Best 2 Middle Eastern Balela Salad Recipes

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**Balela Salad: A Refreshing Medley of Middle Eastern Flavors**

Balela salad, also known as fattoush, is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. This vibrant salad is characterized by its medley of fresh vegetables, toasted pita bread, and a tangy dressing made with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. The combination of textures and flavors in balela salad makes it a refreshing and satisfying dish, perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

This article presents three variations of balela salad, each with its unique twist on the classic recipe. The first recipe is a traditional balela salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fragrant parsley. The second recipe adds a touch of sweetness with pomegranate seeds and walnuts, while the third recipe incorporates roasted eggplant for a smoky flavor.

No matter which variation you choose, balela salad is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MIDDLE EASTERN BALELA SALAD



Middle Eastern Balela Salad image

Middle Eastern chickpea and black bean salad flavored with fresh herbs. Super simple and refreshing!

Provided by fredswife2

Categories     Salad     Beans     Black Bean Salad Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
½ red onion, diced
½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
salt and fresh coarsely ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Stir chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint together in a large bowl.
  • Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and ground pepper together in a bowl; pour over chickpea mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate salad until flavors blend, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.6 g, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 11.9 g, Protein 11.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 665.5 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

MIDDLE EASTERN BEAN SALAD WITH PARSLEY AND LEMON (BALELA)



Middle Eastern Bean Salad With Parsley and Lemon (Balela) image

I got this recipe from kalynskitchenblogspot.com A simple bean dish that is great to make ahead. The star of the recipe is chopped fresh parsly.

Provided by Dona England

Categories     Beans

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed well and drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed well and drained
1 cup chopped green onion
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic puree or 1/2 teaspoon finely minced garlic
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Pour chick peas and black beans one at a time into colander placed in sink, rinse well until no more foam appears and let drain.Blot dry if they seem too wet.
  • While beans are draining, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and let the flavors blend.
  • Mix the salad ingredients together and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  • Chop green onions, tomatoes and parsly and add to bowl. Combine this with the beans.
  • Whisk dressing ingredients and gently add dressing to bean mixture.
  • Add salt and pepper.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the salad will be.
  • Chop the vegetables into small, even pieces. This will help them to cook evenly.
  • Don't overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but still have a little bit of crunch.
  • Use a variety of spices and herbs. This will give the salad a complex and flavorful taste.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make balela salad, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and spices to your own liking.

Conclusion:

Balela salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, and it is also a good option for vegetarians and vegans. The salad is also very versatile, and it can be served as a main course, a side dish, or a snack. If you are looking for a new and exciting salad recipe, balela salad is definitely worth a try.

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