If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and hearty, comforting textures, this Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines juicy ground turkey seasoned to perfection with fluffy basmati rice, crisp Mediterranean vegetables, and creamy feta and tzatziki for a bowl full of taste and color. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this recipe brings Greek-inspired goodness to your table with ease and excitement.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for this Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe each play a star role in delivering that signature Mediterranean flavor profile. From aromatic herbs and tangy lemon to hearty turkey and refreshing veggies, these components come together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Olive oil (5 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps to beautifully sauté the rice and turkey for flavor depth.
- Basmati rice (1 cup, rinsed): This fragrant rice cooks up fluffy and light, serving as a perfect base for all the toppings.
- Chicken broth (1½ cups): Provides savory moisture to imbue the rice with extra flavor.
- Salt (¾ teaspoon, divided): Balances and enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds bright acidity that lifts the entire bowl.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped plus more for serving): Brings a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped plus more for serving): Its subtle anise-like flavor pairs perfectly with the Greek theme.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): Lean and protein-packed, the star protein in this dish.
- Greek seasoning (1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons): A robust blend of spices essential for authentic flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Their sweetness and juiciness add vibrant color and texture.
- Cocktail cucumbers (3, thinly sliced): Provide crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Red onion (½ cup, thinly sliced): Offers a mild pungency that brightens the salad.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy punch to the veggie mix.
- Honey (1 teaspoon, optional): Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Feta cheese (4 ounces, crumbled): Salty and creamy, it brings classic Greek flavor and luscious texture.
- Kalamata olives (4 ounces, pitted): Add briny richness that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade): Cool and creamy, perfect for drizzling.
- Hummus (store-bought or homemade): Adds velvety creaminess and depth.
How to Make Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Toss in the rinsed basmati rice and stir constantly for about a minute until every grain is glossy with oil. Then pour in the chicken broth and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring this to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover. Let it cook undisturbed for 16 to 18 minutes, until the rice becomes tender and fluffy. Finish by stirring in 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and chopped parsley and dill for an extra herby lift.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
While the rice is simmering, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to brown. Sprinkle on the Greek seasoning, add 1 more tablespoon of olive oil and ¼ teaspoon salt, and stir well. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the turkey is fully cooked through with a lovely golden hue. The aromatic seasoning gives this humble protein a fantastic kick.
Step 3: Mix the Veggie Salad
In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, and red onion. Pour in red wine vinegar, the remaining lemon juice, honey (if using), 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning. Toss everything together gently so the flavors meld beautifully and the veggies stay crisp and fresh. This salad adds that classic Greek crunch and brightness that contrasts so well with the rich turkey and rice.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
To serve this Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe, start with a bed of the herbed lemon rice. Spoon generous portions of the savory ground turkey atop, then add the vibrant tomato and cucumber salad. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and kalamata olives, and add dollops of creamy tzatziki and hummus on the side. Finish with extra chopped parsley and dill for that final pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are the secret to that irresistible Mediterranean charm. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and dill brightens the dish visually and adds herbal freshness with every bite. Crumbled feta, kalamata olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki or hummus bring creaminess, tang, and saltiness that balance the savory components perfectly. Don’t be shy – these garnishes complete the experience!
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve this bowl alongside warm pita bread or crispy grilled flatbread to scoop and savor every last bit. A simple Greek salad or roasted veggies like eggplant and zucchini also make wonderful companions that echo the flavors in the bowl. If you want to keep things light and fresh, extra lemon wedges are always a welcome addition for squeezing.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these bowls a feast for the eyes as well as the palate by arranging each component in colorful, distinct sections in a large bowl or plate. Layering the rice first, then target the turkey, followed by vibrant veggies and garnishes creates an inviting, mosaic-like appearance. For a casual gathering, serve all ingredients buffet-style and let everyone build their own customized Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe components store beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice, cooked turkey, and veggie salad separate if possible to preserve freshness and texture. This makes for quick and easy lunches or dinners on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked ground turkey and rice individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. However, the fresh veggie salad and garnishes are best added freshly when serving, as freezing can affect their texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the rice and ground turkey gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the rice moist. Add the dressing and veggie salad fresh after reheating, along with your tzatziki and hummus, for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use another type of rice?
Absolutely! While basmati rice adds a wonderful fragrance and light texture, you can substitute with jasmine rice or even brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just adjust the cooking time to match the rice you choose.
What if I don’t have Greek seasoning?
No worries! You can make a simple blend yourself with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of cinnamon and paprika. This mix will give you that vibrant Mediterranean flavor essential to the dish.
Is ground turkey the only protein option?
Not at all! Ground chicken or even lean ground beef work just as well in this recipe. For a vegetarian twist, consider substituting cooked lentils or chickpeas seasoned with the same spices.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe is excellent for meal prep! Just keep components like the veggie salad and sauces separate until serving for maximum freshness. It’s hearty, healthy, and reheats beautifully.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is generally mild with warm, aromatic spices but no heat. If you like a bit of kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey or sprinkle some on top when serving.
Final Thoughts
Cooking and enjoying this Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe is like bringing a little Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen and table. It’s bright, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, with every bite offering a symphony of flavors and textures. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Ground Turkey Rice Bowl recipe offers a delicious and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring tender ground turkey, fragrant basmati rice, and a fresh tomato-cucumber salad. Accented with herbs, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and creamy tzatziki and hummus, this dish combines vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (plus more for serving)
Ground Turkey
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cocktail cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (remaining from total)
To Serve
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 4 ounces pitted kalamata olives
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Hummus (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a medium pot over medium heat. Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the grains evenly with oil. Pour in the chicken broth and ½ teaspoon salt, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 16-18 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh parsley and dill just until combined.
- Cook the ground turkey: While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes until starting to brown. Add 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir well and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Prepare the tomato cucumber salad: In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, red wine vinegar, the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, honey (if using), 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning. Toss everything until the vegetables are well coated and mixed thoroughly.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the cooked ground turkey, tomato cucumber salad, crumbled feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Add dollops of tzatziki sauce and hummus on the side. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and dill for a fresh herbal finish before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the basmati rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice.
- The honey in the salad is optional and balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.
- You can use store-bought tzatziki and hummus for convenience or make your own for a fresher touch.
- Adjust Greek seasoning quantities based on your preferred spice level and salt content.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for meal prepping.
