Food Obsession 8-13 Balela Salad

I fell in love with Balela Salad last year. They were giving samples away at Trader Joe's and it soon became my-go-to dip for pita chips or crackers. "Balela" is a savory Middle Eastern salad with chick peas, black beans, parsley, and mint. The word "balela" literally translates from Arabic into English as "lets." Heck ya! Lets eat!

Stole this recipe from a very cool blogger and found it wonderful! I add more mint, parsley and red onions to my taste.

Ingredients
•1 15-oz can black beans
•1 15-oz can garbanzo beans
•1/2 tbsp canola oil
•1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
•2 stocks green onion, chopped
•1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
•1 tbsp red wine vinegar (white or apple vinegar should suffice)
•two organic tomatoes chopped into bite-sized pieces
•2 tbsp chopped parsley
•1 tbsp chopped mint
•sea salt & pepper to taste

Directions
•Pour both beans into a strainer and rinse. Lightly pat dry with a couple paper towels (be careful not to mush the beans!)
•Put beans into a large mixing bowl, pour in the rest of the ingredients and carefully mix well. •Refrigerate a couple hours before eating for optimal flavor.


Yum. If you don't want to make it, check out your local Trader Joe's in the prepared salad area.

****Not my photo. Totaly swiped from google images

****I have a new camera coming. Excited!