why make this recipe
This bowl brings bold Mediterranean flavors to a simple weeknight meal. It mixes tender steak, bright veggies, creamy tzatziki, and a lemony dressing. You get protein, veggies, and grains in one bowl. If you like simple steak meals, try a different steak idea like the Copycat Texas Roadhouse steak for another easy option.
introduction
This Mediterranean Steak Bowl is easy to make and tastes fresh. You marinate and sear the steak, cook or use grains, chop vegetables, and add tzatziki and vinaigrette. It works for lunches or dinners. You can change the grains or skip dairy to fit your diet. For more Mediterranean and other dishes, see a full list of recipes at all recipes.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb sirloin steak (about 1-inch thick)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked grains (brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas (optional for paleo or keto)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted)
- ⅓ cup feta cheese (crumbled; optional for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill, chopped)
Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain; coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- ½ cucumber (grated, squeezed dry)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 garlic clove (mined)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp honey (omit for Whole30)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
If you want a dessert after, try a simple Mediterranean sweet like baklava.
how to make Mediterranean Steak Bowl
- Mix marinade ingredients (3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp thyme, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper). Coat the steak. Marinate 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Mix tzatziki ingredients (yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon, garlic, dill, salt & pepper). Chill in the fridge.
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, salt & pepper). Set aside.
- Heat a skillet on high. Sear the steak 4–5 minutes per side for medium (time changes with thickness). Let the steak rest 5–10 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain.
- Layer bowls: start with 2 cups cooked grains, add sliced steak, then tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, roasted chickpeas, feta, and fresh herbs. Spoon tzatziki and drizzle vinaigrette over each bowl.
how to serve Mediterranean Steak Bowl
Serve warm or at room temperature. Place tzatziki on top or on the side. Offer extra lemon wedges and olive oil. Serve with pita or a green salad if you want.
how to store Mediterranean Steak Bowl
Keep components separate for best texture. Store steak slices in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the fridge. Keep tzatziki and vinaigrette in jars for 3–4 days. Store grains and veggies in separate containers for 3 days. Reheat steak gently or serve cold.
tips to make Mediterranean Steak Bowl
- Pat the steak dry before searing for a better crust.
- Let steak rest so juices stay in the meat.
- Taste and adjust salt on the tzatziki and vinaigrette.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb bowl.
- Roast chickpeas until crisp for texture.
- Slice steak thin against the grain for tender bites.
- If you want a sweet finish, pair the bowl with a light treat like baklava.
variation (if any)
- Dairy-free: use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and skip feta.
- Paleo/Keto: use cauliflower rice and roasted chickpeas optional or skip them.
- Vegetarian: swap steak for grilled halloumi or marinated tofu.
- Different protein: use chicken or lamb with the same marinade.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another steak cut?
A: Yes. Ribeye or flank work. Adjust cook time for thickness.
Q: How long can I marinate the steak?
A: 30 minutes to 4 hours. Do not marinate much longer or acid can change texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make tzatziki and vinaigrette a day ahead. Cook grains and roast chickpeas earlier. Keep steak separate until ready to eat.
Q: Is this meal good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store parts separately and assemble before eating for best texture.
Conclusion
If you want similar bowls and ideas, check these good recipes: Mediterranean Steak Bowl – The Real Food Dietitians, Mediterranean Steak Bowls – Stephanie Kay Nutrition, and Mediterranean Steak Grain Bowl | Kara Lydon.
Mediterranean Steak Bowl
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 lb sirloin steak (about 1-inch thick)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked grains (brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas (optional for paleo or keto)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium cucumber (diced)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup kalamata olives (pitted)
- ⅓ cup feta cheese (crumbled; optional for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill, chopped)
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain; coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- ½ medium cucumber (grated, squeezed dry)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 clove garlic (mined)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
For the Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp honey (omit for Whole30)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Marinate the Steak
- Mix marinade ingredients (3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp thyme, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper). Coat the steak. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Prepare Tzatziki
- Mix tzatziki ingredients (yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon, garlic, dill, salt & pepper). Chill in the fridge.
Whisk Vinaigrette
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, salt & pepper). Set aside.
Cook the Steak
- Heat a skillet on high. Sear the steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium (time changes with thickness). Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain.
Assemble the Bowls
- Layer bowls: start with 2 cups cooked grains, add sliced steak, then tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, roasted chickpeas, feta, and fresh herbs. Spoon tzatziki and drizzle vinaigrette over each bowl.
