Trader Joe's Balela Salad Recipe

Balela is a Mediterranen bean salad that is packed with fiber, heart healthy olive oil and fresh herbs. We've been eating Trader Joe's balela as a salad topper for years and love it. We thought we'd take a stab at making a copycat recipe with the exception of swapping the canola oil for olive oil. This recipe is delicious, easy to make and yields a large batch saving you a few bucks versus buying it at Trader Joe's.

Ingredients Needed for Trader Joe's Copycat Balela

Beans: Specifically garbanzo beans and black beans, but you could easily add in or swap your favorite bean. Beans are literally the bulk of this salad, full of fiber.

Red onion: We love the bite that this bit of red onion adds. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, white onion also works.

Tomatoes: We prefer the sweetness of grape tomatoes and cut them into quarters.

Garlic: We almost always use jarred garlic because life is busy and mincing fresh garlic takes a lotta time.

Herbs: Fresh mint and fresh parsley are two herbs always in my garden. They are staples of Mediterranean cooking and add so much flavor. Be generous with these herbs and feel free to make the ¼ cup called for a heaping ¼ cup.

Lemon Juice: Depending upon the juiciness of your lemon, you'll need about one lemon to yield two tablespoons of juice.

Distilled White Vinegar: We've tried this recipe with apple cider vinegar, but prefer the tangy flavor of the white vinegar. In a pinch, use apple cider vinegar instead. Still tastes great.

Olive oil: If you've got a nice olive oil on hand, use it!

Cayenne Pepper: Don't worry, this will not be a spicy salad, but has just a teeny tiny kick. If you like Trader's Joe's balela, they include cayenne too.

Sumac: This spice is a frequent flyer in Mediterranean cuisine and has a tangy, lemony flavor to it. If you don't want to invest in a full jar, see if your natural grocer has bins for herbs and spices to save some money.

Ways to Eat Balela

Believe it or not, balela, arugula, spinach and feta has been the hubby's weekday lunch for the past three years. The balela's vinegar, oil and lemon juice act as a dressing for the salad and the beans provide fiber and protein. Add a little feta on top and it is a perfect Mediterranean lunch. He likes to add on a few crumbled pita chips for texture.

If you're craving a bit more lean protein, add roasted chicken to the salad. Balela can also serve as an appetizer with crunchy pita chips for dipping.

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