Balela Salad Recipe
This Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad called Balela Salad, is vegan and healthy! Made with finely chopped veggies, fresh herbs, lemon and olive oil. Serve it in a pita with tahini sauce or over greens.

How to Make the Best Balela Salad
Balela salad is a vibrant Middle Eastern chickpea salad that’s packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. This protein-rich dish is not only delicious but also completely vegan, making it perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their routine.
What makes this salad so special is the combination of textures and flavors—tender chickpeas, crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cucumber all come together with fragrant mint and parsley. The sumac adds a tangy, slightly fruity note that’s distinctly Middle Eastern, while the aleppo chili flakes provide just the right amount of warmth.
Whether you serve it stuffed into warm pita bread with a drizzle of tahini sauce, over a bed of fresh greens, or simply on its own as a side dish, this balela salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as part of a mezze spread.

Balela Salad
This Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad called Balela Salad, is vegan and healthy! Made with finely chopped veggies, fresh herbs, lemon and olive oil. Serve it in a pita with tahini sauce or over greens.
Ingredients
Salad
Dressing
Instructions
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a big bowl.
- Toss well and taste, adjusting salt, lemon, and spice level.
- Serve with salad greens or pita and tahini sauce.
Notes
- You can use up to 1 cup each of fresh mint and parsley for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne or aleppo chili flakes between ¼ to ½ teaspoon based on your heat preference.
- This salad tastes even better after resting for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.