Falafel Salad

This Falafel Salad is a delicious, healthy, and satisfying dish that combines crispy falafel with fresh vegetables and a creamy tahini dressing. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

For the Falafel:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (or breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for frying or baking)

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
• 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
• 1 avocado (sliced)

For the Tahini Dressing:

• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water (more as needed)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Make the Falafel:
   • In a food processor, combine chickpeas, red onion, garlic, parsley, oats, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still slightly chunky.
   • Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the falafel until golden brown on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Prepare the Tahini Dressing:
   • In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, water, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl or serving platter, layer the mixed greens. Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, Kalamata olives, and avocado.
   • Add the cooked falafel on top of the salad.
4. Serve:
   • Drizzle with tahini dressing before serving. Toss gently to combine if desired.

Tips

• You can make the falafel ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
• Feel free to customize your salad with additional toppings like shredded carrots, radishes, or bell peppers.
• This salad pairs well with pita bread or hummus for a complete meal.

What Are Some Creative Toppings for a Falafel Salad?

• Pickled Vegetables: Add pickled turnips, red onions, or cucumbers for tanginess.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or mint for added freshness.
• Nuts and Seeds: Top with toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or sesame seeds for crunch.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta (or vegan feta) can add creaminess and flavor.
• Zhoug Sauce: A spicy herb sauce that adds a kick and depth of flavor.

Can I Use Store-Bought Falafel for This Salad?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought falafel for convenience. Just heat them according to package instructions and add them to your salad. This saves time while still providing the delicious falafel flavor.

How Can I Make the Falafel Crisper?

To achieve crispier falafel:

• Fry Instead of Bake: Frying in oil typically yields a crispier texture compared to baking.
• Use a Higher Temperature: If baking, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake until golden brown.
• Add Baking Powder: Incorporating a small amount of baking powder into the falafel mixture can help create a lighter texture.
• Avoid Overcrowding: When frying or baking, ensure there’s enough space between the falafel pieces to allow for even cooking.

What Are Some Good Alternatives to Tahini Dressing?

If you want alternatives to tahini dressing, consider:

• Hummus Dressing: Thin out hummus with water or lemon juice for a creamy dressing.
• Yogurt Sauce: Use plain yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt mixed with garlic and herbs.
• Avocado Dressing: Blend ripe avocado with lime juice, garlic, and water for a creamy texture.
• Vinaigrette: A simple olive oil and lemon juice vinaigrette can also work well.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Falafel Salad?

Absolutely! You can customize your falafel salad with various vegetables such as:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini add flavor and texture.
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, or arugula can be mixed in for added nutrients.
• Radishes: Sliced radishes provide crunch and a peppery bite.
• Carrots: Shredded or julienned carrots add sweetness and color.

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Falafel Salad!