Great flavors make up this vegan falafel salad with tahini dressing which is filled with fresh vegetables, and fluffy quinoa.

a white bowl with falafel salad in it and gold cutlery on the side — Delicious falafel salad with lemon tahini dressing

Ingredients and Variations

Here are notes on some of the ingredients, the complete list with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.

falafel balls, tahini, salt and veggies laid out

Falafels

As you probably guessed, the main ingredient is falafel, you can use any type that you prefer (I have a couple of different recipes for this) but if you're going to purchase yours, you'll want to check the ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs if required, such as are they vegan? or are they gluten free?.

Each falafel ball is quartered prior to adding to this salad.

The Base Of This Salad

I use cooked plain quinoa as the base, which I cool on a baking sheet before adding it to the rest of the salad ingredients, it's filling and substantial.

This can be swapped with brown rice or bulgur or any other grain you like. Just ensure the cooked grains are cool before mixing with this salad.

Alternatively, your local grocery stores may sell precooked packet quinoa, rice or grains.

You could also try this crispy quinoa recipe.

spreading cooked quinoa onto a plate and cutting falafel into quarters

Fresh Veggies

I used a combination of chopped lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, red cabbage and radish. For the best salad with falafel and fresh flavor, use only good quality produce, crunchy veggies make all the difference. You can also use/add cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and or kalamata olives.

Tahini Dressing

I love this dressing, it's one I grew up with, it's called tarator.

For this falafel salad, I took inspiration from my green shatta sauce (but left out the oil), to create this creamy tahini dressing which is sour from the fresh lemon juice and has a little bit of a kick to it from the added chili, you can leave out the chili or reduce the amount if you prefer.

falafel balls, diced veggies and chopped lettuce in a plate with a bowl of lemon tahini dressing in the centre

Optional Salad Ingredients

Pickles, especially Middle Eastern pickles would work fabulously. Chop them up and toss them in.

A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds would complement the dressing.

Add a small handful of sprouts of any kind.

Janelle's Tips

Here are ways to save time!

I recommend you keep frozen falafel in the freezer. This way all you need to do is cook them just before preparing this healthy salad.

You can keep a jar of the tahini sauce in the fridge for up to one week.

I also keep a jar of falafel spices and herbs in the pantry.

The quinoa can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

a falafel salad with lemon tahini dressing in a bowl with some of is eaten

More Ways To Use Falafels

Similar to this falafel salad recipe, my Lebanese falafel bowl which includes an array of foods creating a delicious feast from the Middle East.

I love making homemade traditional falafel wrap loaded with veg and wrapped in pita bread.

My falafel burgers are made with real classic falafel patties, not ones filled with flour.

I curated a list of good food typically served with falafel. Otherwise, here are some dinner ideas any night of the week.

a bowlful of falafel salad with lemon tahini dressing drizzled on it

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

Recipe

Falafel Salad With Tahini Dressing

Great flavors make up this falafel salad with tahini dressing which is filled with fresh vegetables, and fluffy quinoa.

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Course: dinner, lunch

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 30

Servings: people

Author: Janelle Hama

Ingredients

10 Air fried falafels quartered, use as many as you want
1 cup Lettuce leaves chopped
1 cup Radish diced
1 cup Cucumbers diced
1 cup Tomato diced
½ cup Red onion finely diced
1 cup Red cabbage shredded

Quinoa

½ cup Quinoa
1 cup Water

Lemon Tahini Dressing With Herbs

5 tablespoons Tahini
1 small Lemon juiced, or to taste
¾ teaspoon Salt or to taste
¼ cup Water
1 handful Parsley leaves or to taste
1 handful Mint leaves or to taste
1 Long green chili chopped, or to taste

Instructions

Prepare the falafel as instructed, you can chose to add more or less falafel balls in this salad. Cut the falafel into quarters.
Wash the quinoa thoroughly (see note #1) and then place it into a small pot with water. Bring it to a boil on high heat, then immediately turn the heat down to low and cook for 15 minutes. Turn the heat off and let the pot stand for 5 minutes, the steam will ensure the quinoa is perfect.
Spread the cooked quinoa onto a large plate or tray to allow it to cool to room temperature. Fluff it up with a fork before adding it to the salad bowl.
In a food processor, add the tahini, water, lemon juice, salt, parsley leaves, mint leaves, long green chili and process for a minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and then process for another minute. Do a taste test and adjust if needed.
In a large bowl, add the cooled quinoa, all the chopped vegetables and pour over the lemon tahini dressing . Gently toss all the ingredients together. Add the quartered falafel balls.

Video

Notes

If preferred, you can make traditional golden brown Lebanese falafels (deep fried) instead. Note the cooking time will change. My falafel recipe uses a combination of garbanzo beans and fava beans.

My favorite thing about this recipe is that you can adjust the quantities of any of the ingredients to suit you.

You can adjust the quantities of any of the ingredients to suit you, you will need to adjust the salt accordingly.