Ever been stuck in a dinnertime rut, eyeing those same old chicken recipes? The Mediterranean Steak Bowl will honestly snap you out of it. I mean, it’s got all these zippy flavors and fresh textures, but somehow feels totally doable after a long workday. If you’ve ever tried my Delicious Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls for Easy Meal Prep or even my Deliciously Simple Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe You’ll Love, you know I’m not about fussiness—just big taste in a bowl, plain and simple. No fancy chef skills needed. Just you, your favorite steak, and a pile of colorful veggies.
Why You’ll Love Them
Okay, here’s the thing. Mediterranean Steak Bowls are majorly customizable. Hate cucumbers? Skip ‘em. Obsessed with feta? Double up (I totally do). If you like recipes that don’t boss you around and just let you play, this one delivers. The combo of juicy steak with those veggies, briny olives, and a tangy drizzle makes every bite balanced. Sometimes I call this a “five-star restaurant dinner you made in sweatpants.”
Plus, throw in the fact that this bowl works for meal prep, weeknight fix, or last-minute “oh no I forgot about dinner” emergencies—what’s not to love? And you can eat it warm or cold. That right there is flexible.
Actually, a friend told me this recipe convinced her husband salads could actually taste “fun” (she was shocked). So yeah, that says it all.
“I never thought steak could feel so light and still be filling. This Mediterranean Steak Bowl is like a vacation in a dish. Even my picky teen went back for seconds!” — Steph, reader from Ohio
Ingredients + Substitutions
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want for the classic Mediterranean Steak Bowl, but don’t stress. Seriously. If you’re missing stuff, freestyle.
- Steak: Flank, skirt, or sirloin all work. Even leftover steak from another night. (Or try grilled chicken if you’re not a steak fan, it’s kind of a cousin to the Delicious Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls for Easy Meal Prep.)
- Cooked grain: Rice, quinoa, or farro. White rice works, but brown rice gives more chew.
- Cucumbers: Chopped up for crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Or Roma, whatever’s ripe.
- Red onion: Thin slices so you’re not overpowered.
- Kalamata olives: Gives that salty hit, but skip if you’re not into them.
- Feta cheese: Or use goat cheese.
- Hummus: Adds creaminess.
- Lettuce: Spinach, arugula, or Romaine.
- Simple dressing: Olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano. Or a bottled Greek vinaigrette if you’re tired.
If you’re plant-based, swap steak for roasted chickpeas or tofu. Dairy-free? Go without the feta, no sweat. This recipe’s super forgiving.
How to Make Mediterranean Steak Bowls
Honestly, you don’t need a culinary degree to pull this off. Here’s how I do it (usually while catching up on shows).
Start by cooking your steak—pan-seared, grilled, or even baked works. I just salt, pepper, and cook to medium-rare so it’s still juicy. While that’s resting, toss your grain together (microwave rice is fine, who’s judging). Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, kind of rustic style. There’s no right or wrong here.
Next, layer grains and greens in your bowl. Top with steak slices. Scatter on those crunchy veggies, Kalamata olives, a crumble of feta, and a little scoop of hummus. That last bit just feels fancy to me. Pour on your quick homemade dressing—or whatever’s in your fridge.
Best part? You can toss it all together or keep in neat little sections for that “café lunch” vibe. If you want more steak tricks, my Mastering Tomahawk Steak Simple Tips for Grill Greatness has some genius shortcuts.
Storage + Reheating
Here’s real talk. Leftovers rock. I usually keep components in separate containers so nothing gets weirdly soggy—you know what I mean. The steak and grain can go together, but keep veggies and greens separate. Feta and hummus hang out in their own containers.
When you’re ready, just reheat the steak and grain (microwave is fine, or skillet for the ambitious), and toss with the cold toppings. Salad part stays fresh, the steak part stays tasty.
If you prep ahead, keep the dressing on the side. No one likes a mushy bowl! This will actually keep for about 3 days in the fridge, which is perfect for lazy lunches.
Dietary Adaptions
Let’s get into some tweaks for your eating style because, let’s be real, everyone’s got something.
If you’re vegetarian, throw in roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi instead of steak. Vegan? Skip the feta and use a dairy-free dressing. Want it low carb? Swap the grains for extra greens (sort of like a “steak Greek salad,” which honestly tastes way better than it sounds).
Gluten-free is a breeze—just use rice or quinoa and read your labels. Going all-in on protein? Double the steak, add some hard-boiled eggs, or slap on a scoop of extra hummus for plant power.
And if you’re feeling spicy, add a dab of harissa or a sprinkle of chili flakes. This recipe’s like a choose-your-own adventure for dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how I usually serve Mediterranean Steak Bowls at home:
- With a toasty pita on the side (store-bought or homemade pita is fine).
- Pile a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or mint over the top for color.
- For a fun twist, add some sliced avocado—not classic but so creamy.
- Go big and serve it family-style with side bowls of tzatziki and extra olives.
Messy is totally part of the charm.
Common Questions
Do I have to marinate the steak?
No, but it helps. Even 15 minutes with lemon, garlic, and olive oil gives a flavor boost.
Can I use a different protein?
For sure. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas work great.
Can I make this ahead?
Yup. Keep toppings and dressing separate, and assemble when you’re hungry.
What’s the best grain for this bowl?
I love brown rice because it’s chewy, but quinoa or even couscous works.
Is there a trick to perfect steak?
Let it rest before slicing. Like, actually walk away for five minutes. Makes all the difference.
Give Dinner the Upgrade It Deserves
If you’re craving something quick but crave-worthy, trust me—this Mediterranean Steak Bowl is the fix. All those bright toppings, hearty steak, creamy extras—what’s not to swoon over? This bowl crushes boring takeout, saves you cash, and has enough options to make everyone at the table happy (even that one family member who always “doesn’t like salad”). For more ideas, you can check out Mediterranean Steak Bowl by The Real Food Dietitians or get creative with a Mediterranean Steak Grain Bowl from Kara Lydon. Get a little messy, pour yourself something cold, and dig right in. Seriously, dinner just got fun again.
Mediterranean Steak Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the steak using your preferred method (pan-seared, grilled, or baked). Season with salt and pepper and cook to medium-rare.
- While the steak is resting, prepare your grain according to instructions.
- Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Layer the cooked grains and greens in each bowl.
- Top with sliced steak, crunchy veggies, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and a scoop of hummus.
- Drizzle the homemade dressing over the top.
Notes
Mediterranean Steak Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- Season the steak with salt and pepper and cook it to medium-rare either pan-seared, grilled, or baked until juicy.
- Let the steak rest before slicing.
- Prepare the cooked grain in a bowl.
- Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Layer grains and greens at the bottom of each bowl.
- Top with sliced steak, crunchy veggies, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and a scoop of hummus.
- Drizzle the dressing over the assembled bowl or serve it on the side.
