Refreshing Balela Salad

I am loving quick grab and go salads from Trader Joe's and other grocers, but cost and ingredient quality always makes me feel a little guilty for taking the short cut and that making them at home would be a better option. Like many things in life, homemade is best! What I have for you today is really a SUPER simple and easy salad to toss together, and like many things it tastes better after a day or so in the fridge - Balela Salad.

It is a delicious bean salad with bright lemon and refreshing parsley flavors. If you are a fan of tabbouleh or other Mediterranean salads, then this is right up your alley!

Balela means "cooked chickpea" and this is an outstanding way to get in more plant based protein and fiber into your day. It makes a great side or snack and is very versatile in that you can add to a salad in lieu of dressing, or mix in with pasta, rice, or quinoa for a more full-bodied main dish. You can use it as stuffing in stuffed tomatoes, in pita pockets, or on top of a flatbread for a simple pizza idea.  If you eat meat, grilled chicken breast would compliment this nicely.


Ingredients

• 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas (preferably sodium free), drained and rinsed
• 2 15-ounce cans black beans (preferably sodium free), drained and rinsed
• 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
• 1/2 cup fresh mint chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1/4 cup olive or avocado oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes, mint, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and garlic. Pour over the chickpea mixture and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.