Name: Mediterranean Steak Bowl with Tzatziki and Fresh Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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); 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain; coconut yogurt for dairy-free); ½ cucumber (grated, squeezed dry); 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh); 1 garlic clove (minced); 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped); Salt & pepper (to taste); 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)

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Steak Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy sirloin steak with fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s a perfect meal for a satisfying lunch or dinner that feels both wholesome and refreshing.

A white bowl contains a layered dish starting with a base of chopped greens and white grains. On top, there are thick slices of grilled steak with char marks and a pink center at the bottom part of the bowl. Moving clockwise, there are thin, curved slices of purple onion, followed by green cucumber slices with visible seeds, and a dollop of white, creamy cheese with olive oil and black pepper on it near the center. Above it, grilled cherry tomatoes with charred black spots are layered next to both light brown and dark purple olives, some of which have a shiny surface from oil. The dish is garnished with green herbs and sits on a white marbled surface with a gold fork to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
1 cup Greek yogurt (plain; coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
½ cucumber (grated, squeezed dry)
1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh) for tzatziki
1 garlic clove (minced) for tzatziki
1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
salt & pepper (to taste for tzatziki)
3 tbsp olive oil for dressing
2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh) for dressing
1 tsp honey (omit for Whole30)
1 garlic clove (minced) for dressing
½ tsp dried oregano (for dressing)
salt & pepper (to taste for dressing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. Coat the sirloin steak evenly and let it marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare the tzatziki by combining the plain Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed dry cucumber, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, fresh dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 3: For the dressing, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, honey (omit if following Whole30), 1 minced garlic clove, dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and sear it for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time as needed for your preferred doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Step 5: To assemble your bowl, start with a base of cooked grains. Add sliced steak, roasted chickpeas (if using), cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette and dollop with chilled tzatziki before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use cauliflower rice instead of grains for a low-carb or paleo version.
Substitute coconut yogurt for Greek yogurt to make the tzatziki dairy-free.
Marinate the steak overnight for more intense flavor.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Roast chickpeas with your favorite spices for a crunchy texture contrast.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the steak and tzatziki refrigerated to maintain freshness. Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave, and assemble the bowl fresh before serving to preserve the textures.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered meal, starting with a base of light brown cooked grains. On top of this, there are five medium slices of pink-centered grilled steak arranged in the middle. To the left side, thin rings of purple-red onion are placed next to the steak. At the top left, fresh green basil leaves sit beside small red cherry tomatoes, some cut in halves showing their juicy inside. Above the steak, there are shiny green and dark brown olives mixed together. To the right, a dollop of creamy white yogurt sauce with green herb bits and a drizzle of olive oil rests next to several fresh cucumber slices arranged in a neat row. Some crumbled white cheese with green herbs is scattered near the cucumbers. A woman’s hand holding a spoon is dipping into the yogurt sauce. The whole bowl is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, flank or skirt steak also work well for this recipe. They benefit from marinating and should be sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Is the tzatziki sauce necessary?

While tzatziki adds a traditional creamy and tangy element, you can omit it or substitute with a dairy-free sauce to fit your dietary needs and preferences.