
This Mediterranean Steak Bowl brings together juicy grilled sirloin, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki for a wholesome dinner bursting with bold Greek flavors. It makes a vibrant meal you can prep ahead for busy days, or serve fresh for a satisfying weeknight dinner when you crave something nourishing and quick.
The first time I made this was during a summer heatwave when turning on the oven sounded like torture. Now it is my go to meal when I want something light but still filling.
Ingredients
- Sirloin steak: about one inch thick adds lean protein and makes the bowl hearty. Look for well marbled steak for juiciest bites
- Olive oil: brings richness and helps the marinade infuse the steak. Use extra virgin for best flavor
- Garlic cloves: minced provide sharpness and classic Mediterranean aroma. Freshly minced is best
- Lemon juice: fresh brightens the dish and helps tenderize steak. Use real lemons not bottled
- Dried oregano: gives that signature Greek warmth
- Dried thyme: layers in earthiness
- Salt: brings everything together. Choose Kosher salt if possible for clean flavor
- Black pepper: freshly cracked for best flavor
- Cooked grains: brown rice quinoa or cauliflower rice make the fiber rich base. Pick according to your dietary needs
- Roasted chickpeas: add crunch and plant based protein. Skip for paleo or keto
- Cherry tomatoes: halved offer juicy sweetness. The riper the better
- Cucumber: diced cools everything down. Pick firm fresh cucumber
- Red onion: thinly sliced gives bite and mild spice
- Kalamata olives: pitted give briny punch. Choose ones stored in brine not oil for best flavor
- Feta cheese: crumbled creamy and salty. Omit for dairy free
- Fresh herbs: parsley or dill chopped add garden freshness
- Greek yogurt: plain creamy and rich. Coconut yogurt works for dairy free
- Cucumber: grated and squeezed dry makes traditional tzatziki extra refreshing
- Lemon juice: fresh in tzatziki balances the tang
- Fresh dill: chopped for classic tzatziki flavor
- Honey: for vinaigrette brings subtle sweetness
- Glass containers for meal prep: make division easy and keep veggies crisp
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Marinade:
- Combine olive oil minced garlic lemon juice dried oregano dried thyme salt and black pepper in a bowl. Add sirloin steak turning to coat all sides. Cover and marinate in the fridge for thirty minutes or up to four hours
- Prepare the Tzatziki:
- Mix Greek yogurt grated and squeezed dry cucumber fresh lemon juice minced garlic chopped dill and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and let chill in the fridge to let flavors meld
- Make the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- Whisk olive oil fresh lemon juice honey minced garlic dried oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper until combined and slightly thickened
- Cook the Steak:
- Pat marinated steak dry and heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over high until almost smoking. Sear steak four to five minutes per side for medium rare or to desired doneness. Rest steak for five minutes then thinly slice against the grain to maximize tenderness
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Layer cooked grains like brown rice or quinoa in each bowl. Top with sliced steak cherry tomatoes diced cucumber sliced red onion kalamata olives feta cheese and chopped herbs. Spoon on tzatziki and drizzle with lemon vinaigrette before serving

The feta cheese is my favorite part since it gets creamy under the warm steak and makes each bite pop with salty tang. We started making this bowl for family game nights and now it is our most requested meal by the cousins
Storage Tips
Store steak bowl components separately in airtight containers for up to three days in the fridge. Keep tzatziki and vinaigrette in their own jars so nothing gets soggy. If using for meal prep place grains and steak on the bottom and add juicy veggies and sauces just before eating. The steak also tastes great cold
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the steak for grilled chicken thigh or even roasted tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you want to skip grains cauliflower rice keeps it low carb. Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for dairy free tzatziki and vegan feta if you avoid dairy. Other fresh herbs like mint or basil add lovely unique flavor
Serving Suggestions
Serve this as a big dinner bowl or make it into Mediterranean steak wraps by piling fillings into warm pita bread. You can also set up a build your own bowl bar for family or guests which works well for gatherings with different dietary needs. Leftovers make a wonderful lunch salad just toss greens with leftover toppings and vinaigrette
Cultural Context
Bowls like this are inspired by classic Greek souvlaki plates where grilled meat is paired with fresh salads tzatziki and grains. This modern version is layered and ready for meal prep but each bite pays tribute to the classic flavors of the Mediterranean coast. The balance of protein whole grains and vegetables makes it a nourishing choice that feels wholesome yet special
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, but flank or skirt steak are great alternatives.
- → Can I use different grains as the base?
Yes, try brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Farro or bulgur also work well.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prep components ahead and store separately, then assemble your bowl just before eating for best texture.
- → How do I keep the steak juicy?
Marinate at least 30 minutes and avoid overcooking. Let the steak rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
- → What toppings can I add or swap?
Try adding roasted chickpeas, swapping feta for dairy-free cheese, or adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
Omit the steak and double the chickpeas or use grilled vegetables for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly bowl.