Balela Salad Recipe – Step by Step Guide: Even though there are a lot of vibrant and flavorful options available when it comes to salads, there aren’t many that can compete with the exotic appeal and nutritional value of the Balela salad. Balela salad is a delectable dish that originates from the Middle East.
Balela Salad Recipe – Step by Step Guide
It is a combination of chickpeas, black beans, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing that takes your taste buds to new heights. With this recipe, you are guaranteed to have a delightful culinary adventure, regardless of whether you are looking for a wholesome side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing appetiser. In order to fully appreciate the pleasure that this exotic dish brings to the table, let’s delve into the complexities of its preparation.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Instructions
- The salad can be prepared by combining the chickpeas, black beans, cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint in a large mixing bowl. The chickpeas should be drained and rinsed before being added to the salad. To ensure that the ingredients are distributed evenly, gently toss them.
- To prepare the dressing, take a separate, smaller bowl and combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk all of these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.
- Put the salad together by pouring the dressing that has been prepared over the salad mixture that is in the large bowl. Make sure that all of the components of the salad are evenly coated with the dressing by giving it a light toss with a spatula or a spoon.
- Adjust the Seasoning: After tasting the salad, make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning to create the perfect flavour. To further enhance the flavours, you can add additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as required.
- Allow the flavours to meld together and develop by placing the bowl of balela salad in the refrigerator for at least half an hour with a lid or plastic wrap covering it. This will allow the flavours to develop and meld together.
- The Balela salad should be removed from the refrigerator once it has been chilled and marinated before being served. In order to revitalise the flavours, give it one last toss. For an additional layer of creaminess and tang, crumbled feta cheese can be sprinkled on top, but this step is optional.
- As a delightful side dish, a refreshing appetiser, or a light and nutritious meal, the Balela salad can be served either chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy! Whether you choose to enjoy it on its own or with grilled meats or seafood, it will provide you with a satisfying culinary experience.
Notes
- Make your babela into a delicious meal! This salad, which is packed with nutrients and is wholesome, can easily be transformed into a meal. It should be served in pita pockets that are warm and drizzled with tahini.
- You could also include it on a vegetarian mezze platter that is already impressive, along with baba ganoush and roasted red pepper hummus.
- Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil obtained from organically grown and processed Koroneiki olives is the type of olive oil that is recommended for use in this recipe. In addition, we have included Aleppo Pepper and Sumac in our collection of all-natural spices.
A selection of high-quality Mediterranean ingredients, such as olive oils, honey, jams, and spices, can be found in our shop waiting to be discovered.
Nutrition
- Calories: 302.8 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36.8 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.7 g
- Sodium: 234.5 mg
- Potassium: 848.3 mg
- Fiber: 10.5 g
- Sugar: 10.4 g
- Vitamin A: 1451.3 IU
- Vitamin C: 35.2 mg
- Calcium: 94 mg
- Iron: 4.6 mg