Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad

My wife recently had some middle eastern salad from Trader Joe’s called Balela. She challenged me to try and replicate it at home and the result is this Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad.

The first thing I did was look at the list of the ingredients on the packaging itself. I stripped away all the preservatives and all the other ingredients they use in commercially sold food to come up with a list of ingredients I could work with.

Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad

Then I proceeded to experiment with the quantities of each ingredient. The salad from the store listed sumac as one of its ingredients but since I didn’t have any on hand, I substituted for some lemon pepper seasoning.

I used Apple Cider Vinegar but you can also use some rice wine vinegar or in a pinch some white vinegar. The canola oil can be substituted with some vegetable oil or just more extra virgin olive oil.

Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad

Tips

  • Chickpeas and Garbanzo beans are the same thing! Depending on what part of the country and what brand you are using, the cans may be labeled differently.

Italian Parsley and Flat-Leaf Parsley are basically the same thing. Grocery stores may use either name.

bean salad on plate with burger and fries

You will need the following ingredients to make this Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Garbanzo Beans, Black Beans, Roma Tomatoes, Canola Oil, White Vinegar, Red Onion, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Salt, Garlic Powder, Cayenne, Fresh Mint Leaves and Fresh Italian Parsley.

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed beans, tomato and red onion. Stir till well combined.
  2. Pour the canola oil, apple cider vinegar and olive oil over the bean mixture and stir.
  3. Add the lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder and cayenne and toss until well combined.
  4. Fold in the fresh parsley and fresh mint and stir.
  5. While not necessary, I recommend letting the salad sit in the refrigerator covered for about 1 hour to allow all the flavors to meld.

More Recipe Ideas

Printable Recipe Card

garbanzo and black bean salad

Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad

It doesn't get much better than this Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad. Super easy to make. Makes a great healthy side dish.
5 from 4 votes

↑ Click stars to rate

Prep Time5 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Author Rodney
Servings 4
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 15 oz Garbanzo Beans, drained & rinsed
  • 15 oz Black Beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 Roma Tomato, diced
  • 1 Tbsp Red Onion, finely diced
  • 1 Tsp Canola Oil
  • 1 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • ½ Tsp Salt
  • ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
  • â…› Tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed beans, tomato and red onion. Stir till well combined.
  • Pour the canola oil, apple cider vinegar and olive oil over the bean mixture and stir.
  • Add the lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder and cayenne and toss until well combined.
  • Fold in the fresh parsley and fresh mint and stir.
  • While not necessary, I recommend letting the salad sit in the refrigerator covered for about 1 hour to allow all the flavors to meld.
Nutrition (1 of 4 servings)
Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 301mg | Potassium: 753mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 6mg
This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
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2 Comments

  1. Jennifer says:

    This salad turned out great. Was very tasty. Just loved it.

  2. Julia says:

    This Garbanzo and Black Bean Salad makes a perfect salad, whether as a side salad and just a salad. My family and I love black beans and garbanzo beans so this salad was the perfect recipe to make.

5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)