Balela Salad with Roasted Chicken
Classic balela (chickpea salad with herbs and lemon) topped with juicy roasted chicken. Bright, zesty, and perfect as a light yet filling meal.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
Roasted Chicken
2 chicken breasts or thighs
1½ tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
Balela Salad
1½ cups cooked chickpeas
½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint (optional but lovely)
Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely grated
Salt & black pepper
Optional Add-ins
Diced cucumber
Bell peppers
Chili flakes
Feta crumbles
Instructions
1️⃣ Roast Chicken
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
Rub chicken with olive oil, spices, salt, pepper & lemon juice
Roast 20–25 minutes until cooked through
Rest 5 minutes, then slice
2️⃣ Make Balela
In a bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, parsley & mint
3️⃣ Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt & pepper
4️⃣ Assemble
Toss salad with dressing
Top with sliced roasted chicken
Finish with extra herbs or feta
Tips
Warm chickpeas slightly before tossing — better flavor
Grill chicken instead of roasting for smoky notes
Serve with pita or as a bowl over greens
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Good for weight loss?
Yes — high protein + fiber keeps you full.
Q: Meal prep friendly?
Absolutely — store chicken and salad separately up to 3 days.
Q: Vegan option?
Skip chicken and add roasted sweet potatoes or avocado.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Fiber: 12 g
Healthy fats: 22 g
