This bowl is one of my go-tos when I want something fresh, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s got crispy falafel, creamy cottage cheese, crunchy veggies, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini sauce that brings it all together. It tastes like something you’d grab from your favorite café—but it’s easy to make at home.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This bowl came out of one of those “use what you have” nights—and it turned into something I now crave. The combo of textures and bold flavors is unbeatable.
- The falafel adds a warm, spiced crunch
- Cottage cheese keeps it high in protein and super creamy
- Fresh veggies and tahini bring balance and brightness
- It’s meal-prep friendly and easy to build your own bowl
🍽 How Many Servings + Cook Time
- Servings: 2 bowls
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (using store-bought falafel or prepped falafel)
🧾 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 6 cooked falafel balls (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Warm naan or pita (optional)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Dice your veggies
Chop the cucumber, tomato, red onion, and parsley into small pieces so every bite is balanced.
2. Warm your falafel
Reheat falafel in a skillet with olive oil or in the oven until golden and hot.
3. Make your tahini drizzle
In a small bowl, mix tahini with lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a splash of warm water until smooth and pourable.
4. Assemble your bowl
Spoon cottage cheese into the base of each bowl. Top with diced veggies, warm falafel, a drizzle of tahini sauce, and fresh parsley.
💪 Exact Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Protein + Fiber = keeps you full longer
- Cottage cheese adds creaminess without needing mayo or heavy sauces
- Tahini brings healthy fats + helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins from veggies
- Balanced macros = energy without the crash
🗓 Meal Plan Ideas
- Lunch Meal Prep: Prep veggies and falafel ahead, assemble fresh
- Meatless Monday: This is satisfying without needing any meat
- Power Snack Bowl: Make a half portion for a post-workout protein hit
❗ Common Mistakes
- Falafel too dry? Add a bit of olive oil when reheating
- Tahini too thick? Whisk in a splash of warm water
- Veggies too chunky? Dice everything small so it mixes well in each bite
🍴 What to Serve With
- Warm pita or naan
- Pickled red onions
- A side of hummus or baba ganoush
- Lemon wedges for extra brightness
❓ FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yep! It’ll be tangier and thicker, but still works well.
What’s the best store-bought falafel?
Look for ones that say “crispy” or “oven-baked” on the label. Air fryer versions are great too.
Can I use fresh herbs other than parsley?
Yes—try mint, cilantro, or a combo for something extra fresh.