Baked Falafel Salad With Lemon-Tahini Dressing: A Tasty Mediterranean Delight
Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish loved by many for its unique blend of flavors and textures. Traditionally deep-fried, falafel can be made healthier without sacrificing taste by baking it instead. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making delicious baked falafel salad with a refreshing lemon-tahini dressing.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we start, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Prepare the Falafel Mixture
The key to making great falafel is using dried chickpeas instead of canned ones. Soak the dried chickpeas in water overnight, then drain and rinse them thoroughly.
In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if desired), lemon juice, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky. You don’t want it to turn into a smooth paste.
Shape and Bake the Falafel
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Now it’s time to shape the falafel mixture into small balls. Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Place the formed ball on the prepared baking sheet and repeat the process until all the mixture is used.
Once all the falafel balls are in place, lightly brush them with olive oil to help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
Bake the falafel in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
Prepare the Lemon-Tahini Dressing
While the falafel is baking, let’s prepare the zesty lemon-tahini dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding more water if desired. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Assemble Your Baked Falafel Salad
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your delicious baked falafel salad.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss the salad with half of the lemon-tahini dressing, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Divide the salad into individual serving bowls and top each with a few baked falafel balls. Drizzle the remaining lemon-tahini dressing over the falafel and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
A Healthy Mediterranean Delight
Enjoy the explosion of flavors as you savor each bite of this baked falafel salad with lemon-tahini dressing. The crunchy falafel, refreshing salad greens, tangy tomatoes, and creamy tahini dressing come together harmoniously to create a truly satisfying and nutritious meal.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this Mediterranean delight will surely satisfy your taste buds. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, dinner, or even a filling snack.
Elevate your salad game with this easy and delicious recipe. Give it a try and let the flavors transport you to the sunny streets of the Mediterranean!
*Source www.tastingtable.com
