Vegan Falafel Wrap

Raw Vegan Falafel Wraps with Parsley Tahini Sauce

Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and portable lunch? These vegan falafel wraps are the answer. Raw falafel balls are nestled in hearty collard greens and topped with a creamy parsley tahini sauce. No frying, no cooking—just pure, wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes.

Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a light lunch, these wraps are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and paleo. Plus, they hold up beautifully in the fridge, making them ideal for make-ahead meals.

🧆 What Are Falafel Wraps? And How Are These Different?

Falafel wraps are a classic Middle Eastern street food, typically made with deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices. They're usually served in pita bread with toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes and tahini sauce.

But this version? It’s a fresh, raw vegan twist on the traditional favorite — made without any frying, baking, or processed ingredients. Instead of chickpeas, these falafel balls are crafted from a mix of raw pistachios, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs, giving them a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying texture with zero cooking required.

Instead of pita bread, we use collard greens as wraps, which not only keeps the recipe gluten- and grain-free, but also adds a nutrient-packed crunch and beautiful presentation. These wraps are ideal for anyone looking for a lighter, cleaner, and more energizing version of traditional falafel — without sacrificing flavor.

🥙 Ingredients & Notes

For the Falafel Balls:

• Pistachios - Adds a rich, buttery flavor and healthy fats.
• Sesame seeds - Provides a nutty taste.
• Ground cumin and coriander - Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Garlic - Enhances the savory profile.
• Parsley - Adds freshness and a burst of green.
• Chives - Gives a mild onion flavor.

For the Parsley Tahini Sauce:

• Tahini - Provides creaminess.
• Apple cider vinegar - Adds acidity to balance the richness.
• Lemon juice - Brightens and freshens the sauce.
• Olive oil - Adds smoothness and richness
• Garlic - Enhances the savory notes.
• Parsley - Infuses the sauce with a fresh, herbal flavor.

For the Wraps:

• Collard leaves - Sturdy and perfect for wrapping; can substitute with Swiss chard or other leafy greens.
• Persian cucumber  - Adds crunch and freshness.
• Tomatoes - Provides juiciness and sweetness.

🔪 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Parsley Tahini Sauce:

• In a high-speed blender, combine the tahini, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, sea salt, and water.
• Blend until smooth, adding more water if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.
• Set aside or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.

2. Make the Falafel Balls:

• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the pistachios, sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, chives, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbles that hold together when pinched.
• Roll the mixture into ½-inch balls and set aside.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to assemble.

3. Assemble the Wraps:

• Remove the stems from each collard leaf and trim down each side of the thick part of the stalk with a sharp paring knife to create a flat, foldable surface.
• If the leaves are particularly large, cut them down the center to make two pieces.
• Arrange the collard leaves on a large platter.
• Divide the chopped cucumbers and tomatoes among the collard leaves.
• Place the falafel balls on top of the vegetables.
• Drizzle the parsley tahini sauce over the fillings.
• Fold the sides of the collard leaves over the filling and roll up tightly to enclose.

Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: Prepare the falafel balls and parsley tahini sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Greens Swap: If collard greens are too large or tough, Swiss chard or lettuce leaves can be used as alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

These wraps are perfect on their own or paired with:

• A side of quinoa salad or tabbouleh.
• A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
• Hummus or baba ghanoush.

Conclusion

These vegan falafel wraps are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a make-ahead lunch or a healthy picnic addition, these wraps offer a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy the freshness and wholesomeness of this vibrant dish!