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falafel salad

Deconstructed Falafel Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe

This Falafel Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish packed with crispy falafel, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty tahini dressing. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
    • 23 tablespoons water (to thin as needed)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Falafel:

    • In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking soda, and flour. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms.
    • Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
    • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the falafel for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Make the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
  • Assemble the Salad:

    • In a large bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese (if using).
    • Top with warm falafel and drizzle with tahini dressing. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • To make this salad fully vegan, omit the feta cheese.
  • The falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
  • Serve with pita bread or hummus for a heartier meal.
  • Author: James Smith
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying, Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: : 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g

Keywords: falafel salad, healthy dinner, vegan salad, gluten-free, Middle Eastern