Deconstructed Falafel Salad

Thoughts and Inspiration: 

This was a really fun plate to put together!  It looks complicated, but really is quite easy as you'll see!  I wanted to create something fun for the eyes with lots of bright notes that was also delicious for the taste buds.  I set this platter out as an appetizer for a dinner party we had back over the 2014 holidays.  As always, be creative and have fun with it!  You can get as homemade, or not!, as you want with it.  I used pre-made falafel balls to save myself time.

Ingredients

1 package frozen falafel balls

1, 8 oz. package of Halloumi, diced into 1/2-3/4 inch cubes

1 tsp olive oil

1/4 lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 bunch frisee (or arugula) ~7 oz.

4-5 radishes, sliced thin (use a mandolin if you have one)

1 cup water

1 tsp salt

1/2 pomegranate seeds

Balsamic Glaze drizzle 

Dressing - combine together with a whisk

1 lemon, juiced

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

Tahini Sauce  

1 Tbsp tahini 

1 Tbsp Greek yogurt 

1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Pinch of salt 

Place sliced radishes in water with 1 tsp salt for a minimum of 15 minutes.  When ready to use, drain from water.  (Adding them to salted water helps smooth out the pungent bite you typically get from radishes.)

Heat skillet and lightly crisp Halloumi on medium heat in olive oil (make sure there is enough space to have all the Halloumi in a single layer on the skillet so that the pieces don't melt into each other).  Turn cubes a couple times to get browning on all sides.  After about 4-5 minutes remove from heat and toss in fresh parsley and lemon juice.  

Assembly - I used a large slate board:
Cook falafel balls according to package.  Allow to cool and then cut each into quarters.  Toss the frisee with the dressing and arrange as the base on your plate.  Randomly arrange the falafel balls, Halloumi and radishes on top of the frisee.  Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with pomegranate seeds!  You can dollop the tahini sauce onto the plate or place on the side in a bowl like I did so that people can take as they want.  (I used watermelon radish slices on the slate board for extra presentation.) 

Other suggestions that can be added/substituted on this plate:
Feta (instead of Halloumi)
Add hazelnuts for crunch
Grilled zucchini chunks
Tabbouleh salad (instead of frisee)

Some of the items I used:

These are great if you're in a bind!