Name: Falafel Salad Bowl with Tabbouleh and Tahini Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 batch falafel mix (see recipe HERE); Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1/2 to 1 inch in skillet); 1 small head red leaf or romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried, and chopped; Olive oil (for drizzling); Vinegar of your choice (for drizzling); 1 cup prepared tabbouleh (see recipe HERE for homemade); 1/2 cup pitted olives; 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup peppadew peppers; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup feta cheese, diced; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste); Juice of 1 lemon; Water (to thin); Salt, to taste; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup roasted red pepper or sun dried tomato in olive oil; 1 pepperoncini, stem removed; 1 clove garlic; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste); Olive oil (to thin); Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 69 reviews

If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant, and wholesome meal that bursts with flavors and textures, the Falafel Salad Bowl with Tabbouleh and Tahini Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This colorful bowl brings together crispy falafel patties, refreshing tabbouleh, and a luscious tahini sauce that ties everything together in perfect harmony. It’s a delightful mix of crunchy, creamy, tangy, and herby elements that will make you excited about salad all over again. Perfect for a quick lunch or a nutritious dinner, this recipe combines simplicity with bold Middle Eastern flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Five round green falafel patties fry in hot oil, each patty showing a rough texture with small chopped herbs and chickpeas visible. The bubbling oil has shiny, round bubbles around each patty, creating a glossy look on the frying surface. The patties are evenly spaced and look fresh and crispy on the edges while still soft inside. The background is a dark frying pan filled with oil over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this delightful bowl are straightforward but essential, each bringing its own unique contribution to the taste, texture, and vibrant color of the dish. With fresh veggies, tangy cheese, aromatic herbs, and the unmistakable punch of homemade falafel, your taste buds are in for a real treat.

Falafel mix: The heart of the dish, offering a crispy and flavorful protein base that’s satisfying and hearty.
Red leaf or romaine lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the rich falafel and creamy tahini.
Olive oil and vinegar: To lightly dress the greens, adding brightness and a silky texture.
Prepared tabbouleh: Bursting with parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur, this herby salad contributes fresh zest and chew.
Pitted olives: Introduce a salty, briny pop that complements the milder vegetables.
Persian cucumber: Thinly sliced for a cool, crisp contrast.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a juicy sweetness that elevates every bite.
Peppadew peppers: Sweet and slightly tangy with a bit of peppery kick.
Red onion: Thinly sliced to offer sharpness and crunch.
Feta cheese: Diced feta adds creamy saltiness that feels indulgent.
Lemon: Cut in wedges to squeeze on top, brightening the whole bowl with acidity.
Tahini: Sesame-based sauce that’s creamy and nutty, bringing everything together beautifully.
Juice of 1 lemon and water: To thin the tahini to the perfect consistency.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
Fire feta ingredients (roasted red pepper or sun-dried tomato in olive oil, pepperoncini, garlic, paprika, cayenne, olive oil, salt): Combine to create a spicy, smoky, and tangy feta paste that adds a fiery twist.

How to Make Falafel Salad Bowl with Tabbouleh and Tahini Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Shape and Fry the Falafel

Start by scooping out the falafel mix using a 1 1/2 inch scoop, then flatten it gently into round patties rather than balls. This shape helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely in the pan. Heating about half an inch to an inch of vegetable oil to approximately 325°F, carefully slide the patties in and fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Use extra care when flipping—two spatulas work perfectly to keep patties intact. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. This batch yields about 20 falafel, perfect for 5 servings.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

Fill the bottom of each bowl with chopped red leaf or romaine lettuce. Lightly drizzle olive oil and your favorite vinegar over the lettuce for a simple yet fresh dressing that adds moisture and tang without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 3: Add Tabbouleh and Fresh Veggies

Spoon a generous helping of prepared tabbouleh in the center of each bowl. Surround it artistically with pitted olives, thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, peppadew peppers, and thinly sliced red onions. Each ingredient lends its own texture and burst of flavor, creating a vibrant mosaic on your plate.

