A fresh take on mezze that turns crispy falafel into a creamy, herby dip. Fold chopped cucumber, tomato, and parsley into Greek yogurt or labne, then crown it with crumbled Afia Falafel. It comes together in about fifteen minutes and disappears even faster.
The short answer: Stir 2 chopped Persian cucumbers, ¼ cup parsley, and ¼ cup chopped cherry tomatoes into 1 cup Greek yogurt or labne. Top with 3 cooked, crumbled Afia Falafel, drizzle with olive oil, and serve.
Prep: 10 minutes | Falafel: ~15 min to heat | Makes: ~2 cups
Why you'll love this falafel dip
It's the best parts of a falafel wrap or plate, reimagined as something you scoop. The yogurt base stays cool and tangy, the chopped cucumber and tomato keep it fresh and crunchy, and crumbled falafel on top brings the savory, golden-fried element that makes it feel like a treat rather than a salad.
There's no real cooking involved beyond heating the falafel — which, if you're using Afia Falafel, takes minutes from frozen. That makes this a genuine ten-minutes-of-hands-on-work appetizer, the kind you can pull together when people are already at the door.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or labne
- 2 Persian cucumbers, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 3 Afia Falafel, cooked & crumbled
- Olive oil, lemon & salt to taste (optional)
What is labne?
Labne (also spelled labneh) is yogurt that's been strained until it's thick, creamy, and spreadable, with a tangier edge than regular yogurt. It gives this dip a richer, more luxurious body. If you can't find it, plain Greek yogurt is a perfect everyday swap — it's already thick and works beautifully here.
How to make chopped falafel dip
- Cook the falafel. Heat the Afia Falafel according to the package until crisp, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Chop the vegetables. Finely chop the Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
- Build the base. Fold the chopped vegetables into the Greek yogurt or labne. Season with salt, plus a little lemon and garlic if you like.
- Top and serve. Spread into a shallow bowl, making a well in the middle with your spoon. Crumble the falafel over the top, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, and serve with warm pita or pita chips.
What to serve with falafel dip
Warm pita and pita chips are the classics, but this dip is happy in a lot of company. Serve it with crunchy raw vegetables — cucumber spears, carrots, radishes, lettuce — for something lighter, or spoon it over a grain bowl as a creamy topping, or even spread it inside a wrap with extra falafel. It also earns its place on a bigger mezze table next to hummus, olives, and crockpot chicken shawarma.
Make-ahead & storage
The yogurt-and-vegetable base keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container - but the cucumbers may lose their crisp. For the best texture, cook and crumble the falafel just before serving so it stays crisp rather than softening into the dip.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between labne and Greek yogurt?
Both are strained, but labne is strained longer, so it's thicker and tangier — closer to a soft cheese. Greek yogurt is a touch lighter and easier to find, and it works perfectly in this dip.
Can I make falafel dip ahead of time?
Yes. Make the yogurt-and-vegetable base up in advance and keep it chilled. Add the cooked, crumbled falafel right before serving so it stays crunchy. You can also stir in the cucumbers last to maintain their crunchy texture.
Is falafel dip vegetarian and gluten-free?
It's vegetarian. Whether it's gluten-free comes down to the falafel you use, so check the label. Afia Falafel does not contain any gluten, and the yogurt, cucumber, tomato, and parsley base is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use store-bought falafel?
Absolutely — that's the shortcut. Afia Falafel cooks from frozen in minutes, so you just heat, crumble, and scatter it over the top.
What's the best way to crumble falafel?
Let the cooked falafel cool for a minute or two, then break it apart with your fingers or a fork into rough, bite-sized pieces. A little unevenness gives the dip nicer texture.
