Description
This Falafel Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying dish featuring crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and a creamy, tangy lemon-tahini dressing. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the salad:
4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or romaine)
1 cucumber, diced
1 tomato, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pitted olives (optional)
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
For the lemon-tahini dressing:
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
For the falafel: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarsely blended, leaving some texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in flour. Add more flour if needed until the mixture holds together when shaped.
- Form the falafel into 1 to 1.5-inch balls or patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add falafel and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and olives (if using). Toss gently.
- For the dressing: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, and water in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add more water to reach desired consistency.
- To assemble: Plate the salad, top with falafel, drizzle with dressing, and sprinkle with feta (if desired).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, include other veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to the falafel mixture or drizzle with hot sauce.
- For a healthier option, bake the falafel at 375°F (190°C) instead of frying.
- Store falafel and dressing separately for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- For a nut-free dressing, substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
