These baked pistachio spinach falafel combine chickpeas, ground pistachio nuts, and spinach. They’re nutritious, protein packed additions to pita sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, appetizer platters, and more!
Falafel is one of those foods that I wish I had in my fridge all the time. Throw it into a pita or a sandwich, crumble it into a salad, layer it in a bowl–it’s a wonderful way to boost any meal with plant protein. And in spite of the fact that I don’t make it as regularly as I make other protein staples, like hummus or tempeh bacon, it’s not hard to make. The delightfully green pistachio and spinach falafel that I’m sharing today is a new instant favorite–as well as a perfect paring for my delightfully green tahini dressing–and I’m hoping it’ll be the start of a regular falafel trend at home.
Shelled pistachios are the base of this falafel, and I love the way their sweet and salty flavor infuses the dish. But if you don’t have shelled pistachios on hand, or you prefer a different type of nut, you could also use cashews, pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Just don’t skip the parsley or the spinach: they lend awesome color, not to mention some healthful phytonutrients, to the falafel!
As you can see, I served these wonderful, protein-rich falafel in bowl form, pairing them with rice, steamed broccoli, baked sweet potato spears, and–the final and most flavorful addition–some simple braised red cabbage.
The bowl is fantastic, especially drizzled with the green tahini dressing, and I highly recommend it. You’ll find the recipe for it below (along with a separate recipe for the falafel). If you want to create a bowl that includes what you’ve got in your fridge, go for it. I recommend some sort of whole grain as a base, as well as a flavorful dressing for drizzling.
Beyond that, make the dish your own. It’s hard to go wrong with these garlicky, herb-infused flavors, and anyway, bowl meals are all about cleaning out the fridge!
There’s nothing I love more than a great bowl: such a perfect opportunity to get multiple flavors, textures, nutrients, and tastes in one tasty package. But of course, these falafel are perfect for the traditional pita preparation. You can even serve them as an easy appetizer, with lettuce leaves or toothpicks.
Hope you love the falafel as much as I do. Let me know what you think!
xo
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Loved all ingredients you have used.
Yumm!! Your photos are beautiful!
These bowls look so good, Gena! I must admit, I’ve never actually had any “flavored” falafel – I’ve only had the “original” kind. But spinach and pistachio sound like it would be so much tastier! And that green tahini dressing looks divine. Definitely pinning that one for later ๐
Gena, these look SO good. Way to go, you culinary rockstar :). Can’t wait to give these a try!
I wish I also had falafel in my fridge at all times! I feel like it just seems a little time consuming to make and then they go so fast! But this is getting me inspired to make them again! That green tahini sauce also sounds yummy!
Love falafel any way they come, and these sound great:)
OMG I want this right now! That dressing!!
I had never thought of putting pistachios in my falafel, but not that you did, I can’t stop imagining what this would taste like! Heaven! Thanks for this!
omg I really need to try this!! I love falafel so much <3
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yummy, I love falafel, never made it myself before though. Think I”m gonna have to change that!
HI Gena–these falafel look fabulous! And so do the bowls. Love the combo of pistachio and spinach. There are definitely going on my “to make” list. Thank you! xo
This looks wonderful, I love falafel, but have not made it at home yet. Need to try this recipe, thanks!
How do I keep forgetting about falafel, it’s one of the best things ever! Thank you for the reminder, This recipe sounds awesome, love the addition of pistachios.
Falafel is my favorite food of all time. I wish I had it in my fridge at all times too! LOVE this twist on traditional falafel. I will have to make this soon and add it to my collection of falafel recipes! ๐