Mediterranean Sheet Pan Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce
Oven-baked falafel made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices served with a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes blends packed fresh parsley leaves, packed fresh cilantro leaves, small, roughly chopped yellow onion 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 280 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 15-oz can, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup, packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small, roughly chopped yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 small, grated and squeezed dry cucumber
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp for tzatziki salt
- 1/8 tsp for tzatziki black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a food processor, combine 1 15-oz can drained chickpeas, 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1 small roughly chopped yellow onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Pulse until coarsely blended but not pureed.
- Step 2: Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined.
- Step 3: Form the mixture into 12 small patties about 2 inches in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with 2 tbsp olive oil evenly.
- Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by mixing 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated and squeezed cucumber, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Serve the warm falafel with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Sheet Pan 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 Mediterranean Sheet Pan 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 Mediterranean Sheet Pan 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 Mediterranean Sheet Pan 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 Mediterranean Sheet Pan 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.
