Ingredients
For the Wraps:
- 12-16 falafel balls (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large flour tortillas or flatbreads (10-12 inch)
- 2 cups hummus (about ½ cup per wrap)
- ½ cup tahini sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 1½ cups)
- 1 large cucumber, diced (about 1 cup)
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pickled turnips or pickled cucumbers, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped (optional)
For Homemade Tahini Sauce (optional):
- ¼ cup tahini paste
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup water (more to thin)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cumin
Optional Toppings:
- Hot sauce or sriracha
- Sumac
- Crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)
- Olives
- Roasted red peppers
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Falafel
If using store-bought frozen falafel, bake according to package directions until crispy and golden (usually 15-20 minutes at 375°F). If using fresh falafel from a restaurant or homemade falafel, ensure they’re heated through and crispy. Set aside and keep warm. You’ll need 3-4 falafel balls per wrap.
Step 2: Make the Tahini Sauce (if making homemade)
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. The mixture will seize up and become thick—this is normal! Gradually whisk in water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a pourable but creamy consistency similar to ranch dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if needed. Set aside.
Step 3: Prep Your Vegetables
While falafel is cooking, prepare all your vegetables. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and cucumber, thinly slice the red onion (soak in cold water for 10 minutes if desired to mellow the flavor, then drain), slice pickles, and chop fresh herbs. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembly quick and easy.
Step 4: Warm the Wraps
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each flatbread or tortilla for 15-20 seconds per side until soft and pliable. This step is important—it makes the wraps easier to fold and enhances their flavor. Alternatively, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Lay one warmed wrap flat on a clean surface. Spread ½ cup of hummus in a thick line down the center of the wrap, leaving about 2 inches from the edges. Place 3-4 falafel balls on top of the hummus, gently pressing them down to flatten slightly (this makes wrapping easier). Top with ½ cup shredded lettuce, ¼ cup diced tomatoes, ¼ cup diced cucumber, a few slices of red onion, and 2 tablespoons of pickles. Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of tahini sauce over everything.
Step 6: Fold the Wrap
To fold: First, fold the bottom edge of the wrap up about 2 inches over the filling. Then fold both sides toward the center, overlapping slightly. Finally, roll tightly from the bottom up, keeping the sides tucked in as you roll. The hummus acts as “glue” to help seal the wrap. The result should be a tightly wrapped burrito-style package with filling completely enclosed.
Step 7: Optional – Grill the Wrap
For extra deliciousness, place the wrapped falafel seam-side down in a hot skillet or panini press and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy with grill marks. This is optional but creates an amazing texture contrast!
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut each falafel hummus wrap in half diagonally for easier eating and prettier presentation. Serve immediately with extra tahini sauce and hot sauce on the side. Enjoy while the falafel is still warm and crispy!
Notes
- Falafel Options: Store-bought frozen falafel is the ultimate time-saver and works beautifully. Look for brands like Trader Joe’s, Ziyad, or Afia.
- Hummus Spread: Don’t skimp on the hummus—it provides essential moisture and creaminess that ties everything together.
- Preventing Soggy Wraps: Make sure vegetables are dry before assembling. For meal prep, pack wet ingredients separately.
- Wrap Size: Large 10-12 inch wraps work best. Smaller wraps are harder to fold and hold less filling.
- Vegan Version: Use tahini sauce instead of yogurt-based sauces and ensure your wrap doesn’t contain dairy.
- Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy harissa paste for heat.
- Storage: Assembled wraps are best eaten fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 6 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg