If you are looking to add a burst of flavor, texture, and freshness to your meal rotation, this Falafel Wraps with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining crispy, golden falafel patties with the cooling, creamy zing of homemade tzatziki and a vibrant medley of pickled and fresh veggies, these wraps are a celebration of Mediterranean goodness rolled up in soft flatbread. Whether for lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive snack, this recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create an utterly satisfying and colorful dish you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with straightforward and essential ingredients, each bringing something fantastic to the table. From the tender chickpeas forming the falafel to the fresh herbs that brighten everything up, every element has its role in creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 ½ cups chickpeas (from a can or home cooked): The hearty base for your falafel providing protein and a satisfying bite.
- ½ small red onion (chopped): Adds a mild sharpness and crunch to the falafel mix.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for depth of flavor in falafel and tzatziki alike.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh, slightly peppery undertone.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Offers an aromatic, citrusy lift to the falafel.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and a classic earthy spice.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings smokiness and a subtle vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps lighten the falafel texture for that perfect crisp.
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour: Binds the mixture just right for forming patties.
- Salt & black pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning for balancing flavors.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil: For frying falafel to a golden crisp.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the refreshing tzatziki sauce.
- ½ small cucumber (grated & squeezed dry): Adds cooling crunch to the tzatziki.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Gives the tzatziki a nice garlicky kick.
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the tzatziki with a hint of acidity.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Smooths and enriches the tzatziki sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill (finely chopped): Adds herby freshness to the tzatziki.
- 4 large flatbreads/pita wraps: The perfect vessel for all those delicious fillings.
- ½ cup pickled onions: Tangy crunch bringing a vibrant contrast.
- ½ cup pickled radishes: Adds spicy-sour pop and color.
- ½ cup shredded lettuce (or baby greens): Fresh crispness balancing the richness.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy sweetness and a burst of color.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): Adds salty creaminess for extra indulgence.
- Fresh herbs to garnish: A final fragrant touch to brighten every bite.
How to Make Falafel Wraps with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mixture
Start by pulsing the chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, baking soda, flour, salt, and pepper in a food processor until the mixture comes together but remains a bit chunky to keep that satisfying texture. Pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up and make the patties easier to shape.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Falafel
Form the falafel mixture into small rounds about 1.5 inches wide. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 3: Whip Up the Tzatziki Sauce
While the falafel is cooking, mix Greek yogurt with the grated and dried cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, and season it with salt and pepper. This creamy, cool sauce is going to be the perfect foil to the warm, spiced falafel.
Step 4: Prepare the Wrap Components
Warm your flatbreads gently to make them pliable but not too soft. This step makes wrapping easier and enhances the flavors when everything comes together.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Spread a generous layer of tzatziki onto each flatbread. Lay down your freshly cooked falafel followed by shredded lettuce or baby greens, halved cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, and pickled radishes. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese if you’re using it, then add fresh herbs for a bright finishing touch.
Step 6: Wrap and Serve
Fold or roll your wrap according to the style of flatbread you’ve chosen, securing all those fantastic flavors inside. Serve immediately for the best contrast between crispy falafel and cooling tzatziki with fresh vegetables bursting in every bite.
How to Serve Falafel Wraps with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t be shy about topping your falafel wraps with extra fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill for a beautifully aromatic lift. A drizzle of tzatziki on top adds visual appeal and a burst of creamy flavor that makes each bite even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
Pair your falafel wraps with some crispy sweet potato fries, a simple cucumber and tomato salad, or maybe even some warm lentil soup. These sides complement the fresh and wholesome nature of the wraps without overpowering the delicate balance of spices and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, serve these Falafel Wraps with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe as a build-your-own wrap station where everyone can customize their fillings and garnishes. Another fun option is to slice the wraps in half diagonally and skewer them with fresh herbs or pickled veggies for a bite-sized appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap each falafel tightly in foil or an airtight container and keep refrigerated. The falafel will stay tasty for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick, wholesome meal later on.
Freezing
Falafel freezes beautifully! Lay the cooked patties on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and allows you to grab exactly how many you need. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
For the crispiest falafel after freezing or refrigeration, reheat them in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of microwaving. This preserves their crunchy texture far better than any other method.
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas for the falafel?
Yes! Canned chickpeas are a great shortcut and work perfectly. Just be sure to drain and dry them well for the best texture in your falafel.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea flour or rice flour for a gluten-free version.
Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?
Definitely! Baking is a healthier option. Arrange the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly brush with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
How spicy is the falafel in this recipe?
This recipe is mildly spiced with cumin and smoked paprika, which offer warmth and smoky notes but not heat. Feel free to add chili flakes or cayenne if you want a spicy kick.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Tzatziki actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to stir it well before serving.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Falafel Wraps with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe inspires you to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s as fun and rewarding to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself. Once you try it, I’m confident these wraps will become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Falafel Wraps with Tzatziki and Fresh Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Falafel Recipe features crispy, golden-brown chickpea patties bursting with vibrant herbs and spices. Served in warm flatbreads with refreshing tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and optional feta cheese, this Middle Eastern-inspired dish makes a perfect flavorful and satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Falafel
- 1 ½ cups chickpeas (from a can or home cooked)
- ½ small red onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Tzatziki Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ small cucumber (grated & squeezed dry)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon fresh dill (finely chopped)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Assembly
- 4 large flatbreads/pita wraps
- ½ cup pickled onions
- ½ cup pickled radishes
- ½ cup shredded lettuce (or baby greens)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, pulse the cooked chickpeas, chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika, baking soda, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is combined but still slightly chunky. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill and set for 15 minutes.
- Cook Falafel: Shape the falafel mixture into small round patties about 1.5 inches wide. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and finely chopped fresh dill. Mix well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Gently warm the large flatbreads or pita wraps to make them pliable and enhance flavor, either in a pan or microwave briefly.
- Assemble Wraps: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce over the warmed flatbreads. Layer with the cooked falafel patties, shredded lettuce or baby greens, halved cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, pickled radishes, and optional crumbled feta cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and add an extra drizzle of tzatziki sauce if desired. Wrap or fold the flatbreads securely and serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- For best texture, use dried chickpeas soaked overnight and cooked rather than canned.
- Chilling the falafel mixture helps the patties hold together during cooking.
- Use fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of both falafel and tzatziki sauce.
- Adjust seasoning of tzatziki according to your taste preferences.
- This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or gluten-free flour.
- Feta cheese is optional and can be omitted for a vegetarian but not vegan wrap.
