Falafel Salad

Creamy tahini avocado dressing and heart-healthy fats help create a satisfying, nutrient-dense dish with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavor. 

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE FALAFEL SALAD 

3 ounces falafel mix 

3 ounces mixed greens  

2 ounces cucumber, diced  

4 kalamata olives  

1 ounce vegan feta cheese  

1/2 ounce pickled red onion  

2 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved 

2 ounces tahini avocado dressing 

1 ounce za'atar croutons 

FOR THE FALAFEL BALLS 

(yields ~10 ounces) 

1 cup garbanzo beans, cooked  

1/8 teaspoon salt  

1/4 teaspoon cumin  

1/4 teaspoon turmeric  

1-1/2 tablespoons parsley, chopped  

1-1/2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped  

5 tablespoons carrots, diced  

4 tablespoons yellow onion, diced  

3/4 teaspoon garlic, minced  

2 teaspoons flaxseed, ground  

2 teaspoons tahini  

1 teaspoon olive oil  

FOR THE ZA'ATAR CROUTONS  

(yields ~8 ounces) 

8 ounces pita bread  

1 tablespoon olive oil  

1 tablespoon za'atar spice mix  

FOR THE ZA'ATAR SPICE MIX  

(yields ~5 tablespoons) 

1 tablespoon sesame seeds  

1 tablespoon sumac  

1 teaspoon salt  

1 tablespoon thyme, dry  

1 tablespoon cumin, ground  

1 tablespoon oregano, dry  

INSTRUCTIONS

TO MAKE THE FALAFEL SALAD 

1. Preheat oven to 450 F.  

2. Place the falafel balls onto a sheet pan and bake in the oven until heated through and crispy on the outside (about 5 minutes).  

3. Place greens in a large bowl along with cucumber, kalamata olives, vegan feta cheese, pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, and tahini avocado dressing. Toss to coat, then transfer to a serving bowl.  

4. Finish by adding the cooked falafel, then garnish with za'atar croutons.  

TO MAKE THE FALAFEL BALLS 

1. Place all ingredients, except oil, into a food processor and pulse until mixture holds together.  

2. Portion the falafel mixture into 1 ounce balls and drizzle with olive oil.  

TO MAKE THE ZA'ATAR CROUTONS 

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  

2. Cut the pita bread into strips. Drizzle strips with oil and season with za'atar spice mix.  

3. Bake the seasoned pita strips in the oven until crisp (about 5 minutes).  

TO MAKE THE ZA'ATAR SPICE MIX 

1. Preheat oven to 300 F.  

2. Place sesame seeds onto a sheet pan and toast in the oven for 10 minutes. Cool.  

3. Grind the sesame seeds (using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle), then combine with all remaining ingredients.