Name: Mediterranean Falafel Bowl with Chickpeas and Couscous
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup couscous; 1 1/4 cups boiling water; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 8 falafel balls (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup chopped cucumber; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup kalamata olives; 1/4 cup hummus; Fresh parsley for garnish

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A vibrant Mediterranean bowl featuring crisp falafel, fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, and creamy herbed yogurt—nutritious, colorful, and fully satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bowl offers a delightful combination of textures: crunchy falafel, light couscous, and crisp veggies all balanced by a silky, herb-infused yogurt. It’s filling yet fresh, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Falafel (store‑bought or homemade)
Couscous
Olive oil
Cucumber, sliced
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Chickpeas
Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
Fresh dill (or parsley)
Garlic
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Optional: olive oil drizzle, za’atar, fresh mint

directions

Prepare couscous according to package instructions, fluff with a fork and drizzle with olive oil.
Warm or bake the falafel until crisp.
In a bowl, combine yogurt with chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a tzatziki‑style sauce.
Assemble the bowl: couscous base, topped with falafel, cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, and a generous spoonful of herb yogurt. Add olive oil or seasoning if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (including warming falafel)
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Use quinoa or brown rice instead of couscous for a gluten‑free option.
Add roasted vegetables like eggplant or peppers for more variety.
Swap yogurt sauce for tahini dressing or hummus.
Incorporate fresh mint, parsley, or za’atar for extra Mediterranean touch.

storage/reheating

Store components separately in the refrigerator: falafel and couscous for up to 2 days; vegetables for about a day; yogurt sauce for 3–4 days. Warm falafel and couscous gently before assembling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen falafel?

Yes, simply bake or pan-fry according to package directions until crisp.

How do I make homemade falafel?

Blend chickpeas, herbs, garlic, onion, spices, form balls, and fry or bake until golden.

Is there a dairy‑free alternative to yogurt?

Use plant‑based yogurts like almond or soy, or substitute tahini sauce.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes—prepare couscous and falafel in advance, store separately, and assemble when ready.

Is this gluten‑free?

Couscous contains gluten—use quinoa or rice for a gluten‑free version.

How do I keep falafel crispy?

Store leftovers uncovered in the fridge and reheat in an oven or air fryer for crisp texture.

Can I add protein besides chickpeas?

Yes—grilled chicken, cooked lentils, or tofu are good additions.

What herbs complement the yogurt?

Mint, parsley, dill, or a blend; choose based on your preference.

Can I make tzatziki for the sauce?

Yes—grate cucumber, squeeze excess moisture, and stir into yogurt with garlic and herbs.

Can I batch‑cook components?

Certainly—cook couscous and falafel ahead for quick assembly during the week.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean falafel bowl is a balanced and vibrant meal, combining textures, flavors, and convenience. Ideal for make‑ahead lunches, family dinners, or healthy indulgence.

Mediterranean Falafel Bowl with Chickpeas and Couscous

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A flavorful and wholesome Mediterranean Falafel Bowl packed with crispy falafel, chickpeas, fluffy couscous, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a balanced vegetarian meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Assembled
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a bowl, combine couscous, boiling water, salt, and olive oil. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
In a pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté chickpeas with lemon juice, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for 5–7 minutes until slightly crispy.
Cook falafel according to package instructions or homemade recipe.
Assemble bowls by dividing couscous, chickpeas, falafel, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives among serving bowls.
Add a dollop of hummus to each bowl and garnish with fresh parsley.