Baked Falafel Lettuce Wraps with Yogurt-Dill Sauce

Baked Falafel Lettuce Wraps with Yogurt-Dill Sauce

Mia

These Baked Falafel Lettuce Wraps offer all the aromatic, herb-forward flavors of traditional Middle Eastern falafel without the heavy frying. By baking the chickpea patties instead, you create a lighter dish that fits perfectly into the Mediterranean diet while maintaining that signature crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Each bite delivers the warmth of cumin and coriander, the brightness of fresh parsley and cilantro, and just enough garlic to make things interesting.

The beauty of this dish lies in its textural contrast: crunchy baked falafel nestled in cool, crisp romaine leaves, all brought together by a tangy yogurt-dill sauce that adds creaminess without heaviness. Unlike traditional pita-wrapped falafel, these lettuce wraps keep the meal light and fresh, making them ideal for a satisfying dinner that won't weigh you down. The yogurt sauce, enhanced with fresh dill, lemon juice, and garlic, provides the perfect cooling counterpoint to the warm, spiced falafel.

This recipe embraces the Mediterranean diet's emphasis on plant-based proteins, healthy fats from olive oil, and abundant fresh herbs. Chickpeas provide excellent fiber and protein, while the vegetables and herbs contribute essential nutrients and antioxidants. It's a meal that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining, these wraps are interactive and fun to eat. Set out the components and let everyone build their own wraps, customizing with extra vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, or pickled onions. They're also excellent for meal prep—bake the falafel ahead and simply reheat when ready to serve.

Nutrition

45 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 12.00g
Carbs 52.00g
Protein 18.00g

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each)canned chickpeas, drained and patted dry
1 mediumyellow onion, roughly chopped
4 clovesgarlic cloves, peeled
1 cupfresh parsley, packed, roughly chopped
1/2 cupfresh cilantro, packed, roughly chopped
1 1/2 tspground cumin
1 tspground coriander
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tspcayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tspbaking powder
3 tbspall-purpose flour
2 tbspolive oil, plus more for brushing
1 cupplain Greek yogurt
3 tbspfresh dill, finely chopped
2 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 clovegarlic clove, minced
1/4 tspsalt, for yogurt sauce
2 headsromaine lettuce hearts, leaves separated and washed
1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1 mediumcucumber, diced (optional)

Equipment

Food processor
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Oven
Whisk
paper towels
pastry brush
serving platter
mixing bowls
small cookie scoop

16:8 Diet

These nutrient-dense wraps are ideal for the 16:8 eating window, providing sustained energy from protein and fiber-rich chickpeas, healthy fats from olive oil, and abundant vegetables. The balanced macronutrients and satisfying portions help meet daily nutritional needs within the compressed timeframe while promoting fullness.

80/20 Diet

This recipe fits the 80/20 approach with over 80% of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods—chickpeas, fresh vegetables, herbs, Greek yogurt, and olive oil—while the small amount of all-purpose flour (used as a binder) represents a minimal processed component that doesn't compromise the overall nutritional quality.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This recipe is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients including chickpeas (high in fiber and antioxidants), olive oil (omega-3 fatty acids), fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, and anti-inflammatory spices such as cumin, coriander, and garlic. The baking method avoids inflammatory fried foods while maximizing nutrient retention from whole, unprocessed plant foods.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with its use of whole, minimally processed ingredients: dried chickpeas, fresh herbs, vegetables, plain Greek yogurt, and olive oil. Every component is recognizable in its natural form with no artificial additives, preservatives, or refined ingredients—just real food prepared simply.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet guidelines by being naturally low in sodium, rich in potassium and fiber from chickpeas and vegetables, and featuring low-fat Greek yogurt. The use of fresh herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt, combined with plant-based protein and minimal saturated fat, makes it heart-healthy and blood pressure-friendly.

Diabetic Diet

These wraps are diabetic-friendly with low glycemic index chickpeas providing steady energy release, high fiber content to slow glucose absorption, and minimal added sugars. The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, while the lettuce wraps keep carbohydrate portions in check compared to traditional pita bread.

