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Balela Salad Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

Balela Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Middle Eastern chickpea salad featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty pomegranate molasses dressing. This nutritious and easy-to-make salad combines the earthiness of chickpeas with crisp cucumber, tomatoes, and a mix of herbs like parsley and mint, creating a perfect light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 480 g (2 cans) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 cucumber, finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (any colour), finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup (80 g) walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)

Dressing

  • 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (best quality you can find)
  • 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses or balsamic vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground sumac
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and pomegranate molasses until fully combined and emulsified.
  2. Add salad ingredients and season: Add the drained chickpeas, finely chopped red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, chopped walnuts, fresh parsley, and optional mint into the bowl with the dressing. Sprinkle the ground sumac, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper over the top.
  3. Mix and let rest: Toss all ingredients thoroughly until every chickpea and vegetable piece is evenly coated in the dressing. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  4. Serve: Drizzle additional pomegranate molasses on top if desired, and serve immediately with crispy pita bread on the side.

Notes

  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; flavors will intensify overnight.
  • Add more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier dressing.
  • Replace walnuts with toasted pine nuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
  • For a vegan option, ensure the pomegranate molasses contains no added honey.
  • Serve as a light lunch, side dish, or as part of a mezze platter.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/balela-salad-recipe/