Step 4: Arrange the Falafel and Toppings

Place four crisp falafel patties in each salad bowl. Add diced feta cheese around the edges and tuck in lemon wedges to add fresh acidity whenever you want. This layering builds both visual appeal and a flavor journey from bite to bite.

Step 5: Make the Tahini Sauce

Stir tahini paste with fresh lemon juice to create a creamy base. Slowly add water a little at a time while stirring to reach your preferred consistency. The sauce will thicken initially but will smooth out as you whisk in more water. Season with salt to taste. This tahini sauce adds a nutty, luscious finish that elevates every forkful.

Step 6: Prepare the Fire Feta Spread

In a food processor, pulse together roasted red peppers (or sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil), pepperoncini, garlic, paprika, cayenne, and a bit of salt until you get a rough paste. Drizzle in olive oil and pulse briefly to thin it out. This fiery feta spread adds a smoky, spicy punch that’s a fantastic contrast to the cool salad components.

How to Serve Falafel Salad Bowl with Tabbouleh and Tahini Sauce Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding a colorful Mediterranean dish with several layers. On the bottom layer, there is a bed of leafy green lettuce. Scattered on the lettuce are black and green olives with sesame seeds sprinkled over them. White cubes of cheese are placed near a lemon wedge at the top of the plate. Around the plate, there are bright red small bell peppers, chunks of red cherry tomatoes, and slices of cucumber. On one side, there are four dark brown falafel patties stacked slightly, next to a small glass bowl filled with a thick orange sauce, and another small glass bowl with creamy white hummus at the bottom center. A silver fork rests on the left side of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your falafel salad bowl even more inviting, sprinkle extra crumbled feta cheese on top for bursts of creaminess. A few fresh parsley leaves or sprigs of mint add herbs that brighten the bowl even more. Don’t forget a fresh crack of black pepper or a light dusting of paprika for extra color and warmth.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm pita bread or crispy flatbreads to scoop up every bit of goodness. Lightly roasted vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini complement the bowl’s flavors beautifully. If you want a heartier meal, a side of warm lentil soup or a chilled cucumber yogurt dip (tzatziki) pairs perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, consider serving this falafel salad bowl as a build-your-own station, letting guests layer their own bowls with toppings and sauces. Alternatively, assemble the bowl in mason jars for an eye-catching presentation that also works great for packed lunches or picnic meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover falafel patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store tabbouleh and tahini sauce separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Vegetables can remain fresh for about 1-2 days if stored properly.

Freezing

Falafel patties freeze very well. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. The other salad components don’t freeze well due to their fresh nature, so it’s best to prepare them fresh when serving.

Reheating

To reheat frozen or refrigerated falafel, warm them in a skillet with a little oil to regain their crispy texture, or pop them under a broiler for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Reheat tahini sauce slightly if needed, but it’s often best served at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought falafel mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought falafel mix is a convenient option and works wonderfully in this salad bowl. Just follow the package instructions and form the patties as described for the best frying results.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

The falafel and salad components are vegan, but the feta cheese is not. For a vegan version, simply omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative. The tahini sauce is naturally vegan and delicious.

How spicy is the fire feta spread?

The fire feta has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the paprika and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your spice tolerance, making it as gentle or as fiery as you like.

Can I prepare the tabbouleh from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade tabbouleh is fresh and vibrant, and making it yourself lets you control the flavors. Use finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and soaked bulgur wheat, tossed with lemon juice and olive oil for the best results.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers if I’ve mixed the salad already?

If the salad is already mixed, store it in an airtight container and consume within a day to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Add extra fresh lemon juice or olive oil before serving to refresh the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Falafel Salad Bowl with Tabbouleh and Tahini Sauce Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a special treat but is incredibly simple to whip up. Its vibrant colors, enticing textures, and rich flavors make it a joy to eat any day of the week. Trust me when I say, once you try this bowl, it will easily become one of your favorite go-to dishes for quick, wholesome, and utterly delicious meals. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!