Description
This Middle Eastern Salad Bowl is a fresh, nutrient-rich dish featuring crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and bold flavors. With protein-packed options like chickpeas, falafel, or grilled meats, it’s a customizable and satisfying meal drizzled with a tangy tahini dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas or cooked lentils, drained and rinsed
- 4 falafel balls or 1 cup grilled chicken/lamb, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ½ cup pita chips or toasted pita bread, broken into pieces
Dressing
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base – Wash and chop the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Arrange in a large bowl.
- Add Protein – Add chickpeas or lentils. If using falafel or grilled meat, prepare and add them on top.
- Incorporate Herbs and Cheese – Sprinkle chopped parsley, mint, and feta (if using) over the salad.
- Include Olives and Pita Chips – Scatter Kalamata olives and add pita chips for crunch.
- Make the Dressing – In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble and Serve – Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Notes
Vegan Option – Omit feta and add hummus.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pita chips or skip them.
Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or harissa to the dressing.
Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts.
Grain Addition – Add cooked quinoa or bulgur.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, salad bowl
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Middle Eastern salad, falafel salad, healthy bowl recipe, tahini dressing, Mediterranean salad