Mediterranean Chickpea & Black Bean "Balela" Salad

itsjdieb
46 minutes ago
3 min read

I can’t lie — this is genuinely one of the best legume-based salads I’ve ever made, and I’m ecstatic for you to try it yourself. If you’re looking for an easy Mediterranean bean salad that’s packed with flavor, fiber, plant-based protein, and fresh herbs, this Balela-inspired salad is it.

Traditionally, Balela means “cooked chickpeas” in Arabic, and there are so many beautiful variations of this Middle Eastern chickpea salad depending on the region, family, and personal preference. My version combines chickpeas, black beans, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, lemon, olive oil, and warming spices for a refreshing, nutrient-dense salad that somehow tastes even better the next day.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how meal-prep friendly it is. There’s no cooking involved, just chopping, blending, and mixing. It’s naturally gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and full of gut-friendly fiber that can help support digestion, blood sugar balance, and satiety.

Whether you serve it as a side dish, light lunch, dip with pita chips, or add grilled protein on top, this healthy Balela salad is one of those recipes you’ll keep making on repeat.

Yields: 1-4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

This recipe is dairy free, gluten free, and vegan.

Ingredients:

Salad

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 green onions, finely diced

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (add right before serving)

Dressing

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 garlic clove

½ tsp sumac

¼ tps Aleppo pepper

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tsp white wine vinegar

Instructions:

Prepare all salad ingredients and add everything except the mint to a large serving bowl.
In a small food processor or blender, combine all dressing ingredients. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine.
Right before serving, add in the fresh mint. Taste test for salt and adjust as needed.
Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for even more flavor. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

Add the mint last: Fresh mint wilts quickly, so it’s best added right before serving.
Meal prep tip: Store the dressing separately if making ahead for multiple days.
Prefer more heat?: Add jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Make it a meal: Top with grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or serve with warm pita.
Traditional variations: Some versions include green olives, red onion, cumin, or fresh dill.

FAQ:

What is Balela?: Balela is a Middle Eastern chickpea salad traditionally made with chickpeas, herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. Different regions and families make it differently, and many modern versions include black beans and additional vegetables.
Is Balela healthy?: Yes! Balela salad is rich in fiber, plant-based protein, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s a nutrient-dense option that can support digestion and blood sugar balance.
Can I make this ahead of time?: Absolutely. This salad actually tastes even better after the flavors sit together for a few hours. Just wait to add the mint until serving.
How long does Balela salad last in the fridge?: Stored in an airtight container, it should last about 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?: Yes. If using dried chickpeas, cook them fully and allow them to cool before assembling the salad.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I did, so if you do, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I always read through my suggestions and comments, so please let me know your thoughts. If you have any questions you can feel free to DM me here or through Instagram. Speaking of Instagram - please tag me in all of your creations! I love seeing how the recipes come out and seeing how talented you all are. Sending my love.

xoxo,

Jasmin D the RD

⁣

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how meal-prep friendly it is. There’s no cooking involved, just chopping, blending, and mixing. It’s naturally gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and full of gut-friendly fiber that can help support digestion, blood sugar balance, and satiety.

Whether you serve it as a side dish, light lunch, dip with pita chips, or add grilled protein on top, this healthy Balela salad is one of those recipes you’ll keep making on repeat.

Yields: 1-4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

This recipe is dairy free, gluten free, and vegan.

Ingredients:

Salad

1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 green onions, finely diced

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (add right before serving)

Dressing

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 garlic clove

½ tsp sumac

¼ tps Aleppo pepper

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tsp white wine vinegar

Instructions:

Prepare all salad ingredients and add everything except the mint to a large serving bowl.

In a small food processor or blender, combine all dressing ingredients. Blend until smooth and well combined.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine.

Right before serving, add in the fresh mint. Taste test for salt and adjust as needed.

Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for even more flavor. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

Add the mint last: Fresh mint wilts quickly, so it’s best added right before serving.

Meal prep tip: Store the dressing separately if making ahead for multiple days.

Prefer more heat?: Add jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Make it a meal: Top with grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or serve with warm pita.

Traditional variations: Some versions include green olives, red onion, cumin, or fresh dill.

FAQ:

What is Balela?: Balela is a Middle Eastern chickpea salad traditionally made with chickpeas, herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. Different regions and families make it differently, and many modern versions include black beans and additional vegetables.

Is Balela healthy?: Yes! Balela salad is rich in fiber, plant-based protein, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s a nutrient-dense option that can support digestion and blood sugar balance.

Can I make this ahead of time?: Absolutely. This salad actually tastes even better after the flavors sit together for a few hours. Just wait to add the mint until serving.

How long does Balela salad last in the fridge?: Stored in an airtight container, it should last about 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?: Yes. If using dried chickpeas, cook them fully and allow them to cool before assembling the salad.

xoxo,

Jasmin D the RD

Comments