There are so many thing I am OBSESSED with at Trader Joe’s it is kind of out of control. I find myself there at least three times a week, but I really can’t help it. One of the first things I fell in love with was this Balela Salad; at the time I had no idea what it was but after checking out the ingredients list I knew I would be in love. I recently decided it was time to try and replicate the recipe based off the list on the packaging since I was eating so much of it, and I am pretty happy with it! I think the TJ’s recipe has more salt, but I try to not add a ton of salt to anything so just add it to taste. I found it was really best after being able to chill out in the fridge for a day so the flavors can really marry together. It makes a great healthy side dish, or a meal of it’s own in a pinch. Hope you like it as much as me, and any TJ lovers out there, what’s your favorite thing they sell?
Balela Salad (Print Me)
Ingredients:
1 cup chickpeas, cooked (or canned)
1/2 cup black beans, cooked (or canned)
1/2 cup chopped fresh tomato
5 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
4 cloves garlic
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare chickpeas and black beans according to package directions.
Mix all ingredients together, for best flavor allow to marinate in refrigerator for several hours.
Source: Brooke’s Original Recipe based off Trader Joe’s Product
I too am obsessed with TJ's! I am looking forward to trying your recipe! Thanks for sharing.
I keep buying a tub of that stuff for my weekday lunches, but my son finds it first and eats the whole thing for a snack! Looking forward to making it in family-sized quantities so we all get some.