In my continued quest to seek out protein-rich, plant-based meals to gasoline my runs, I picked up a bag of frozen falafel and turned it right into a ridiculously good Mediterranean Falafel Bowl. It’s extraordinarily filling, flavorful, has texture perfection (crispy + cozy) and loaded with contemporary greens for the right lunch.

As you might have observed by the quantity of vegetarian Mediterranean recipes I’ve shared over time, I like Mediterranean-inspired recipes. Every time I consider “consuming the rainbow” or consuming for longevity, I gravitate in the direction of this model of consuming.

This Mediterranean Falafel Bowl hits all these targets whereas supplying you with an excellent filling and engaging meal in minutes.

This dish is vibrantly coloured and flavored because it options a wide range of veggies, sauces and even some vegan feta. It’s additionally full of protein and can maintain you energized all through the afternoon. It’s loaded but received’t depart you feeling bloated or drained.

A buddy not too long ago really useful the restaurant Cava to me, and it would simply be my new fav lunch spot once I’m in Oklahoma Metropolis. It’s like a Chipotle-style restaurant devoted to Mediterranean-inspired salads, protein bowls and extra. I can simply eat plant-based right here and the substances are clear and flavorful—it’s addictively scrumptious.

That is my do-it-yourself model of my fav protein bowl from Cava—loaded with a stunning array of substances to gasoline your day.

Mediterranean Falafel Bowl Components

To get a rainbow veggie bowl, you want just a few substances. This listing could seem lengthy but belief me… you’re not gonna need to miss out on the flavour explosion of all these wealthy, nutrient-packed substances after they’re blended collectively.

• Couscous: That is a grain that incorporates the antioxidant selenium that may assist lower irritation. Since this does include gluten, swap with brown rice to make this dish gluten-free.
• Falafels: I fell in love with these tasty, fried balls and prefer to maintain a bag readily available to toss into pitas and in bowls like this one.
• Spinach: My base of alternative for a salad-style dish is spinach because it’s delicate and never as watery as lettuce. Be happy to make use of the leafy greens of your alternative!
• Herbs: contemporary basil and mint are chopped up into this dish and supply nice taste. 
• Lemon juice: Recent squeezed lemon juice helps brighten up the entire recipe.
• Olive oil: Be happy to make use of your fav extra-virgin olive oil or perhaps a enjoyable infused one.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Add these to style. If you happen to wrestle to eat salad then do this tip—toss your leafy greens in olive oil, salt and pepper earlier than including the rest. This assist taste these greens in a way more palatable method.
• Hummus: Falafel is constituted of chickpeas and is a superb plant-based protein. Add much more protein by way of a scrumptious do-it-yourself hummus and let it double as a sauce as properly!
• English cucumber: I like the crunch that cucumber supplies with out being overpowering. It additionally pairs properly with contemporary mint.
• Kalamata olives: It is best to know my love for olives by now. I received’t choose what number of you toss in should you don’t choose me, both!
• Purple onion: This helps deliver a sharpness to all of the chickpeas and herbs. It’s additionally colourful… bonus.
• Radishes: Carry much more crunchy veggies with some contemporary, quartered radishes. Most grocery shops truly promote already sliced radishes so that may prevent a little bit of time should you want it.
• Vegan feta: Feta was one of many best plant-based switches I’ve made. Vegan feta has a style and texture so much like the dairy-filled model that should you served it, folks may not know the distinction. It provides some creaminess to this dish. If you happen to’re not vegan, be happy to make use of conventional feta to get some extra protein.
• Entire wheat pita: If you would like, add in some slices of pita bread to behave as dippers or simply to get pleasure from alongside your falafel bowl. 
• Lemon wedges: There’s all the time room for extra lemon! As soon as you’re able to dive in, squeeze a lemon wedge over the entire bowl for a ultimate little pizazz.

How one can Make a Falafel Bowl

Use this recipe for a filling lunch or as a enjoyable, household dinner that every member can customise as they need. It is a method so that you can eat the rainbow with ease, and luxuriate in doing it! I wished one thing simple but satisfying so I opted for already cooked + frozen falafel. You probably have the time to prep your individual then go for it! I like to recommend making Yumna’s do-it-yourself Lebanese falafel from her weblog, Really feel Good Foodie. 

Whether or not you make your individual or seize some from the shop, they are going to match proper into this recipe:

Step 1: Begin by making ready the couscous and bake the falafel in keeping with the instructions on their packages. 

Step 2: Toss the prepped couscous with contemporary spinach, herbs, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. 

Step 3: Since this recipe makes 4 servings should you observe it as-is, divide the herbed couscous combination evenly between 4 bowls then equally divide up the toppings. I’m utilizing hummus, cucumber, olives, onion, radishes and falafel.

Step 4: Sprinkle with feta cheese (vegan or not) and serve with a lemon wedge + pita bread, if desired. This actually works nice with out the pita, but will be extra filling with it if you wish to go that route. 

I like serving this as falafel salad bowls but if you would like a hand-held model then open up some pitas or seize some flat bread and switch these into falafel wraps. 

That is a simple recipe to prep forward of time because the lemon juice and olive oil tossed round every part will assist it keep contemporary in that lunchbox till you’re able to get pleasure from it.

Simple Falafel Bowl Additions

• Use pickled veggies: Take your pink onions up a notch and make some fast pickled pink onions from Kate over at Cookie + Kate. I additionally purchase an enormous bucket of them at Costco as a result of they’re pickled with jalapenos (and you already know I looove the warmth!). Swap plain cucumbers for pickled cucumbers. This may create a brighter taste— and the extra taste the merrier! It’s also possible to strive pickled radishes or carrots. The choices are really limitless!
• Pile on the sauces: If Cava can do, so can we! Attempt including a scoop of whipped labneh (not vegan), tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce and hummus to create a taste explosion.
• Load up on veggies: Add different greens like cauliflower, broccoli or roasted candy potatoes will be an effective way to wash out the fridge.
• Use an infused olive oil: I simply acquired some as a Christmas reward from a buddy and I plan to drizzle it on every part.
• Add a protein enhance: The falafel already has some protein, but you possibly can all the time improve by including Roasted Chickpeas, sesame seeds, pepitas and even some tofu, if you would like. You… do you.

Extra Mediterranean Recipes

If you happen to love vegetarian Mediterranean recipes like I do then strive just a few extra of my favs from warming entrees like this vegan pumpkin soup and oven-roasted spaghetti squash to marinated celery salad or Greek salad paired with a layered Greek dip.

Take your subsequent gathering up a notch by perfecting a vegan charcuterie board full with do-it-yourself hummus and a stunning inexperienced olive tapenade served with shiny fruits and veggies.