Delicious Falafel Salad Bowl You’ll Love
A vibrant, wholesome Mediterranean bowl combining crispy falafel, creamy hummus, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta for a satisfying, nutritious meal.
Equipment
- 4 Shallow dinner bowls
- 1 Sharp chef’s knife
- 1 Set of Mixing Bowls
- 1 Air fryer (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 –4 tbsp Hummus homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup Tabouli salad
- 16 Falafel patties homemade, air-fried, or store-bought
- 2 Medium vine-ripe tomatoes halved and sliced
- 1 English cucumber halved and sliced
- 6 Radishes halved and sliced
- ½ Medium red onion thinly sliced
- 4 oz Feta cheese sliced
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Sumac for seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Serving Bowls: Begin by selecting four shallow dinner bowls. These provide enough surface area to neatly arrange all the components of your falafel bowl, allowing each ingredient to shine and making the meal visually appealing. Place the bowls on your countertop or dining table, ready for assembly.
- Spread the Creamy Hummus Base: Using a spoon or small spatula, generously spread about 3 to 4 tablespoons of hummus on one side of each bowl. This creamy layer acts as the flavorful foundation of your bowl, adding richness and moisture. Whether you use homemade or store-bought hummus, ensure it’s evenly spread to create a smooth bed for the other ingredients to sit on.
- Add the Fresh Tabouli Salad: Next, take about one cup of tabouli salad and spoon it adjacent to the hummus in each bowl. Tabouli brings a refreshing burst of lemony, herby flavor with its mix of parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur (or quinoa if preferred). Distribute the salad evenly across all bowls to maintain a balanced portion.
- Arrange the Crispy Falafel Patties: Place 3 to 4 falafel patties on top of the hummus and tabouli, slightly overlapping if necessary. If you’re using homemade falafel, ensure they are cooked until golden and crispy—whether air-fried or pan-fried—to provide a satisfying crunch. Store-bought falafel can be warmed according to package instructions. The falafel adds a hearty, plant-based protein punch essential for satiety.
- Layer the Fresh Vegetables: Fill the remaining spaces in the bowl with your fresh vegetables: sliced vine-ripe tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, and thinly sliced red onion. Aim for a colorful, vibrant arrangement that balances texture and flavor. These vegetables contribute crispness, hydration, and vital nutrients, brightening the bowl both visually and nutritionally.
- Add the Tangy Feta Cheese: Nestle slices or small chunks of feta cheese around the vegetables and falafel. The creamy, salty feta complements the earthiness of the falafel and the freshness of the salad, adding depth and a touch of indulgence. Be generous but balanced to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
- Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Finish each bowl by drizzling a good-quality extra virgin olive oil over the entire assembly. Use a spoon or a small pouring bottle to control the amount. The olive oil enriches the bowl with healthy monounsaturated fats and a peppery, fruity aroma that ties all elements together beautifully.
- Season with Sumac (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sumac over the bowl as a final touch. Sumac adds a subtle, tangy citrus flavor and a beautiful deep reddish color, enhancing the overall taste and presentation. This step is optional but highly recommended for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately and Enjoy: Once assembled, serve the falafel bowls immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures—crispy falafel, creamy hummus, fresh vegetables, and crumbly feta—at their best. If preparing in advance, keep components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Prepare falafel patties ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze to save cooking time on busy days.
- Use fresh, high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor impact.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables to whatever you have on hand; bell peppers or carrots work well.
- Sumac is optional but adds a beautiful tangy depth—substitute with a squeeze of fresh lemon if needed.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
