Falafel Salad
Indulge in a flavorful journey with falafel salad – a vibrant fusion of crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini dressing. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish offers a tantalizing mix of textures and flavors that's sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're craving a wholesome lunch or a satisfying dinner, falafel salad is the perfect choice for a nutritious and delicious meal that's quick and easy to prepare. Let's dive in and savor the irresistible charm of falafel salad!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Falafel:
- 1 can 15 ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free option
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula
- 1 cucumber diced
- 2 tomatoes diced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- Optional toppings: crumbled feta cheese sliced olives, diced avocado, toasted nuts or seeds
For the Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the falafel mixture: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of flour. If the mixture is too wet, add another tablespoon of flour. Shape the mixture into 12 small patties.
- Cook the falafel: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the falafel patties in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake the falafel in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Toss to combine.
- Make the tahini dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the falafel on top of the salad greens and vegetables. Sprinkle with optional toppings such as crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, diced avocado, or toasted nuts or seeds.
- Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
- Toss gently to coat everything in the dressing, then divide the falafel salad among four plates.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade falafel salad!