Greek Lamb and Olive Mezze Bowl
This bowl celebrates the bold flavors of Greece — juicy spiced lamb, briny olives, creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, fresh veggies, and fragrant herbed rice or couscous. It’s a complete Mediterranean meal that’s rustic yet refreshing — perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend mezze feast.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Greek Lamb
300 g (about 10 oz) ground lamb
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ small onion, finely chopped
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Herbed Rice
1 cup jasmine rice or couscous
2 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Pinch of salt and lemon zest
For the Toppings
¼ cup kalamata olives, halved
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cucumber, diced
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ avocado, sliced
For the Sauces
Tzatziki
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Hummus Base
½ cup hummus
Instructions
1. Cook the Rice or Couscous
Rinse rice until water runs clear.
Combine with water, olive oil, and salt.
Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes (or prepare couscous as per package instructions).
Stir in lemon zest and fresh herbs.
2. Make the Tzatziki
Combine all tzatziki ingredients in a small bowl.
Mix well and chill in the fridge until serving.
3. Cook the Greek Lamb
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic, then the ground lamb.
Cook until browned and crumbly, about 8–10 minutes.
Stir in oregano, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add lemon juice and toss to coat.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and saucy.
4. Assemble the Mezze Bowl
Start with a generous scoop of herbed rice or couscous.
Add spoonfuls of Greek lamb, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Add a dollop of tzatziki and hummus on the side.
Top with crumbled feta and sliced avocado (if using).
Drizzle with olive oil and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of lemon-herb vinaigrette or olive tapenade.
You can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based mince instead of lamb.
Serve with warm pita bread or grilled flatbread for dipping.
Perfect for meal prep — store each component separately for up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 650
Protein: 38 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 32 g
Fiber: 6 g