Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites

Close up of a few cucumber slices topped with a spiced chickpea purée.

These cucumber bites are a healthy party appetizer recipe with major Middle Eastern flair! They're quick & easy to assemble and make a great addition to any dinner or cocktail party. These would also be perfect for game day appetizer spreads!

Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen - Ashley Covelli

5 from 6 votes

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Servings: 24 Pieces

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Ingredients

For Cucumber Bites:

1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
6 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground paprika
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, divided
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, divided
1 English cucumber

For Garnish (optional, but encouraged):

Ground paprika
Grape tomatoes, quartered
Thinly sliced shallot
Sriracha

Instructions

In the bowl of a food processor, place chickpeas, yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon each of the parsley and cilantro. Process until smooth.
Slice the cucumber into ½-inch thick coins. Scoop or pipe the chickpea mixture on top.
Garnish with remaining chopped herbs, paprika, tomatoes, shallot, paprika, and Sriracha, if desired.

Notes

Chickpea purée can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
If your purée isn't smooth enough, process a little longer, and if it's still too thick, add another tablespoon of yogurt.
If you want the striped look on your cucumbers, simply use a vegetable peeler to peel off a few strips down the length of the skin before slicing the cucumber.