermelon rind. Watermelon rind actually has a similar texture to cucumbers (just a tiny bit firmer), and since both cucumbers and watermelon rind have a mild, fresh flavor, the swap works perfectly.
Since you’re working with the whole watermelon for this recipe, be sure to wash it well first, and then separate the rind (white and green) from the flesh. Save the red “flesh” for snacking on later (or immediately…!), and grate up the rind to go in the tzatziki with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and dill.
Another key component of these delicious gyros is the juicy marinated chicken. The marinade is so simple, but it adds an insane amount of flavor! The combination of yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic makes the chicken super moist and savory. If you’re in a pinch, you can also sub in leftover rotisserie chicken – just shred the chicken and toss it in a little lemon juice, grated garlic, and dried oregano while reheating.
Once the tzatziki sauce is stirred up and the chicken is marinated and broiled, it’s time to build the wraps! I piled crunchy romaine lettuce and red onion, juicy tomatoes, and fresh parsley on whole wheat pita bread, but feel free to use whatever fresh veggies and herbs you have on hand.
Ready to get your gyro on?! Here’s the full recipe:
This flavorful and summery recipe makes for an easy lunch or dinner!Chicken Gyros with Watermelon Rind Tzatziki
Ingredients:
For the chicken
For the tzatziki
For serving
Instructions:
Thank you to The Watermelon Board for sponsoring this post! Want more watermelon recipe inspiration? Here are my other recipes created in partnership with the Watermelon Board:
- Pickled Watermelon Rind (Two Ways)
- Roasted Salmon with Watermelon Salsa
- Watermelon Rind Gazpacho
- Watermelon Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
- Fermented Watermelon Rind Pickles
- Fall Harvest Salad with Watermelon
- Watermelon Rind Curry
- Watermelon Rind Coleslaw
- Watermelon Rosemary Popsicles
- Watermelon Rind Salad with Feta & Arugula