Name: Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons Stonyfield Double Cream Plain (or 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; Ground paprika; Grape tomatoes, quartered; Thinly sliced shallot; Sriracha

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 22 reviews

Let me tell you about this delightful Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe that’s become one of my absolute favorites for easy entertaining or a fresh snack. It’s the kind of dish that’s light, flavorful, and downright addictive—perfect for when you want something that feels fancy without all the fuss. The blend of chickpeas with warm falafel spices atop crisp cucumber slices gives you all the flavor without frying, making it refreshing and guilt-free.

I love making these when guests drop by unexpectedly or when I need a quick bite that feels like a treat. The Best part? You can prep the chickpea purée ahead of time and throw it together in minutes. You’ll find yourself reaching for this Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe again and again, especially during warmer months when you want fresh, vibrant flavors that don’t weigh you down.

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Why This Recipe Works

Bright and Creamy: The combination of creamy chickpea purée and cooling cucumber makes for a refreshing bite every time.
Falafel-Inspired Spice Blend: Using cumin, coriander, and paprika gives these bites that unmistakable falafel flavor without the heavy frying.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip up the chickpea mixture in advance, which makes assembling quick and stress-free.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: These bites are naturally gluten-free and easily customizable, perfect for parties or casual snacking.

The image shows a white tray with round cucumber slices as the base layer. On each cucumber slice, there is a swirl of light beige creamy spread with a smooth, slightly ridged texture. Each swirl is topped with a small red wedge of tomato placed upright and a thin line of red sauce drizzled on the cream. Small chopped green herbs are scattered over the cucumber rounds and tray. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface covered partially with a green and white checkered cloth. In the background, there is a blurred container with white and blue colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe plays a role in balancing taste and texture, creating that satisfying flavor combo you’ll come back to. Plus, with some simple pantry staples and fresh herbs, you can get this snack ready without any complicated shopping.

Chickpeas: The base of the purée, providing protein and a smooth, creamy texture when processed well.
Stonyfield Double Cream Plain yogurt: Adds rich creaminess and a subtle tang—Greek yogurt works well too if you can’t find it.
Tahini: A classic falafel element, it brings in a nutty depth that complements the spices beautifully.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the purée and balances the creamy elements.
Ground cumin, coriander, paprika: The heart of the falafel flavor, these spices deliver warmth and complexity.
Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the layers of flavor.
Cilantro & parsley: Fresh herbs add a lively burst of color and freshness that keeps the bites light.
English cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, it acts as the perfect vehicle for the spiced chickpea topping.
Optional garnishes: Grape tomatoes, shallots, and sriracha bring in texture and a punch of color or heat if you want to jazz things up.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I always like to mix things up a bit when making this Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe depending on my mood or the occasion. It’s so flexible—I encourage you to play around and make it truly yours.

Variation: I sometimes swap out half of the parsley for fresh mint for an extra herbaceous note that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Heat Factor: If you love spice, drizzle extra sriracha or sprinkle a pinch of cayenne on top for a fiery kick.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based yogurt to make this vegan and still keep that creamy texture intact.
Presentation: For a fun twist, try using mini cucumber pickles or zucchini slices instead of English cucumber.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Chickpea Purée

Start by dumping drained chickpeas, Stonyfield Double Cream, tahini, lemon juice, and your fragrant spices into a food processor. Don’t rush—pulse until you get a really smooth purée. If it feels too thick or grainy, add a splash more cream or yogurt, and keep going until it’s luscious. The smoother this is, the more luxurious your bites will feel.

Step 2: Prep Your Cucumbers

Slice your English cucumber into half-inch thick coins. If you want to get a little fancy, use a vegetable peeler to create striped patterns on the skin before slicing—that adds a nice visual pop. This is a small step, but it always impresses guests for some reason.

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

Spoon or pipe the chickpea purée generously on each cucumber round. This is where you can get creative—use a piping bag with a pretty tip for a polished look, or just spoon it naturally for a rustic vibe. Sprinkle the remaining chopped herbs, a dash of paprika, some quartered grape tomatoes, thin shallot slices, and a drizzle of sriracha if you want a kick.

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Pro Tips for Making Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe

Purée Smoothness: If your chickpea mix isn’t silky enough after a minute or two, scrape the sides and pulse again; adding extra cream helps achieve the perfect texture.
Fresh Herbs: Add half the herbs into the purée for flavor and reserve the rest for garnish so your bites look and taste fresh.
Cucumber Slicing: Use a sharp knife to get clean, even slices, or a mandoline if you have one—uniform pieces make assembly easier and prettier.
Make Ahead: The chickpea purée keeps well refrigerated up to two days, letting flavors meld and saving you prep time on party day.

How to Serve Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe

The image shows three cucumber rounds as the base, each topped with a swirl of light beige hummus that has a smooth but slightly textured look. On top of the hummus, there is a quarter slice of bright red cherry tomato standing upright toward the back. Small green parsley leaves and a few drops of red sauce are scattered on the hummus for color. The three cucumber rounds are on a simple white plate set on a white marbled surface with a green and white checkered cloth beside the plate. In the background, more cucumber rounds with hummus and tomato are slightly blurred on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always like to add a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top for color and a subtle smoky note, plus some fresh cilantro leaves for that pop of green. Thinly sliced shallots add a mild bite and some grape tomatoes give freshness and a little burst of juiciness. Don’t forget a light drizzle of sriracha if you like some heat—trust me, it elevates the whole thing.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with Middle Eastern mezze like hummus, babaghanoush, or a tabbouleh salad. They’re great alongside warm pita bread or a simple lentil soup for a light lunch or appetizer spread. I’ve also served them on cheese boards when I wanted a refreshing, plant-based option.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these cucumber bites on a large serving platter garnished with edible flowers or colorful microgreens. You can bundle a couple bites together with small skewers alongside olives and roasted nuts for a mini mezze platter. I even tried serving these on little crispbread crackers once, and everyone went nuts over the crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover chickpea purée, store it in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps beautifully for up to 2 days. Just keep the cucumber slices separate and assemble fresh when you’re ready to serve again so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these cucumber bites once assembled because cucumbers turn watery and lose their crunch. However, the chickpea purée freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.

Reheating

Since these bites are served cold, reheating isn’t necessary. But if you want the chickpea purée warmed for a dip, gently heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and stir well. Just don’t overheat or the texture can change.

FAQs

Can I make the Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the Stonyfield Double Cream or Greek yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt, like coconut or almond milk-based yogurt, and everything else remains the same. The texture and flavor stay deliciously creamy and spiced.
What if I don’t have tahini on hand?

If tahini is missing from your pantry, you can substitute with a smooth almond or peanut butter for a slightly different flavor profile, or just increase the yogurt and lemon juice a bit. The flavor won’t be classic falafel but still tasty!
How long can I keep the chickpea purée in the fridge?

The purée stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the flavors may start to dull, so it’s best to use it within that window for peak deliciousness.
Can I use other types of cucumbers?

English cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and fewer seeds, but you can use regular cucumbers if peeled and seeded. Just make sure to slice them evenly to hold the purée well.

Final Thoughts

This Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a little celebration every time you bite into one. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for when you want a snack that’s light, fresh, and packed with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors without much fuss. Give it a try and I promise it’ll be your new go-to for get-togethers or even a special treat for yourself on a busy day!