Flexitarian Diet

These wraps exemplify flexitarian eating by centering entirely on plant-based ingredients—chickpeas, fresh herbs, and vegetables—as the stars of the dish. The recipe demonstrates how satisfying and flavorful plant-forward meals can be without requiring any animal protein, though the Greek yogurt adds a modest dairy component.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe supports heart health with plant-based protein from chickpeas, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, zero cholesterol, and naturally low sodium when using fresh ingredients. The baking method avoids unhealthy frying while the fiber-rich legumes and vegetables help support healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular function.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-fiber diets, with chickpeas providing substantial dietary fiber (approximately 6-8g per serving), complemented by additional fiber from fresh vegetables, herbs, and whole food ingredients. The fiber content supports digestive health and promotes lasting satiety.

Intermittent Fasting

These nutrient-dense wraps are ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing sustained energy from protein-rich chickpeas, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats from olive oil, and abundant vegetables. The balanced macronutrients and high fiber content promote satiety to help you feel satisfied throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This recipe supports intuitive eating by offering a satisfying, balanced meal that honors both nutrition and pleasure without restriction or guilt. The combination of protein, fiber, fresh flavors, and interactive eating experience encourages mindful enjoyment and natural satisfaction cues.

Mayo Clinic Diet

These wraps align with Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables, legumes (chickpeas), whole food ingredients, and healthy fats from olive oil in appropriate portions. The recipe avoids processed foods and excessive calories while providing nutrient-dense, satisfying components that support sustainable weight management.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly embodies Mediterranean Diet principles by featuring chickpeas as the primary plant-based protein, abundant fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill), extra virgin olive oil, and Greek yogurt. The emphasis on legumes, vegetables, whole foods, and minimal processing aligns with the Mediterranean approach to healthy eating without relying on red meat or excessive fats.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet-approved ingredients including leafy greens (romaine lettuce), beans (chickpeas), olive oil, and abundant vegetables. The emphasis on plant-based whole foods, healthy fats, and minimal processing aligns with the MIND Diet's focus on cognitive protection and neuroprotection.

Mindful Eating

These wraps are perfect for mindful eating with their engaging textures (crispy falafel, cool lettuce, creamy sauce), vibrant colors, aromatic herbs, and interactive assembly that naturally slows down the eating process. The variety of fresh, whole ingredients encourages sensory awareness and conscious appreciation of each component.

Plant-Based Diet

This recipe can be made fully plant-based by substituting the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like cashew or coconut yogurt. The chickpeas provide excellent plant protein, while the fresh vegetables, herbs, and whole food ingredients align perfectly with plant-based eating principles without any meat, poultry, or seafood.

Vegetarian Diet

This vegetarian-friendly recipe features chickpeas as the protein-rich foundation, complemented by Greek yogurt (a lacto-vegetarian ingredient) and abundant fresh vegetables and herbs. It provides complete nutrition without any meat, poultry, or fish while delivering satisfying flavors and textures.

Weight Watchers

Perfect for Weight Watchers with its emphasis on lean plant-based protein from chickpeas, abundant zero-point vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber), and minimal added fats. The baking method instead of frying keeps the calorie count reasonable while the fiber-rich ingredients promote fullness and satisfaction.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2 min
2

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, 4 garlic cloves, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Pulse 10-12 times until the mixture is coarsely ground but not pureed. You want some texture remaining.

2 min
3

Add the baking powder, flour, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the food processor. Pulse another 5-6 times until the mixture comes together and holds its shape when pressed. If it seems too wet, add another tablespoon of flour.

1 min
4

Form the falafel mixture into 12-16 small patties, about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

5 min
5

Lightly brush the tops of the falafel patties with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.

1 min
6

Bake the falafel for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

25 min
7

While the falafel bake, prepare the yogurt-dill sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, minced garlic clove, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3 min
8

Prepare the romaine lettuce leaves by selecting the larger, cup-shaped leaves from the hearts. Pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange them on a serving platter.

2 min
9

If using, prepare the optional toppings by halving the cherry tomatoes and dicing the cucumber. Place them in small serving bowls.

3 min
10

Once the falafel are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes. They'll firm up slightly as they cool.

3 min
11

To assemble, place 2-3 falafel patties in each romaine leaf, drizzle generously with yogurt-dill sauce, and add optional toppings like tomatoes and cucumber if desired. Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions