When you bite into a crispy falafel from your favorite street vendor or Mediterranean kitchen, it is easy to think that you can’t beat the authentic taste.
Now, you can bring the heart of the Middle East into your home with these tasty, simple, and easy vegan falafel recipes.
1. Vegan Falafel by Loving It Vegan
According to this vegan cook who resided in Dubai for almost 10 years, falafel is a delicious staple that can easily be made at home when authentic street vendors are out of reach. This crispy vegan dish provides a flavorful foundation for all kinds of recipes.
To make this Mediterranean-style falafel, chop up onions and garlic to add to your food processor with dried chickpeas. Roughly chop the base ingredients before throwing herbs and spices into your mixture. For best results, let your rolls of dough chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before frying to crispy perfection.
You can pair the finished product with pita bread, veggies, and hummus for a filling and nutritious meal.
2. Vegan Falafel Wrap by We Are So Vegan
For a fresh and savory take on the falafel wrap, these ingredients each provide a vibrant and unforgettable addition to the crunchy falafel.
This version of the classic falafel wrap suggests soaking your chickpeas for at least 8 hours. Once the chickpeas are dried, combine with onions and spice mixture into the food processor to obtain a mixture that should be slightly thicker than a puree. Shape them into balls and chill before frying.
The pickled red cabbage and tahini dressing gives a kick to this recipe with the bright, fresh flavors. For even more heat, add chili sauce to the finished wrap to achieve a depth of spice that pairs perfectly with the savory falafel.
3. Quinoa Falafel Wrap by Labeless Nutrition
The deep flavor of falafel meets the dense nutrition of quinoa in this standout recipe. It seems like chickpea and quinoa create the perfect match for this fried comfort food to find a balance of flavor and nourishment.
Simply add cooked quinoa to the other essential falafel mixture to pack in the fiber and antioxidants alongside the flavors of the Mediterranean. A hint of mint and dill also elevate this dish beyond your everyday falafel.
Enjoy your creation with the homemade vegan dill sauce and pita bread to bring the whole dish together.
4. Vegan Mediterranean Falafel Bowl by Cadry’s Kitchen
This bowl is a paradise of vegan flavors and textures, with endless substitutions to make this bowl unique every time you make it.
The essential elements of this bowl include baked or fried falafel, brown rice, hummus, and lettuce. On top of those goodies, you can add other chopped veggies, pickled onions, olives, and vegan feta cheese for a true Mediterranean meal.
All of these ingredients store well in the fridge for a few days making it a great choice for meal prep and leftover dishes.
5. Baked Vegan Falafel Sandwich by Vegan in the Freezer
This recipe is a great option if you do not have a food processor to use. All of this can be done simply with a bowl, a potato masher, and a chopping knife. Now you can enjoy one of the best easy vegan falafel recipes anywhere.
Canned chickpeas work best for this recipe which binds with chopped onion and garlic once mashed. Mix in your spices and herbs before shaping them into patties. When you bake falafel, forming flatter shapes contributes to better color as the patties cook on the baking sheet.
Once cooked, you can enjoy your extraordinary falafel sandwich with toppings and pita pockets or rolls.
6. Vegan Falafel Bowl by Make It Dairy Free
If you thought the intense flavors of falafels could not get any better, take a look at this wholesome vegan bowl. Not only do the delicious falafels play a role, but delicious marinated onions, aromatic garlic turmeric rice, and fresh veggies make this bowl a party in your mouth.
Simply soak your thinly sliced onions in hot water and red wine vinegar to achieve a quick marinated topping. Combine your dried chickpeas in a food processor with spices and herbs to create the perfect patties for frying. Once you have prepared all the ingredients, combine them in a bowl for the deepest, richest flavors.
Perfect for weekly meal prep or a special dinner, this complete dish will wow you every time.
7. Baked Falafel by Love & Lemons
If you aren’t a fan of heavier fried foods, this baked option is a great solution to still enjoy a crispy falafel without so much oil and fat. This dish still comes out with plenty of texture and flavor, so give this a try if you’re cutting back on greasy foods.
This dish works best with uncooked chickpeas, which have been left to soak overnight. Blend the ingredients in a food processor so that you can form them into small patties. With just a drizzle of olive oil, these falafels will crisp up in the oven just like the best authentic falafels. Flip halfway through cooking time to cook evenly.
The secret to this lighter version is forming your patties gently so that the mixture is not overly dense. Once you let the oven work its magic, you’ll find the perfect crispy snack to add to whatever recipe you choose.
8. Lebanese Falafel Wrap by The Lemon Bowl
See the insider tips for a Lebanese version of a falafel wrap in this easy-to-follow recipe. With just a few main ingredients, plus herbs and spices, this dish will come together before your eyes.
In addition to raw chickpeas which have been soaked and dried, you will use powerful spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin to create a crispy falafel that has a punch in every bite. Fry these patties in the oil of your choice for this flavorful variation of the classic falafel.
Whip up your tahini sauce to pair with this creation for the perfect combo.
9. Air Fryer Vegan Falafel by Elavegan
Try this variation of classic street food if you prefer to cook with an air fryer. You will find satisfying levels of crunch with just a fraction of the oil.
After soaking raw chickpeas, you need to blend the ingredients in a food processor until well mixed and chill in the refrigerator before forming into spheres. Once formed, a few sprays of cooking spray is all you need to make perfectly browned falafels in your air fryer, taking only a total of 15 minutes to cook.
This dough can also be stored in the fridge or freezer before cooking if prepared a few days in advance.
10. Falafel Tahini Salad by Vibrant Plate
Sometimes, adding a twist on your favorite basic ingredients can yield the best results. This dish puts a new spin on the easy vegan falafel recipes and transforms it into a fresh, filling salad. If you have leftover falafel to spare, or you’re looking for ways to bulk up your main dish, this is a great way to maximize the use of your ingredients.
Though you might be tempted to just throw some greens onto a plate, getting the proportions of flavors just right can make a huge difference in the flavor of your salad. This recipe ensures that every bite is balanced and delicious.
Just measure out your favorite lettuce or greens, add some veggies, sprinkle a few crunchy toppings, and make room for the leftover falafel to make this hearty salad dish. Drizzle homemade tahini sauce to create the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
11. Vegan Falafel Wrap by Picky Eater Blog
Although this tasty street food can be higher in fats when cooked with oils, there are still ways to make the classic dish a little healthier for a satisfying vegan treat. Just place these homemade falafels in the oven with nonstick spray and watch the transformation before your eyes.
For extra crunch, this recipe recommends adding whole wheat flour or breadcrumbs to your falafel mixture to give the patty extra body. With this method, the patties will crisp up to be golden brown in a matter of minutes.
Pair this healthier version with fresh tomato, spinach, and toasted pita for a meal you won’t soon forget.
12. Healthy Vegan Falafel Patties by Gourmandelle
Here is another of those easy vegan falafel recipes that can fill you up as a main dish, an appetizer, a topping, and much more. Give this Lebanese version a try, and you won’t be disappointed.
You will find a burst of flavor in these falafel patties from a unique mixture of flaxseed, chickpea flour, carrot, garlic, and other spices. To form these patties quickly, you can use cans of boiled chickpea to blend in the food processor.
After fried to crispy perfection, these falafels will taste just like you have been walking down a street in Palestine!
13. Spicy Vegan Falafel Wrap by Archana’s Kitchen
Look no further for the best Indian falafel wrap, packed with classic Indian spices and textures. This recipe has every ingredient you want in a falafel, plus an Indian flare.
It features coriander, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and red chili powder. This falafel mixture will provide a full flavor to match the dense texture. Soaked chickpeas and flour give body to this fried dish which can be served with chutney, tomatoes, and bell peppers for a vibrant and delightfully spicy dish.
Try these ingredients in Indian flatbread, chapati, or paratha for a succulent experience.
14. Vegan Falafel Sandwich With Spinach by Little Northern Bakehouse
This modern take on the classic falafel adds new flavors and textures to your familiar dish, all inside a worthy hamburger bun.
Combine drained chickpeas in a food processor with spinach, garlic, onion, and spices for a hearty flavor that gives you nutrients without the heaviness of fatty meat. Top your baked falafel patties with homemade hummus and non-dairy yogurt sauce for a bright and filling burger.
With just the mixing of these vegan ingredients, you can have an ultimate burger with ease. No longer a compromise, this recipe is an upgrade from boring hamburgers.
15. Vegan Flatbread Falafel by Nora Cooks
This recipe stands out for the added crunch from whole cashews and garlic cloves. With the help of a food processor, these delicious ingredients will give complexity to the falafel’s texture that you and your guests will love.
Simply add the nuts and garlic cloves to your food processor and run until pieces are chopped but not smooth. Mix in the other ingredients until you achieve a paste that can be shaped into discs. This variation can be either baked or fried, depending on your preference.
Chow down on these falafels with pillowy flatbread or pita and your choice of toppings.
16. Mediterranean Vegan Falafel Wrap by Haute and Healthy Living
If you are wondering what can be done with leftover falafels from yesterday’s dinner, try out this delicious vegan wrap.
Spread out a tortilla of your choice and spread a layer of hummus across the surface. Simply line up ingredients like beets, carrots, avocado, and spinach for the fillings. Finally, crumble your falafel over the tortilla for a perfectly crunchy and fresh way to enjoy your leftovers.
This recipe is the best go-to meal for days without time to spare or with ingredients to use up, and it tastes great, too!
17. Vegan Falafel Veggie Wrap by Speak Veggie to Me
If you want a healthy and flavorful alternative to the other rich recipes, consider this wrap which is packed with veggies and vitamins to keep you energized.
This recipe can be served either cold or warm, with every ingredient tasting great either way. Simply grate your beet, spoon out some pickled carrots, grab a handful of arugula, and arrange over a layer of tahini sauce. Top with some flavorful falafel balls, and your meal is served.
This quick lunchtime recipe is a tasty way to brighten up the heaviness of falafels.
18. Falafel Burger by BBC Good Food
Who said that falafels had to be bite-sized? This twist on classic falafels turns the familiar appetizer into a hearty main course.
After drying the chickpeas with a cloth or paper towel, fill your food processor with the seasonings and roughly chopped ingredients. Once blended, you can shape these patties into a unique burger-sized shape before frying them in a pan with hot oil. These burgers won’t take long before they crisp up to a golden hue.
Try this version with a pita bun or another bread of your choice. The fresh greens and salsa add the perfect freshness to this filling vegan dish.
19. Falafel With Vegan Tzatziki by One Green Planet
The hearty crunch of falafel is a perfect match for this vegan version of the classic tzatziki sauce. The bright flavors of lemon and cucumber will lighten up your easy falafel to create a harmonious and savory dish.
Combine nutty flax eggs with herbs and seasoning into a food processor before adding drained chickpeas and flour. Fry up the falafel until crispy and serve with homemade vegan tzatziki, featuring diced cucumber and spices.
This flavor-packed dish makes the most satisfying appetizer or side dish. For entree options, serve the falafel and tzatziki with toasted pita or flour tortilla for an authentic street-food experience.
Easy Vegan Falafel Recipes, Final Thoughts
The classic falafel is a flavorful staple that never gets old. That is why having trusty falafel recipes at home can transform your kitchen into an oasis.
So grab the chickpeas and the food processor. Before you know it, you’ll have a genuine falafel dish to satisfy every craving.
In addition, check out these delicious vegan cake recipes if you are looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth after the main dish.