Die-hard devotees may cry foul, but I happen to love seeing new renditions of classic dishes. The originals may stand the test of time, and retain their allure despite their newer, trendier counterparts, but times change and food changes with it. For example, falafel is a Middle Eastern staple that almost everyone can claim some sort of fondness for, but no one would want to eat it every day. If the palate fatigue doesn’t get to you, the heavy, greasiness of it all will. Though lusciously rich and filling, those golden fried orbs tend to sit in my stomach like leaden golf balls, encouraging naps soon after rather than resumed productivity- Not exactly the thing to take in for lunch on a work day. After spending one too many afternoons in a falafel-induced daze, I knew that this was one tried-and-true meal in need of some reinvention.

Baked or raw falafel is certainly a worthy consideration, but for days when there’s barely enough time to get dressed and run out the door in the morning, let alone get something into the oven or dehydrator, I have just the alternative.

Still bearing all of the vibrant flavors and key components of your standard fried falafel, my falafel-inspired salad is considerably lighter on the stomach, and easier on an over-scheduled day. No cooking required, just mix and enjoy. Best of all, this assembly is just as tasty warm as it is cold, so it’s perfect packed lunch fodder.  Highly satisfying and re-energizing, I daresay this more modern take on falafel has the edge on the competition… Should you crave that hand-held eating experience, you can even stuff it snugly into a pita, and enjoy it in a more “tradition” fashion!

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Yield: Makes 4 - 5 Servings

Deconstructed Falafel Salad

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Bearing all of the vibrant flavors and key components of your standard
fried falafel, my falafel-inspired salad is considerably lighter on the
stomach, and easier on an over-scheduled day. No cooking required, just
mix and enjoy. Best of all, this assembly is just as tasty warm as it
is cold, so it’s perfect packed lunch fodder.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

Deconstructed Falafel Salad:

• 2 Cups Cooked Brown Rice
• 1 15-Ounce Can Chickpeas
• 1 Small Leek, Cleaned, Greens Removed and Thinly Sliced
• 2 Cloves Roasted Garlic, Minced
• 1/4 – 1/2 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
• 1/4 – 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
• 2 Teaspoons Ground Coriander
• 3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Flax Oil
• Salt and Pepper, to Taste
• 2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds, Toasted

Instructions

1. Preparation for this one couldn’t be simpler- Just toss everything
   together in a large bowl until the ingredients are well distributed and
   evenly coated in spice, and either heat and serve, or cover and stash it
   in the fridge until chilled. It will last up to 5 days refrigerated,
   so you can make this at on Monday and enjoy it throughout the work week
   with ease.

Recommended Products

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• 365 Everyday Value, Organic Unfiltered Flax Oil with Lignans, 24 fl oz
• 
  Soom Foods Pure Ground Sesame Tahini 11oz (2 Pack)
• 
  365 Everyday Value, Garbanzo Beans, No Salt Added, 15.5 oz

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

5

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 282Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 289mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 10gSugar: 4gProtein: 10g