Baked Greek-Style Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce
Oven-baked falafel flavored with fresh herbs and spices, served with a cool cucumber tzatziki sauce for a healthy Mediterranean treat. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes blends chopped red onion, packed fresh parsley, packed fresh cilantro into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 1/4 cup, chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, packed fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp for brushing olive oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup finely diced and drained cucumber
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp for tzatziki salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley, 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro, and 3 garlic cloves. Pulse until coarsely ground but not pureed.
- Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pulse a few more times until mixture holds together when pressed.
- Step 4: Form mixture into 12 small patties (about 2 tbsp each) and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each patty with 2 tbsp olive oil evenly.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and firm.
- Step 6: While falafel bakes, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup finely diced and drained cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 7: Serve baked falafel warm with the tzatziki sauce on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Greek-Style Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Greek-Style Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Greek-Style Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Greek-Style Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Greek-Style Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.