Falafel Pita with Tzatziki: The Ultimate Flavor Bomb

You’ve had falafel. You’ve had pita. You’ve probably even dipped something in tzatziki.

But combine them? Game over. This isn’t just food—it’s a handheld masterpiece that’ll make you question every sad desk lunch you’ve ever endured.

Crispy, herby falafel meets cool, tangy tzatziki, all wrapped in a warm pita like a flavor burrito. Why settle for mediocre when you can have legendary? Let’s get to it.

Why This Recipe Slaps

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This isn’t just another falafel wrap.

The contrast of textures and flavors here is next-level. The falafel is crispy outside, fluffy inside, and packed with herbs and spices. The tzatziki?

Creamy, garlicky, and refreshing—like a spa day for your taste buds. And the pita? It’s the MVP, holding everything together without falling apart like a bad relationship.

Plus, it’s vegetarian, packed with protein, and stupidly customizable. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • For the falafel: 1 can chickpeas (drained), ½ onion (chopped), 3 garlic cloves, ½ cup parsley, ½ cup cilantro, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, ¼ tsp cayenne, 2 tbsp flour, salt, pepper, oil for frying.
  • For the tzatziki: 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ cucumber (grated and drained), 1 garlic clove (minced), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp dill (chopped), salt, pepper.
  • Extras: Pita bread, sliced tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, hot sauce (if you’re brave).

Step-by-Step Instructions

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  1. Blitz the falafel mix: Throw chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices in a food processor. Pulse until it’s coarse, not paste.

    Nobody wants mushy falafel.


  2. Shape and chill: Roll the mix into small balls, flatten slightly, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This keeps them from falling apart in the fryer.
  3. Fry ’em up: Heat oil in a pan (medium-high), then fry falafel until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels—no one likes greasy falafel.
  4. Make the tzatziki: Mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.

    Stir. Congrats, you just made magic.


  5. Assemble the beast: Warm the pita, slather on tzatziki, add falafel, veggies, and hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy. Fold like a pro or eat it like a messy sandwich—we won’t judge.

Storage Instructions

Falafel: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for a month.

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. Tzatziki: Lasts 3-4 days in the fridge, but it’ll probably disappear faster. Pro tip: Store components separately to avoid soggy pita disasters.

Why This Recipe is a Win

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It’s nutritious (chickpeas = protein and fiber), flavor-packed (garlic, herbs, and spices FTW), and versatile (swap ingredients, make it vegan, go wild). Plus, it’s cheaper and tastier than takeout. Your wallet and your stomach will thank you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-processing the falafel mix: You want texture, not hummus.
  • Skipping the chill time: Cold falafel holds its shape better.

    Patience, grasshopper.


  • Drowning in tzatziki: It’s a sauce, not a soup. Unless you’re into that—then go nuts.

Alternatives for the Adventurous

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  • Bake instead of fry: Healthier, but slightly less crispy. 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
  • Vegan tzatziki: Use coconut yogurt. It works, IMO.
  • Gluten-free: Swap pita for lettuce wraps or GF tortillas.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but soak them overnight first.

Canned is faster, but dried gives a slightly better texture. Your call.

Why is my falafel falling apart?

Not enough flour, too much moisture, or you didn’t chill the mix. Fix one (or all) of those things.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely.

Prep falafel and tzatziki separately, then assemble when ready. FYI, it tastes better fresh.

What if I hate cilantro?

Swap it for more parsley or mint. We won’t tell the cilantro police.

Is tzatziki just Greek ranch?

Blasphemy.

It’s tangier, garlicky-er, and way more sophisticated. But sure, if ranch went to college.

Final Thoughts

This falafel pita with tzatziki isn’t just a meal—it’s a flex. It’s cheap, easy, and tastes like you put way more effort in than you actually did.

Whether you’re meal-prepping or impressing friends, this recipe delivers. Now go forth and wrap like a champion.

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