Name: Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: PT-491493H1M59S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin steak (about 1-inch thick); 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 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); 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain; coconut yogurt for dairy-free); ½ cucumber (grated, squeezed dry); 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 garlic clove (minced); 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped); Salt & pepper to taste; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp honey (omit for Whole30); 1 garlic clove (minced); ½ tsp dried oregano; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 25 reviews

There is nothing quite like the vibrant, fresh flavors and hearty satisfaction of a homemade Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe. This dish brings together tender, perfectly marinated sirloin steak with bright, crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, creating a bowl that is as colorful as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping lunch, this recipe has all the elements to excite your taste buds and nourish your body in the most delightful way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of cooking ingredients is arranged on a white marbled surface. On the right, a single raw red steak with white marbling sits on brown parchment paper on a round wooden board, next to fresh green herbs. Above the steak, a knife with a wooden handle rests partly on the board. Surrounding the steak are small white bowls: one with mixed olives, another with green fresh herbs, one with white creamy sauce topped with a small pool of oil, another with golden olive oil, a bowl filled with mixed grains, and small bowls holding salt, black and red peppercorns, and a powdered spice. To the left are fresh vegetables including two cucumbers, a bunch of red cherry tomatoes, a whole red onion with one half sliced open, and some crumbled white cheese in a bowl. A bright yellow lemon and two garlic cloves also lie near a glass cup of olive oil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and freshness — from the rich steak to the bright herbs and creamy tzatziki. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1 lb sirloin steak (about 1-inch thick): The star protein, tender and full of meaty flavor when properly marinated and seared.
3 tbsp olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps create a succulent steak and dressings.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses bold, aromatic depth into marinades, tzatziki, and vinaigrette.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Lifts and brightens flavors throughout the dish with refreshing acidity.
1 tsp dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that brings earthiness and warmth.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes that perfectly complement the steak.
½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning all components to bring out their full flavor.
¼ tsp black pepper: Provides gentle heat and depth without overpowering.
2 cups cooked grains: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice create a hearty base and absorb all the vibrant flavors.
1 cup roasted chickpeas (optional for paleo or keto): Adds crunch, protein, and a toasty flavor.
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
1 cucumber (diced): Cool crunch that balances the richness of the steak and cheese.
½ red onion (thinly sliced): Sharpness and a bit of bite to add complexity.
½ cup kalamata olives (pitted): Briny and tangy, these olives elevate the bowl’s Mediterranean character.
⅓ cup feta cheese (crumbled; optional for dairy-free): Salty creaminess that ties flavors together beautifully.
¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill, chopped): Adds fresh brightness and herbal aroma.
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain; coconut yogurt for dairy-free): The creamy base for tzatziki, rich but refreshing.
½ cucumber (grated, squeezed dry): For authentic, crisp tzatziki texture without excess moisture.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Enhances the tang in tzatziki.
1 garlic clove (minced): Provides savory punch in the yogurt sauce.
1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped): Essential tzatziki herb for that unmistakable flavor.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Balanced seasoning is key for sauces and dressings.
2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh): Adds zing to the dressing.
1 tsp honey (omit for Whole30): Balances acidity with gentle sweetness in the vinaigrette.

How to Make Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by creating the marinade to infuse the sirloin steak with flavorful herbs and a touch of citrus. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the steak thoroughly and let it marinate anywhere from 30 minutes up to 4 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth steak experience.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the steak marinates, whip up your homemade tzatziki. Grate half a cucumber and make sure to squeeze out all excess water to keep the sauce thick and creamy. Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Let it chill in the fridge to let the flavors meld beautifully—a cooling, tangy dip that will elevate every bite.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

Your Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe would not be complete without a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, honey (or skip for Whole30), salt, and pepper together until emulsified. This dressing ties all the fresh vegetables and grains together with a bright, tangy finish that complements the robust steak.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

Heat a heavy skillet until it’s piping hot to ensure a gorgeous sear. Cook the steak for 4 to 5 minutes on each side to get that perfect caramelized crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing every slice is juicy and flavorful. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe

Now for the fun part—layer your bowl starting with the cooked grains as a base, followed by the sliced steak. Pile on fresh diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, olives, roasted chickpeas if using, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the top and add generous dollops of your creamy tzatziki. Finally, finish with fresh chopped herbs to brighten everything up.

How to Serve Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe

The image shows two raw red steaks placed flat inside a light beige bowl, marinated with olive oil and sprinkled with coarse salt and chopped green herbs, likely thyme. The steaks have patches of white fat and a shiny texture from the oil. Around the bowl, a small glass jar of olive oil, a bulb of garlic, a bunch of fresh thyme sprigs, and a small jar of green herbs are arranged on a white marbled surface. The lighting is soft, making the colors of the ingredients look fresh and natural. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your bowl with additional fresh parsley or dill for a vibrant herbal punch. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can add an exciting crunch. Don’t forget a few lemon wedges on the side for those who love an extra citrus kick at the table.

Side Dishes

This steak bowl holds its own perfectly but can be beautifully complemented with simple Mediterranean sides like warm pita bread, grilled vegetables, or a light Greek salad. If you prefer a bigger spread, hummus or baba ganoush will add creamy, smoky flavors alongside the hearty bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the ingredients deconstructed so everyone can build their personalized bowl. Alternatively, pack the steak bowls in mason jars for a portable lunch that looks stunning and stays fresh. Layer the grains, steak, vegetables, and sauces separately to keep textures intact until mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate from the salad and grains to preserve freshness and texture. When ready to eat, simply reassemble your bowl and add fresh garnishes.

Freezing

While the steak and grains freeze well separately, it’s best to avoid freezing the fresh vegetables or tzatziki. Freeze cooked steak and grains in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and freshening up with new veggies and sauce.

Reheating

Reheat the steak and grains gently in a skillet or microwave, ensuring not to overcook the steak. Keep the vegetables and tzatziki cold for contrast and freshness. This careful balance keeps the Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe tasting as vibrant as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and affordable, flank or skirt steak works wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking times as these cuts can cook faster and benefit from marinating.

Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes! Simply substitute Greek yogurt and feta with coconut yogurt and omit the cheese, or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it deliciously dairy-free.

Can I make this recipe Whole30 compliant?

Definitely. Just omit the honey in the vinaigrette and use alternatives like cauliflower rice in place of grains. Make sure to skip feta and opt for coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for tzatziki.

How long does the steak marinade need to be?

While 30 minutes is enough to add flavor, letting the steak marinate for up to 4 hours will deepen the taste and further tenderize the meat, giving you optimal results.

What grains work best for this bowl?

Brown rice and quinoa are fantastic for nutty flavors and chew, but cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative. Choose your favorite or mix them up for variety!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that balances hearty, fresh, and vibrant flavors all in one bowl, this Mediterranean Steak Bowl Recipe is a total winner. It’s straightforward to prepare, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again!