Name: Deconstructed Falafel Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: For the Falafel: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour (for gluten-free option); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying or baking); For the Salad: 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spinach); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, omit for vegan); For the Dressing: 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin as needed); Salt and pepper to taste

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How I Fell in Love with Falafel Salad

I still remember the first time I had falafel salad. It was during a trip to a small Mediterranean café tucked away in a quiet street corner. I had originally gone in for a simple pita sandwich, but the owner, an elderly woman with a warm smile, convinced me to try their deconstructed falafel salad instead.

“This is how we eat it at home,” she said, placing a colorful salad bowl in front of me. It was a work of art—crispy falafels resting on a bed of fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, drizzled with the most creamy tahini dressing I had ever tasted. One bite, and I was hooked. The flavors of cumin, black pepper, and lemon juice blended perfectly with the fresh veggies and tangy tahini sauce.

Since that day, I’ve been recreating my own version of falafel salad at home. It’s a delicious way to enjoy falafel without the heaviness of pita bread, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors and healthy salad recipes. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to falafel salad recipe, complete with baked falafel and a zesty lemon tahini dressing. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a gluten-free way to enjoy falafel, you’ll love this salad!

What You’ll Learn in This Recipe Guide

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

What is Falafel Salad? (A brief intro to this Mediterranean dish)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Health benefits, flavor, and meal prep ideas)
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Falafel Salad
How to Make Falafel from Scratch (Baked and fried options)
How to Make the Best Tahini Dressing (Creamy, tangy, and easy to prepare)
Building the Perfect Falafel Salad Bowl (Layering ingredients for the best flavor)
Deconstructed Falafel Salad: A Fun Twist on the Classic
Recipe Tips: How to Get Crispy Falafels Every Time
Serving Suggestions and Variations (Ways to customize your salad)
FAQs: Common Questions About Falafel Salad

Now, let’s get cooking! 🥗

1. What is Falafel Salad?

Falafel salad is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines crispy falafel patties with a fresh salad bowl of cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and parsley, all drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing. It’s a lighter, healthier way to enjoy falafel without deep-frying or using pita bread.

This salad is packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas, making it a great vegan option. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh vegetables and bold Mediterranean flavors, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
✔ Vegan & Gluten-Free – Perfect for anyone following a plant-based or gluten-free diet.
✔ Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and baked falafel options, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week!

3. Key Ingredients for the Perfect Falafel Salad

To make the best falafel salad, you’ll need:

🟢 Falafel Ingredients: Chickpeas, parsley, cumin, black pepper, red onion, and garlic.
🥗 Salad Ingredients: Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese (optional).
🥣 Tahini Dressing: Tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper, and water at a time to adjust consistency.

4. How to Make Falafel from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mixture

In the bowl of a food processor, blend chickpeas, parsley, red onion, cumin, black pepper, and garlic until you get a coarse mixture.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour to bind everything together.

Step 2: Shape & Cook the Falafels

Form the mixture into falafel patties.
Either fry them in a pan over medium heat until golden brown or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

5. How to Make the Best Tahini Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:
✔ 2 tablespoons tahini
✔ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
✔ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✔ Add 1 tablespoon of water (or add more water for a thinner consistency)
✔ Salt and black pepper, to taste

6. Building the Perfect Falafel Salad Bowl

In a large bowl, layer:

Fresh veggies (cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion)
Crispy falafels
Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
A drizzle of creamy tahini dressing

7. Deconstructed Falafel Salad: A Fun Twist

Instead of shaping the falafel into patties, try serving the falafel mixture crumbled over the entire salad for a deconstructed falafel salad!

8. Recipe Tips: How to Get Crispy Falafels

✔ Use dried chickpeas, not canned, for the best texture.
✔ Season well with salt and pepper for bold flavor.
✔ Pinch of salt and cook over medium heat for even browning.

9. Serving Suggestions & Variations

Falafel Bowl: Serve with a side of pita bread or lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Diet Twist: Add kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Meal Prep Idea: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

10. FAQs: Common Questions About Falafel Salad

❓ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free flour in the falafel mixture.

❓ Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baked falafel is a healthier alternative.

❓ How can I store leftover falafel?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Final Takeaways: What to Remember

✔ Falafel salad is a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s easy to make.
✔ Baked falafel is a healthier option with the same crispy texture.
✔ Tahini dressing adds a creamy, nutty, and tangy flavor to the salad bowl.
✔ Perfect for meal prep, vegan diets, and gluten-free eaters.

Now, it’s time to make this recipe and enjoy a delicious way to enjoy falafel! Let me know in the comments if you try it. 😊🥙