Save to Pinterest A festive, colorful platter featuring crisp gluten-free falafel, vibrant dips, fresh vegetables, and gluten-free accompaniments—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first made this falafel board for a winter family potluck. Everyone, including my gluten-sensitive aunt, loved picking their favorite combinations from the platter, and it made our holiday spread more joyful and colorful.
Ingredients
- Falafel: 2 cups (340 g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1/2 medium red onion, roughly chopped, 3 cloves garlic, 1 cup (30 g) fresh parsley leaves, 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp baking powder (gluten-free), 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp gluten-free chickpea flour, Vegetable oil for frying
- Dips: 1 cup (240 g) classic hummus, 1 cup (240 g) roasted red pepper hummus, 1 cup (240 g) tzatziki (use dairy-free coconut yogurt for vegan option), 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Vegetables & Accompaniments: 1 cup (100 g) cherry tomatoes halved, 1 cup (120 g) cucumber slices, 1 cup (90 g) rainbow carrots sliced, 1 cup (100 g) radishes sliced, 1 cup (130 g) sugar snap peas, 1/2 cup (90 g) pomegranate seeds, 1/2 cup (90 g) Kalamata olives pitted, 1/2 cup (60 g) pickled turnips or red onions, 1/2 cup (30 g) fresh mint and parsley leaves for garnish, 6–8 gluten-free pita breads or flatbreads cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the falafel mixture:
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a coarse, sticky mixture forms. Add chickpea flour and pulse again until combined.
- Shape falafel balls:
- Transfer mixture to a bowl. Using damp hands, form 18–20 small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
- Fry falafel:
- Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry falafel in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp (about 3–4 minutes per batch). Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble board:
- Arrange dips in small bowls and place on a large serving board.
- Add accompaniments:
- Surround dips with falafel, fresh vegetables, olives, pickles, pomegranate seeds, and gluten-free pita wedges.
- Garnish & serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs and drizzle olive oil over the hummus. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Last year, my kids enjoyed assembling mini sandwiches and dipping falafel bites side-by-side with their cousins, turning the meal into a fun, hands-on celebration.
Required Tools
You'll need a food processor, deep skillet or frying pan, slotted spoon, large serving board or platter, and some paper towels.
Allergen Information
This board contains sesame (in the hummus and tahini) and dairy (in tzatziki, unless using dairy-free yogurt). Double-check packaged items if serving anyone with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 410 calories, 19 g total fat, 49 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This holiday falafel board will wow your guests and make gatherings more festive, flavorful, and fun. Enjoy every bite around the table!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I make the falafel crispy without frying?
You can bake the falafel at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through. Lightly brush them with olive oil before baking for a golden crust.
- → What are good dip pairings for this falafel board?
Classic hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, and tzatziki complement the falafel's flavors beautifully, each adding a unique creamy texture and taste.
- → Can I prepare this board ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare falafel mixture and dips in advance. Fry or bake falafel just before serving for freshness and crispness.
- → What gluten-free sides are featured on the board?
Fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, rainbow carrots, radishes, olives, pomegranate seeds, and gluten-free pita wedges provide vibrant, crunchy accompaniments.
- → Are there good vegetarian or vegan options for this platter?
This board is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. Use dairy-free yogurt for tzatziki to make it vegan-friendly.