Balela Salad

Name: Balela Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 - 15 ounce can chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1 - 15 ounce can of black beans (drained and rinsed); 3 medium tomatoes (diced {about 1 1/2 cups}); 1/4 of a sweet onion (diced {about 1/3 of a cup}); 1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 lemon (juiced); 1/2 teaspoon sumac; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper {optional}; 1 jalapeño (seeds removed, finely chopped {optional}); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Balela Salad is a light salad mixing chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes, onion and parsley topped with a lemony sumac dressing with a hint of spice. This works great as lunch, as a side to dinner or topping to your pita, rice bowls or alongside grilled chicken or seafood.

Prep15 min
Total15 min
Makes4 servings
Calories175

Ingredients

4 servings

1 - 15 ounce can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 - 15 ounce can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
3 medium tomatoes (diced {about 1 1/2 cups})
1/4 of a sweet onion (diced {about 1/3 of a cup})
1/3 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped)

For the dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 lemon (juiced)
1/2 teaspoon sumac
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper {optional}
1 jalapeño (seeds removed, finely chopped {optional})
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Method

1
In a large bowl combine the chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes, onion and parsley.
2
Using a mason jar or a salad dressing container mix together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sumac, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, jalapeño, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3
Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Taste and add more dressing to your liking. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

If you don't like your food spicy leave out the cayenne red pepper and the jalapeño. There are a lot of great additions to this salad: feta cheese, white beans, zucchini, a grain like quinoa or bulgur, eggplant, bell peppers, red onion.