Mediterranean Delight Pita Pockets
Escape to the sun-kissed shores of the Peloponnese with these flavorful Mediterranean Delight Pita Pockets. Inspired by traditional Greek flavors, this sandwich is packed with creamy yogurt sauce, fresh vegetables, and savory deli meats that create a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick snack, these pita pockets are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Enjoy them as a delightful meal on the go, or serve them at a picnic to impress your friends with an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.
4
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain yogurt
1 (8 ounce container)
cucumber
1/2 (whole, seeded and finely chopped)
dried oregano
1/4 (teaspoon)
pita pockets
2 (whole, each cut in half)
deli roast pork or deli ham
8 (ounces, thinly sliced)
sweet red pepper strips
10 (ounces, drained)
kalamata olives
1/2 (cup, pitted and quartered)
romaine lettuce
4 (leaves, center rib removed, washed and thinly sliced crosswise)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, chopped cucumber, and dried oregano. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Carefully open each pita pocket by gently splitting it in half. Be cautious not to tear them.
3
Layer the bottom of each pita pocket with a few slices of romaine lettuce, which will provide a crunchy base.
4
Generously fill each pocket with 1/4 of the deli roast pork or ham, followed by a handful of sweet red pepper strips and a few quartered kalamata olives.
5
Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the yogurt dressing over the filling in each pita pocket for added flavor.
6
Serve immediately, or wrap in parchment paper for a perfect on-the-go meal.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Delight Pita Pockets?
Mediterranean Delight Pita Pockets are a flavor-packed sandwich inspired by traditional Greek flavors, featuring yogurt sauce, fresh vegetables, and deli meats inside soft pita bread.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of these pita pockets contains approximately 200 calories.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Is this pita pocket recipe healthy?
Yes, with 10g of protein, fresh vegetables like cucumber and red peppers, and a yogurt-based dressing, it is a healthy lunch or snack option.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of thinly sliced deli roast pork or deli ham.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. You can omit the deli meats and add extra vegetables, chickpeas, or falafel for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What ingredients are in the yogurt sauce?
The sauce is made by combining 8 ounces of plain yogurt with 1/2 of a seeded and finely chopped cucumber and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How do I prepare the pita bread?
Take two whole pita pockets and carefully cut each in half to create four pockets for filling.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of pitted and quartered kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in a Mediterranean Delight Pita Pocket?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker, creamier sauce and a slight boost in protein.
How should I prepare the romaine lettuce?
Remove the center rib from 4 leaves, wash them, and then thinly slice them crosswise.
Are the sweet red peppers fresh or jarred?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of drained sweet red pepper strips, which typically come from a jar.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the yogurt sauce and prep the vegetables and meat ahead of time, but it is best to assemble the pockets just before eating to avoid sogginess.
Is this recipe good for a picnic?
Yes, these are perfect for picnics. Wrap them in parchment paper to keep the filling secure during transport.
What makes this recipe 'Mediterranean' style?
The use of ingredients like kalamata olives, oregano, cucumber, yogurt, and pita bread aligns with traditional Greek and Peloponnese culinary profiles.
Do I need to cook anything for this recipe?
No cooking is required; this is a 'no-cook' recipe using pre-prepared deli meats and fresh ingredients.
Can I add feta cheese to these pockets?
While not in the base recipe, crumbled feta cheese would be a delicious and authentic addition.
How much yogurt dressing should I use per pocket?
The instructions recommend drizzling 2-3 tablespoons of the yogurt dressing over the filling in each pita pocket.
How do I prevent the pita pockets from tearing?
Gently split them open with your fingers or a knife, and avoid overfilling them to keep the structure intact.
What can I substitute for kalamata olives?
You can use black olives for a milder flavor or capers if you want to maintain a salty, briny profile.
Is there a specific way to layer the ingredients?
Yes, layer the lettuce at the bottom first to provide a crunchy base that helps protect the bread from the dressing.
Can I use whole wheat pita pockets?
Yes, whole wheat pitas are a great substitution and add more fiber to the meal.
How do I prep the cucumber for the sauce?
The cucumber should be seeded and then finely chopped to ensure a smooth consistency in the sauce.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Lunch or Snack item.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano, though you may want to double the amount to achieve a similar flavor intensity.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is kid-friendly as it is easy to hold and features familiar ingredients like ham and yogurt.
Where does the inspiration for this dish come from?
The recipe is inspired by the sun-kissed shores of the Peloponnese region in Greece.