Posted in Rice Bowls

Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowl

Who says leftovers have to taste like leftovers?

This colorful Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowl transforms a few of this week’s homemade turkey meatballs into a completely new meal. Fresh vegetables, hearty brown rice, a bright lemon-herb dressing, and a simple creamy yogurt sauce make this an easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with protein and full of fresh flavors.

It’s another example of how a little meal prep can save both time and money while keeping dinner interesting all week long.

💡 Meal Prep Shortcut

This recipe uses the Simple Italian Turkey Meatballs you prepared earlier in the week as part of the Stretch Every Grocery Dollar series.

Joining us midweek? No problem! Substitute 6 fully cooked frozen turkey meatballs, thawed and heated through. Homemade meatballs deliver the best flavor and value, but this shortcut gets dinner on the table in minutes.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowl

Thiscolorful Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowl transforms a few of this week'shomemade turkey meatballs into a completely new meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 465

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cooked Italian turkey meatballs sliced in half
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sliced Kalamata olives optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Herb Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
Creamy Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce
  • ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon dried dill
  • Pinch garlic powder
  • Pinch onion powder

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Lemon Herb Dressing ingredients.
  2. In another small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder to make the Creamy Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce.
  3. Warm the brown rice and turkey meatballs.
  4. Divide the rice between two serving bowls.
  5. Arrange the sliced meatballs, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta, olives (if using), and parsley over the rice.
  6. Drizzle each bowl with the Lemon Herb Dressing.
  7. Top with a spoonful of the Creamy Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce.
  8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

Tips & Variations
  • Substitute quinoa for the brown rice for even more protein.
  • Add fresh spinach or mixed greens to stretch the meal even further.
  • Leave out the feta for a lower-fat version.
  • Stir in a handful of chickpeas for extra fiber and staying power.
  • The yogurt sauce also makes a great dip for fresh vegetables or a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep—pack the vegetables separately until serving for the freshest texture.

🍽️ This Week’s Menu

  • Sunday – Simple Italian Turkey Meatballs
  • Monday – Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
  • ⭐ Tuesday – Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowl (Today’s Recipe)
  • Wednesday – Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
  • Thursday – Taco Turkey Rice Bowl
  • Friday – Five Ways to Stretch Ground Turkey
  • Saturday – Six Budget-Friendly Turkey Meals

Bonus Recipes

  • Turkey Fried Rice
  • Refrigerator Clean-Out Quesadillas

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for our comforting Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup!