Middle Eastern Bean Salad with Parsley and Lemon Balela
Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, the Middle Eastern Bean Salad with Parsley and Lemon, also known as Balela, is a quick and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This protein-packed salad features hearty chickpeas and black beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and aromatic herbs like parsley and fresh mint. Tossed in a zesty dressing of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and warm spices like cumin and paprika, this salad delivers a perfect medley of tangy, earthy, and savory flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, it’s an ideal choice for meal prep, a nutritious side dish, or a light and satisfying main. Pair it with warm pita bread and creamy hummus for a fully satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired feast. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply craving something fresh, this Balela salad is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 15-ounce can canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium cucumber (diced)
- 0.5 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup parsley (finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup fresh mint leaves (finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas and black beans.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, parsley, and mint leaves to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Cover the salad and let it sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve as a side dish, a light main course, or with pita bread and hummus for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
366 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.8 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 845 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 13.2 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1030 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
