Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowl

Name: Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; Fresh parsley, for garnish; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: World Recipes

I love crafting meals that are not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor, and this Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowl checks all the boxes! The combination of seasoned ground turkey, fresh veggies, and hearty grains creates a colorful and satisfying meal. It's a perfect weeknight dinner that takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. I enjoy experimenting with different toppings, from creamy tzatziki to tangy feta cheese, making each bowl a unique experience. Plus, it's easily customizable based on what I have in my fridge!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T16:25:27.582Z

I remember the first time I made this Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowl; I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. Ground turkey is such a versatile protein, and when seasoned with Mediterranean spices, it transforms into something special. I paired it with quinoa and a rainbow of fresh vegetables, truly bringing the bowl to life.

One trick I discovered is to let the quinoa absorb lemon juice as it cooks, adding a refreshing tang that complements the turkey perfectly. I also love to garnish with fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, this bowl will become a favorite in your home!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body
Easy to prepare and customize based on your preferences
Bursting with Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the sunny coast

Maximizing Flavor in Your Bowl

To elevate the Mediterranean flavors in your Ground Turkey Bowl, consider marinating the turkey beforehand. A combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can add depth to the flavor profile. Allow the turkey to marinate for at least 30 minutes; this can be done while the quinoa cooks. The result is a juicy turkey with intensified flavor that complements the fresh veggies beautifully.

In terms of textural contrast, don't overlook the importance of preparing your vegetables properly. For example, you can briefly grill the cherry tomatoes to enhance their sweetness. Just a couple of minutes on high heat until blistered will add a smoky element, creating an exciting sensory experience. The warm tomatoes against the cool tzatziki balance textures delightfully.

Customizing Your Bowl

This bowl is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to match whatever seasonal ingredients you have on hand. Swap quinoa for couscous or brown rice if you're looking for a different grain base. Experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition. You can even incorporate legumes, such as chickpeas or lentils, for a heartier meal.

For protein diversity, feel free to use ground chicken, lamb, or even plant-based alternatives like beyond meat for a vegetarian version. Adjust your cooking time accordingly depending on the protein choice; for example, chicken may need a couple more minutes to ensure it's fully cooked. Each option delivers a unique flavor twist on this Mediterranean classic.

Ingredients

For the Bowl

1 pound ground turkey
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Tzatziki Sauce (optional)

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Prepare the Ground Turkey

Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Mix the Tzatziki Sauce

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Bowl

Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and divide it among four bowls. Top each bowl with cooked ground turkey, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce if desired.

Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh parsley on top and enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowl!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add more vegetables or substitute ground turkey with chicken or beef. You can also serve this dish in a wrap for a portable lunch option!

Make-Ahead Tips

This Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowl is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook a double batch of quinoa and turkey on a weekend to have ready-to-assemble bowls during the week. Store the components separately in the fridge to maintain freshness—quinoa and turkey will last up to four days in airtight containers. Fresh veggies should be chopped right before serving to keep them crisp and vibrant.

If you're looking to make the tzatziki sauce ahead, it can be made up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and intensify as it sits, creating a more robust sauce that complements the bowl. Just give it a good stir before serving!

Serving Variations

To serve this bowl as a family-style dish, consider preparing a large platter. Layer the quinoa at the base, then artfully arrange the ground turkey and colorful vegetables on top. This presentation makes it easy for guests to build their own bowls, allowing them to customize their toppings and portion sizes according to individual preferences.

For a more rustic experience, try serving this dish in pita pockets or lettuce wraps instead of bowls. This variation not only adds a fun element to your meal but also makes it portable—perfect for picnics or packed lunches. Just be sure to balance the filling to prevent soggy wraps; use drier components accordingly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey, quinoa, and tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free quinoa, this recipe is gluten-free!

→ What can I use if I don't have ground turkey?

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or lentils for a vegetarian option.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.