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 created this falafel board for our annual end-of-year family dinner, and it was the centerpiece everyone couldn't stop talking about. The gluten-free falafel surprised even the pickiest guests with its crisp texture and aromatic herbs.
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:
- 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 and fry:
- Transfer mixture to a bowl. Using damp hands, form 18–20 small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter). 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.
- Arrange and assemble:
- Arrange dips in small bowls and place on a large serving board. Surround dips with falafel, fresh vegetables, olives, pickles, pomegranate seeds, and gluten-free pita wedges. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil over the hummus. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this colorful board with my family instantly brought everyone together at the table. The kids enjoyed customizing their plates, and it was a joyful way to kick off our holiday celebrations.
Make-Ahead & Variations
Falafel mixture can be prepped one day in advance and refrigerated. Try adding roasted nuts or seeds to the board for extra texture.
Tool & Allergen Tips
A food processor makes falafel prep easy. Double-check all packaged ingredients for gluten-free certification, especially pita and baking powder.
Perfect Presentation
Arrange ingredients in colorful sections on a large platter to create a festive display guests will remember.
Save to Pinterest This festive falafel board is a guaranteed conversation starter at any holiday gathering. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients give the falafel its flavor?
The falafel derives its flavor from a blend of chickpeas, red onion, garlic, fresh parsley and cilantro, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes for optional heat.
- → Can the falafel be baked instead of fried?
Yes, bake falafel at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, brushing them lightly with olive oil and turning halfway for even cooking.
- → Which dips complement the falafel board?
Classic hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, and tzatziki create a variety of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors on the board.
- → What fresh vegetables are best to serve with this platter?
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, rainbow carrots, radishes, sugar snap peas, and pickled turnips or red onions add color and crunch.
- → Are there gluten-free bread options to accompany the platter?
Gluten-free pita breads or flatbreads cut into wedges are perfect to pair with the falafel and dips.
- → How can extra crunch be added to the falafel board?
Add roasted nuts or seeds on the platter to enhance texture and crunch alongside the falafel and vegetables.