Making Salads More Filling and Nutritious
Salads are a great way to incorporate more vegetables and nutrients into your diet. However, some salads leave you feeling hungry soon after eating them. The key is to build your salad with ingredients that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Here are some tips for making your salads more nutritious and filling.
Focus on Protein
Protein takes longer for your body to break down than carbohydrates, keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Make sure to include a protein source in your salad. Some protein-rich ingredients to consider are:
- Chicken or turkey breast
- Hard boiled eggs
- Chickpeas or beans
- Tofu or tempeh
- Cheese such as feta, Parmesan or mozzarella
- Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds
- Canned fish like tuna or salmon
Aim for at least 15-20 grams of protein in your salad for maximum fullness.
Load up on Fiber
Fiber is another nutrient that can help keep you feeling satisfied. Include high-fiber ingredients in your salad like:
- Leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula
- Broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus
- Carrots, beets, radishes
- Artichokes, green peas
- Berries like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Beans, lentils, chickpeas
- Sweet potatoes, butternut squash
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, bulgur
Aim for at least 5 grams of fiber per serving.
Add Healthy Fats
While they are higher in calories, healthy fats will keep you feeling satisfied compared to low-fat options. Get your fats from:
- Olive oil, avocado oil or walnut oil-based dressings
- Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans
- Seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, chia, hemp
- Avocados
- Cheeses
- Olives
Aim for about 5-10 grams of healthy fats per serving.
Pick Whole Grains
Refined grains digest quickly, leading to spikes and crashes in blood sugar. Choose whole grain options like:
- Brown rice
- Bulgur
- Farro
- Quinoa
- Barley
- Buckwheat
- Whole grain bread or pita
The fiber in whole grains helps slow digestion, keeping you fuller for longer.
Load up on Vegetables
Make vegetables the star of your salad. Fill at least half your salad bowl with a variety of veggies to get maximum nutrients and fullness. Some great options include:
- Lettuces - romaine, spinach, kale, arugula, etc.
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Onions
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Snap peas
- Asparagus
- Beets
- Radishes
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
The high water and fiber content will help fill you up.
Pick the Right Dressing
Heavy, creamy dressings can sabotage the health benefits of your salad. Opt for lighter dressings like:
- Olive oil and lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- Tahini-based dressings
- Yogurt-based dressings
- Vinaigrettes
Or use hummus, guacamole, salsa or nut butters as lighter dressing options. Keep your dressing on the side and use a minimal amount to avoid overdoing calories.
Top with Seeds and Nuts
Sprinkle seeds and nuts onto your salad for extra protein, healthy fats and crunch. Some great options are:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Hazelnuts
- Peanuts
Nuts and seeds add calories, so watch your portions. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per salad.
Add Crunch with Croutons
Instead of croutons made from refined white bread, make your own crunchy croutons from whole grain bread or pita. Simply cube the bread, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and toast in the oven until crispy. Homemade croutons will be lower in calories but still give your salad satisfying texture.
Include Your Favourite Fruits
Fruits like apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, grapes and berries can all make great salad additions. The fiber and water content will help fill you up. Opt for fruits that are in season for the best flavor and nutrition.
Hydrate with Water-Rich Fruits and Veggies
Hydrating ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries and cantaloupe will help make your salad more filling by adding volume. The high water content will keep you hydrated too.
Make Your Salad a Meal
While salads alone can be filing, turning your salad into more of a meal bowl ensures you are getting balanced nutrition to keep you satisfied. Take your salad from starter to main by including:
- Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro as the base
- Beans or lentils for added plant-based protein
- Avocado for healthy fats
- Roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or beets for added flavor and nutrients
By incorporating more filling ingredients, your salad becomes a hearty, wholesome meal that will keep you full for hours.
Meal Prep Salads for the Week
Make your salads more filling by prepping ahead for the week. Having pre-portioned salads ready to grab will make it easier to stick to healthy choices.
To meal prep:
- Pick your base - greens, whole grains like quinoa or brown rice, roasted veggies, etc.
- Prep mix-ins and dressings and store separately - chopped veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, dressings, etc.
- Portion into individual containers.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When ready to eat, simply toss or layer everything together. Meal prepped salads will save you time and help prevent you from making unhealthy spur of the moment choices during busy weeks.
Satisfying Salad Recipes
Here are some delicious and nutritious salad recipes that are guaranteed to keep you feeling full and fueled up.
Southwest Chicken Salad
This salad is loaded with flavorful southwestern ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced cooked chicken breast
- Red bell pepper
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Cheddar cheese
- Lime cilantro dressing
Greek Quinoa Salad
This protein-packed salad has:
- Quinoa
- Chickpeas
- Bell peppers
- Cucumbers
- Kalmata olives
- Feta cheese
- Lemon vinaigrette
Taco Salad
All the flavors of tacos in a salad:
- Romaine lettuce
- Seasoned ground turkey or beef
- Cherry tomatoes
- Corn
- Black beans
- Shredded cheddar
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Salsa and guacamole
Get creative with mix-ins and dressings to build salads that are delicious, balanced, and will keep you feeling full all day long.
FAQs
How can I add more protein to my salads?
Some high protein foods to add to salads include grilled chicken or salmon, hard boiled eggs, beans, lentils, cheese, nuts and seeds. Aim for 15-20g protein per salad.
What are some high fiber ingredients I can include in my salads?
Focus on leafy greens, vegetables, beans, lentils, berries, whole grains, and nuts/seeds to get at least 5g fiber per salad.
Are salads and veggies enough to fill me up?
While vegetables are nutritious, balancing your salad with protein, fiber and healthy fats will help keep you feeling satisfied.
How can I turn my salad into a hearty meal?
Base your salad on whole grains like quinoa or brown rice, add beans, avocado, and roasted veggies to create a hearty, nutritionally balanced meal salad.
What are good salad dressings for weight loss?
Opt for olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, tahini or yogurt-based dressings. Keep portions small and dressings on the side to control calories.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Related Coverage
Sugar-free salad dressings eliminate added sugars for fewer calories and carbs. Opt for healthy oils, minimal sodium, and clean ingredients when choosing dressings....
Tips for finding comfortable and flattering shirts for your body type including focus on shape over size, stretchy fabrics, and inclusive sizers to promote body positivity....
As the demand for low and no sugar drinks rises, there are now endless healthy, flavorful options to meet your dietary needs and quench any thirst....
The ice hack diet claims that eating ice can burn calories by activating brown fat. But does it really work for sustainable weight loss? Learn the truth....
Blood pressure drawings use visuals to demonstrate physical concepts behind key measurements. Learn how these medical illustrations help diagnose issues and empower patient self-care....
Dr. Gundry's lectin-free diet calls for avoiding beans, grains, seeds, nuts and nightshades due to high lectin content. Learn which supplements he recommends to fight inflammation....
Grapes contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that provide many health benefits. Eating grapes at night may support heart health, blood sugar, sleep, and more....
Mushroom powders typically last around 1-2 years when properly stored. Signs of expired mushroom powder include color changes, clumping, and loss of potency. Follow these tips to maximize shelf life....
Find out exactly how many calories are in the most popular burger bun varieties like regular, brioche, whole grain and gluten-free buns based on portion size....
White Claw has exploded in popularity as a low calorie, low carb spiked seltzer. But is it actually healthy? Learn how it compares nutritionally to beer, wine and cocktails....