🥗 Vegan Balela Salad 🌿

This Vegan Balela Salad is a colorful and refreshing Middle Eastern-inspired dish, packed with plant-based protein and nutrients. It offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a healthy and satisfying option for any meal. Best of all, it comes together in just 10 to 15 minutes — ideal for BBQs, picnics, or potlucks!

🛠️ Equipment:  🥣 Large mixing bowl      🥄 Spoon

🌱 Ingredients:

✅ 2 cans chickpeas (15 oz each) – rinsed and drained
✅ 1 can black beans (15 oz) – rinsed and drained
✅ 1 large tomato – diced (or use grape, Roma, or cherry tomatoes) 🍅
✅ 1/4 cup white onion – finely chopped (or use red onion for a milder flavor) 🧅
✅ 1/4 cup fresh parsley – chopped 🌿
✅ 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 🫒
✅ 2 tbsp white distilled vinegar
✅ 1 1/4 tsp salt – or to taste 🧂
✅ 1 tsp ground sumac – for a tangy, lemony kick 🍋
✅ 1/2 tsp dried mint – or use fresh mint leaves 🌿
✅ 1/4 tsp garlic powder – or fresh chopped garlic 🧄
✅ 1/4 tsp black pepper
✅ 1/8 tsp cayenne – or adjust to taste 🌶️

🥄 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, sumac, mint, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Mix well.

2. Prep the Beans and Veggies:
   Rinse and drain the chickpeas and black beans. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. Assemble the Salad:
   Add the chickpeas, black beans, chopped tomatoes, onion, and parsley to the bowl. Toss everything until evenly coated with the dressing.

4. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Chill and Serve:
   Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours to enhance the flavors. Serve cold and enjoy!

🌟 Serving Ideas:

🥙 In a wrap: Stuff into pita bread or a whole wheat tortilla.
🍽️ With greens: Serve over a bed of spinach or kale.
🥖 Snack: Enjoy with garlic bread, crackers, or pita chips.
🍚 As a meal: Pair with grilled tofu, brown rice, farro, or quinoa.

💡 Tips:

✔️ Use fresh parsley, tomatoes, and mint for the best flavor.
✔️ Add chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts for extra crunch.
✔️ A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brings all the flavors together. 🍋
✔️ For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. 🔥

🥶 Storage Information:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days.

• Freezer: Not recommended — best enjoyed fresh!

❓ FAQs:

Q: Can I replace sumac?
➡️ Yes! Use freshly squeezed lemon juice or zest for a similar tangy flavor.

Q: Is this salad nutritious?
➡️ Absolutely! It’s high in fiber and plant-based protein.

🔍 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cup
🔥 Calories: 184 kcal
🍠 Carbs: 25g
💪 Protein: 7g
🧂 Sodium: 424mg
🥑 Fat: 6g
🥦 Fiber: 7g
🍌 Potassium: 309mg

🥬 Enjoy this refreshing, protein-packed Vegan Balela Salad! 🌈✨