Falafel Bowl

By Vendela Raquel Jump to Recipe

This fast, easy recipe brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to the table in less than half an hour!

One of the first Mediterranean foods I ever tried was falafel. I had no idea what it was, but my friends assured me I’d like it. Boy, did I! The crispy little patties didn’t look like much, but one bite had me smitten. They’re crispy on the outside and softly paste-like on the inside with an earthy, garlicky flavor that’s deeply satisfying. I now order them weekly from the Mediterranean restaurant in my neighborhood.

This falafel bowl recipe is an excellent way to enjoy these golden chickpea patties. I love how the fresh greens and veggies make it feel like a salad, while the quinoa and hummus make the dish more filling. And that splash of fresh lemon juice really brightens all the vibrant flavors in the dish.

I haven’t yet attempted to make homemade falafel because it’s so convenient for me to get it from my local eatery. But when my sister visits, I’ll give it a try—she follows a strict Mediterranean diet. I love throwing together this easy recipe for a fast, fresh, and fulfilling weeknight dinner.

What is falafel?

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish. It consists of deep-fried (and sometimes baked) balls or patties made primarily from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or a combination of both, blended with fresh herbs, spices, onions, and garlic. The mixture forms a hearty, savory bite with a crisp exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.

Falafel’s roots trace back to Egypt, where it likely originated as a dish called ta’amiya, made with fava beans. Over time, it spread throughout the Levant and became a staple street food in countries like Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, with each region developing its own variations and preferred ingredients. Today, falafel is enjoyed worldwide and often serves as a plant-based protein source in vegetarian and vegan diets.

If you’re new to falafel, you can find ready-made versions for this recipe in many grocery stores, delis, or Middle Eastern restaurants. However, freshly made falafel offers the best flavor and texture. Try this quick and easy recipe for Falafel With Canned Chickpeas, this Baked Falafel Recipe, or this recipe for crispy Air-Fryer Falafel to take your falafel bowl to the next level.

How do I store leftovers?

A fully assembled falafel bowl is best enjoyed fresh. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge, but the texture of the greens and veggies will decline after about 24 hours. My best advice is to store leftover ingredients in separate airtight containers in the fridge, then use them to assemble a new bowl just before serving. The cooled cooked quinoa, hummus, and tahini sauce will stay good in the fridge for up to 7 days. Premade falafel and salad greens should remain fresh for up to 5 days, while the sliced veggies and fresh-squeezed lemon juice will keep for about 4 days. Olive oil has a long shelf life, so just store it in your pantry as usual.

Serving suggestions

Serve your falafel bowl with this homemade Tzatziki Recipe for a bright touch of dill and mint. You could also try your hand at homemade Falafel Sauce instead of store-bought tahini sauce. Pair your bowl with other Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad or a Caprese Panini. Make your bowl meatier by swapping the falafel for these Greek Chicken Meatballs. Wash it all down with a simple, elegant Wine Spritzer.