Smashed Falafels with Quinoa Tabbouleh & Tahini Dressing

Smashed Falafels with Quinoa Tabbouleh & Tahini Dressing

Our twist on a refreshing tabbouleh stars fluffy quinoa, juicy tomatoes, vibrant roasted pepper and juicy olives. Top with smashed Moroccan-spiced falafels, made extra crispy in the oven. To finish? A moreish tahini and red pepper tapenade drizzle. Delish!

Ready in 20 1/3 daily fibre 7 plants Low sat fat

Serving size

Cook time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Food group: Vegan
Allergens: Sesame, Sulphites

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Cooking Instructions

The protein cooking time listed in this recipe has been updated.

As of December 2025, we’ve revised cooking times for all our proteins to reflect improved food safety guidance.

Check out the latest recommended times in our Cooking Guidelines.

Before you start

  • Preheat the oven to 240C / fan 220C / gas mark 9
  • Line a large baking tray with parchment paper
  • Bring a large saucepan filled with salted water to a boil
  • Pull out a large bowl, a small bowl & a sieve

Boil & roast

  • Add the quinoa to the saucepan and boil for 13-14 mins, until cooked, then drain
  • Meanwhile, dice the peppers into 1cm chunks
  • Place the falafels onto one side of the baking tray. Add the diced pepper to the other side and toss with 1 tsp oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 5 mins

Dress the tomatoes

  • Halve the tomatoes and lemon
  • Add the tomatoes and 1 tbsp olive oil to the large bowl. Squeeze in the juice from the lemon and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then set aside

Smash the falafels & make the tahini dressing

  • After 5 mins of roasting, remove the tray from the oven. Use the bottom of a bowl or pan to gently crush each falafel
  • Drizzle with 1 tbsp oil, season with salt and pepper, then return to the oven for 10-12 mins, until golden and crispy
  • Meanwhile, roughly chop the parsley (reserving a few leaves for garnish). Halve the olives
  • Put the tahini pots in the small bowl filled with hot water for 1 min to loosen
  • Empty and dry the bowl, then add the tahini, red pepper tapenade and 2 tbsp water. Mix until smooth

Toss & plate up

  • When everything's ready, add the quinoa, roasted pepper, parsley and olives to the tomato bowl and toss to combine. Add the rocket and toss again, season to taste, then serve into bowls
  • Top with the smashed falafels. Drizzle over the tahini dressing. Scatter with the pumpkin seeds and reserved parsley to finish

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