Heart Healthy Mediterranean Veggie Pita Sandwich

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 2/12/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Diabetic | Mediterranean | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Veggie Pita Sandwich
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This recipe transforms humble garden vegetables like zucchini and red bell peppers into a savory, caramelized filling through high-heat roasting, making it a perfect vegetarian option for those following a Mediterranean or diabetic diet. The star of the show is the zesty homemade tzatziki sauce, which adds a creamy, herb-filled finish without the heavy saturated fats found in traditional sandwich spreads. By using whole wheat pitas, you gain an extra boost of fiber to keep you full throughout the afternoon.

Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
4
Calories
273

What Makes These Heart Healthy Mediterranean Veggie Pita Sandwiches Healthy

These pita sandwiches leverage the core principles of the Mediterranean diet by focusing on fiber-rich whole grains and a wide variety of antioxidant-packed roasted vegetables. By replacing heavy mayo-based dressings with a yogurt-based tzatziki, this recipe provides a protein-rich, low-fat alternative that supports heart health and blood sugar management.

Key Health Highlights

  • High in Fiber: Whole wheat pitas and roasted vegetables provide essential dietary fiber for digestive health and cholesterol management.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Zucchini and red bell peppers are loaded with vitamins A and C, which help reduce inflammation.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: We use olive oil for roasting, a staple of the Mediterranean diet known for its monounsaturated fat content.
  • Low-Fat Protein: Greek yogurt in the tzatziki provides a lean protein source and probiotics without the saturated fat of mayonnaise.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Portobello mushrooms add a savory, "meaty" texture along with B vitamins and potassium.

FAQs About Mediterranean Veggie Pita Sandwiches

Yes, especially when you choose 100% whole wheat pita bread. Whole grains contain more fiber than white bread, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Absolutely. By focusing on roasted vegetables and a yogurt-based sauce, you are getting a meal rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber while keeping saturated fat and sodium in check compared to traditional deli meat sandwiches.

Warm the pitas slightly in the oven or microwave for 10–15 seconds before cutting or stuffing. This makes the bread more pliable and less likely to tear.

Yes. Simply swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt or hummus, and omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

More Heart Healthy Mediterranean Lunches

These classic Mediterranean favorites are easy to make and each cooks up in just 30 minutes!

Easy Vegetable-Forward Sides

These tasty and versatile side dish options pair beautifully with any lean protein-based main course.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 4 servings

Tzatziki sauce

Sandwich

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

Tzatziki sauce

  1. For the tzatziki: In a bowl, combine the cucumber with the Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, salt and black pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. (Note: This recipe uses only 2 tablespoons of the sauce; refrigerate remaining sauce for another use.)

Sandwich

  1. Step 1

    For the sandwich: Preheat oven to 400°. Place vegetables on a large baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with herbes de Provence, salt and black pepper to taste and toss well. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toss the roasted vegetables with the mint, parsley and dill.

  2. Step 2

    Lower oven to 200°. Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place pitas on the baking sheet and warm in the oven for 5 minutes. Stuff pitas with lettuce, roasted veggies, feta cheese and yogurt sauce. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 pita

273
Calories
9
g
Fat
16
mg
Cholesterol
536
mg
Sodium
34
g
Carbs
3
g
Sat. Fat
6
g
Fiber
13
g
Protein
5
g
Sugars

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Air Fryer: For a faster option, air fry the sliced vegetables at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender and slightly charred.
  • Grilling: During the summer, toss the vegetables in a grill basket over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes for a smoky, charred flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips & Tasty Variations

  • Make-Ahead: You can roast the vegetables and prepare the tzatziki up to two days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the vegetables in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to maintain their roasted edges.
  • Assembly: Wait to stuff the pitas until just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
  • Lunch Prep: If packing for work, keep the tzatziki in a small separate container and assemble the sandwich at lunchtime.

What to Serve With These Veggie Pita Sandwiches

Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Mediterranean: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable seasoning for a gentle heat.
  • Chickpea Power: Add a half-cup of rinsed chickpeas to the roasting pan for extra plant-based protein and a satisfying crunch.
  • Extra Green: Stir in a handful of baby spinach to the roasted veggies while they are still hot so it wilts slightly before stuffing the pita.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use any plain yogurt; or try a dollop of heart-healthy hummus for a dairy-free, vegan alternative.

Swap the feta for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or small pieces of goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

If whole wheat pitas aren't available, this filling works beautifully in a whole-grain wrap or served over a bed of quinoa as a Mediterranean bowl.

 Feel free to add eggplant or yellow squash to the roasting pan depending on what’s in season.

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