Filling vegan salads that will actually fill you up. Healthy recipes! (2024)

FAQs

What to put in salad instead of meat? ›

If you prefer vegan options, go beyond beans or tofu and try tempeh or seitan. If you love legumes like chickpeas in your salad, you may also love lentils, nuts, seeds or whole grains like farro or quinoa as additions.

1. Beans and legumes: Add cooked chickpeas, black beans, lentils, or edamame to your salad for a protein boost. 2. Nuts and seeds: Sprinkle on some almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy and protein-rich addition.

Nuts or seeds.

Cashews, walnuts and pine nuts are delicious in salads. Poppy seeds add texture too, as well as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Try this chickpea, hazelnut and sweet potato salad.

Add spices and flavours such as paprika, chilli flakes, curry powder, harissa or parmesan. Add acidity or sourness with vinegar, lemon juice or pomegranate molasses to transform your salad.

Among the highest protein vegetables are chickpeas, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts, and edamame. To get all of the amino acids your body needs, aim to eat a variety of foods, such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables throughout the day.

Eating eggs with your salad actually helps you absorb more nutrients from the veggies, according to a new study, which builds upon earlier research about eating fat and vegetables in combination.

Add a Lean Protein

Protein is the most filling macronutrient because it reduces hunger hormones and boosts hormones that make you feel full. While there are different ways to get protein, like peanut butter and beans, chicken is one of the best options.

Why doesn't salad fill me up? ›

This is because salads mostly contain vegetables, which have a high water content. This may mean you don't feel very satisfied after eating your salad – making it hard to stay full until your next meal.

Mixed greens salad: Start with a base of leafy greens like spinach, arugula, or kale. Add vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrots. Top it with a lean protein source like grilled chicken, tofu, or boiled eggs.

Protein rich plant foods

Some whole foods, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and mushrooms, contain protein or have a meaty texture and can work well as meat substitutes. Food manufacturers often include these types of food in their vegetarian and vegan products.