Salads are easy to make ahead of time, easy to take on-the-go, and can be made with so many different variations and ingredients. However, for some people, just eating a salad with a few ingredients does not satisfy their hunger. Romaine calm. With the right ingredients, you can take any salad from blah to yummy and make your stomach and your scale both happy. Here are some key points to follow when creating salads that will actually fill you up.
Where to Begin?
In creating any salad, you need to start with your base. Depending on the salad you choose to make, a salad can begin with leafy greens like kale or arugula, any type of pasta or noodles, quinoa, or even just vegetables. After you have chosen the foundation to the salad, it's time to get creative.
Choose a protein. Lean meats like chicken or turkey can be a great addition, some type of fish like salmon or mahi-mahi are also awesome, or for our vegetarian friends, chickpeas or edamame.
Next, add veggies. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers can brighten any salad with their vibrant colors and their nutrition value. Vegetables like carrots and broccoli have a lot of fiber and few calories, making them the perfect addition to any salad that will keep you feeling full.
Topping It Off
Once you choose the base and mix-ins, it’s time to dress the salad. The dressing you use will determine how heavy the salad will be. If you want a lighter dressing, use a vinaigrette or just oil and vinegar.
Creamier dressings like Caesar dressing, or even just plain mayonnaise, are generally fattier, which can sometimes fill you up more.
To tie the salad all together, sprinkle in some nuts like cashews or pecans, some dried fruit, or even some quinoa to add that crunch to your salad and give you a more satiated feeling after eating.
I usually like to throw a sprinkle of cheese on top to bring the flavors all together, specifically feta or goat cheese, but this is open for different variations depending on the type of salad and your individual taste. With more components, you can create fuller salads that taste amazing and make you feel full.
It's So Easy, Anyone Can Do It
Some of my favorite salad recipes include Coach Aly's Power Salad, Honey Mustard Chicken, Bacon, and Avocado Salad, and Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad. In addition, here are several recipes for big, satisfying loaded salads
Salads are super easy to make and can have so many different ingredients. Most importantly, they do not have to be crazy or intricate in order to make you feel full. Picking a few ingredients full of fiber and protein can satisfy you without breaking the bank. They can serve as a quick lunch or an elaborate dinner. It's all about the balance of picking choices that you like to eat and pairing them with the ones that will fill up your stomach.
So, explore new recipes and try different salads with different mix-ins, because there are so many options to making wholesome salads that are also delicious.
#SpoonTip: Some of my favorite salad recipes include Coach Aly's Power Salad, Honey Mustard Chicken, Bacon, and Avocado Salad, and Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad. In addition, here are several recipes for big, satisfying loaded salads.