Chickpea Falafel Salad Recipe – Jalapeno & Herb Infused

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Chickpea Falafel Salad Recipe – Jalapeno & Herb Infused

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this vibrant Chickpea Falafel Salad with you. It’s a dish I’ve been perfecting for ages, and it’s become a real crowd-pleaser – especially when I’m having friends over for a relaxed weekend lunch. The combination of crispy, flavorful falafel with a fresh, zesty salad is just chef’s kiss. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average falafel recipe. We’re taking things up a notch with a generous helping of fresh herbs and a little kick from jalapenos. The salad adds a lovely coolness and crunch, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a potluck, or even a quick and easy dinner. Plus, it’s packed with protein and goodness!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 2 cups Chickpeas (about 400g)
• 0.5 cup Parsley (roughly chopped, about 30g)
• 0.25 cup Coriander (roughly chopped, about 20g)
• 2 Jalapenos (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon salt (about 6g)
• 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder (about 5g)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (about 4g)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder (about 5g)
• 2 tablespoons Gram Flour (Besan, about 15g)
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes (about 2g)
• Oil (for deep frying, air frying, or baking)
• 2 cups Lettuce (about 60g)
• 1 cup Cucumber (about 100g)
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 6 Olives
• 3-4 tablespoons Tahini (about 45-60ml)
• 2-3 teaspoons Parsley (for garnish, about 10g)
• 2-3 sprig Mint Leaves (for garnish)
• 2-3 tablespoons Parmesan (for garnish, optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons Pine Nuts (for garnish, toasted)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

• Chickpea Soaking & Preparation: Soaking the chickpeas overnight (or for at least 6-7 hours) is crucial. It softens them up, making them easier to blend and resulting in a lighter, fluffier falafel. Don’t skip this step!
• Fresh Herb Blend – Parsley & Coriander: Seriously, don’t skimp on the herbs! They add so much freshness and flavor. I like a roughly chopped texture, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
• Jalapeno Heat Level: I love a bit of spice, but you can totally adjust the jalapeno amount. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or add an extra one if you’re feeling brave!
• Tahini Quality & Origin: Good quality tahini makes all the difference in the dressing. Look for a tahini that’s smooth and creamy, with a slightly nutty flavor. Middle Eastern brands are often excellent.
• Pine Nut Toasting: Toasting the pine nuts brings out their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Just a few minutes in a dry pan over medium heat is all it takes. Watch them carefully, as they burn easily!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, soak your chickpeas overnight or for 6-7 hours. Then, drain them really well.
2. Chop your parsley, coriander, and jalapenos (remember to remove those seeds if you want less heat!).
3. Now, into the food processor! Add the soaked chickpeas, herbs, jalapenos, salt, coriander powder, paprika, cumin powder, gram flour, and red chili flakes. Blend until it’s coarsely combined – you don’t want a smooth paste, it should still have some texture.
4. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
5. Time to cook! You can deep-fry the falafel in hot oil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can air-fry them at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. While the falafel is cooking, assemble your salad. Layer the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives in a bowl.
7. Once the falafel is cooked, add it to the salad.
8. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing and garnish with fresh parsley, mint leaves, parmesan (if using), and those beautifully toasted pine nuts.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best falafel:

• Achieving the Right Falafel Texture: Don’t over-process the chickpea mixture! You want it to hold its shape, not turn into a paste.
• Oil Temperature for Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the falafel. If it’s not, they’ll absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Preventing Falafel from Falling Apart: Adding the gram flour helps bind the mixture together. If it’s still too wet, add a little more, one tablespoon at a time.
• Making Tahini Dressing: For a simple tahini dressing, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply omit the parmesan cheese. It’s delicious without it!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your spices are certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder flavor, use only one jalapeno and remove the seeds. For a spicier kick, add another jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptation (Ramadan Iftar Special): This is a staple in our house during Ramadan! It’s a light and refreshing way to break the fast.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Warm pita bread
• A side of hummus
• A dollop of yogurt (if you’re not vegan)

Storage Instructions

Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components separately and assemble just before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What type of chickpeas work best for falafel? Dried chickpeas are the way to go! Canned chickpeas tend to be too soft and can result in a mushy falafel.
• Can I bake or air fry the falafel instead of deep frying? Absolutely! Baking and air frying are healthier options. They won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried, but still delicious.
• How can I adjust the spice level of the falafel? Remove the seeds from the jalapenos for a milder flavor, or add more for extra heat.
• What is the best way to store leftover falafel? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
• Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• What is the origin of Falafel and its cultural significance? Falafel has a rich history, believed to have originated in Egypt, and is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s often considered a street food staple and holds cultural significance as a symbol of community and sharing.