Lebanese chickpea salad is a vibrant bowl of fresh herbs, tomato, and onion tossed with warm or cold chickpeas, lemon juice, and a splash of extra virgin olive oil.
When I want something quick, wholesome, and bursting with bright Middle Eastern flavor, I always turn to this balela salad. I love eating it straight from the bowl or stuffed into a warm pita pocket.

It's a dish from my Lebanese family's kitchen, and while it’s simple, it packs such flavorful depth, similar simple Lebanese salads include butter bean salad or Middle Eastern tahini salad.
Ingredients
The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.
Chickpeas
These are the star of the show. You can use canned chickpeas (which I often do for ease) or freshly cooked. Balela usually has a higher ratio of chickpeas to all other ingredients.
Fresh vegetables
Diced tomato and white or red onion bring the brightness. I sometimes use cherry tomatoes halved or quartered. You can also add finely chopped cucumbers, radish, red cabbage, or red bell peppers if you want to bulk it up.
Herbs
Fresh parsley and mint are a must. I always go with fresh over dried herbs for that traditional pop of flavor. Chop them finely to mix through evenly.
Dressing
A mix of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a crushed garlic clove, extra virgin olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. It’s sharp, garlicky, and gives the whole salad its depth. If I’m in the mood for a creamy twist, I’ll stir in a spoon of tahini.
Janelle's Tips
Use the freshest ingredients possible, it really makes a difference.
Taste as you go! Adjust the garlic, cumin, and lemon to suit you.
Add the dressing just before serving to keep the herbs bright and the salad fresh.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
Recipe
Lebanese chickpea salad
Ingredients
- 250 grams Chickpeas canned or dry (pre-cook dry variety)
- 1 tbs Chickpea water aquafaba
- 1½ small Tomato diced small
- ½ small White onion diced small (or red)
- 1 handful Flat leaf parsley roughly chopped small
- 10 leaves Mint roughly chopped small
Dressing
- 1 small Garlic clove crushed
- ½ teaspoon Cumin or to taste
- 1⅓ tbs Olive oil extra virgin
- 1 small Lemon juiced, or to taste
- 1½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
- 1¼ teaspoon Black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Optional warming step:If you’d like a warm chickpea salad, add the chickpeas, aquafaba, cumin, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a saucepan over medium heat. Warm through for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat. If not, skip this step.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced tomato and onion, and chopped herbs. Gently toss together.
- In a small bowl, whisk all the dressing ingredients. (If you warmed the chickpeas, whisk only the lemon juice and olive oil.) Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until well coated.Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Finish with an extra sprinkle of cumin before serving.
Video
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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Maria
Tried this chickpea salad yesterday and was amazed by how simple yet flavorful it turned out to be!
Kristin
Love this salad for a light but filling summer meal. The leftovers were great for lunch the next day! I also love that this is an affordable recipe and it really helps me stay within my food budget!
Lily
I made this balela recipe, and it was delicious and easy. I added more crushed garlic (because you know how we Lebanese can't have enough of it). Do you think I could make this with ful beans ( fava beans)?
Janelle Hama
Hey Lilyy,
You can make this with ful. You should refer to this recipe for that though https://plantbasedfolk.com/foul-moudamas/ you may wish to not crush the beans
Nadia
this chickpea salad totally hits the spot and perfect side - great way to bulk up a meal
Anna
What a great hearty salad. I had it with pita bread and it makes a perfect light lunch.
Alexa
This balela salad is such a delicious Lebanese dish! It's super quick and easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping.
Michell
This is such a perfect combo of healthy ingredients and I LOVE this for lunch!!
ella
thank you janelle for another fantastic vegan recipe. i’m so glad i came across your site
Janelle
Awww, thank you for making my recipes, I appreciate your support
J