How to build a light, filling meal with grilled dishes and salads so you won't feel hungry afterward
The secret is not to make a bland salad consisting only of greens, nor a grilled dish without a side. To keep the meal light without leaving you hungry, it needs protein, fiber, vegetables, good seasonings, and a balanced portion of carbohydrates when needed.
The mistake that makes the salad too light and not very filling
To avoid getting hungry shortly afterward, it's important to add a source of protein, such as chicken, tuna, cod, eggs, cheese, octopus, or legumes. Then come the vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and, if appropriate, a staple like potatoes, rice, couscous, quinoa, or chickpeas.
Grilled chicken recipes for a complete meal
Chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and roasted vegetables work really well in summer meals. The idea is to grill or sauté them quickly and serve them with a colorful salad, to create a contrast between hot and fresh, protein and fiber.
For an easy recipe that smells like summer, prepare these chicken skewers with bell peppers! In a "mini" version, they'll fit perfectly on your plate and are also great as appetizers :-) A flavorful recipe to eat with your fingers, of course! Follow...
Chicken with peppers and zucchini in an air fryer is a quick, healthy, and flavorful recipe , perfect for a light but flavorful dinner. Using an air fryer with a double basket , you can cook chicken, peppers, and zucchini at the same time, reducing...
Salads that really fill you up
Black-eyed peas, chickpeas, potatoes, tuna, cod, and eggs help create more substantial dishes without losing their lightness. These are great options for lunch, a packed lunch, a quick dinner, or a refreshing meal after a hot day.
This cowpea salad with tuna is a traditional Portuguese recipe that is fresh, nutritious and very easy to prepare. Along with the main ingredients, it includes hard-boiled eggs , tomato, onion, olives and a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing....
Choose this chickpea and cod salad for a light, nutritious, complete, and fragrant meal. It’s also a great option to take along on a picnic or to work. Easy and delicious, this dish comes together in just minutes. Mix everything together and it’s...
Hotter days call for refreshing and nutritious salads like this potato and tuna salad. Easy to prepare, it is ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for making an appetizer before the meal. Check out our recipe below:
Fresh salads to serve with grilled meats
Tomatoes, cucumbers, aromatic herbs, lemon, bell peppers, and leafy greens help add freshness, vitamins, minerals, and volume, making the meal lighter and more enjoyable on hot days.
Among all the mixed salads we usually make, there's one that particularly wins us over: Greek salad! Also known as "Horiatiki", we love the ultra-fresh combination of tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and, of course, feta, THE quintessential Greek...
Looking for something fresh for lunch? We're sharing our secret recipe for a successful picnic: Lebanese tabbouleh! An explosion of flavors guaranteed ;-) Thanks to flat-leaf parsley and mint, your taste buds will be tingling. Add juicy tomatoes, olive...
You never have enough easy and healthy recipes in your cookbook, right? Especially when you’re looking to make something that will provide several meals . So we suggest using your couscous in a couscous salad recipe ! With seasonal vegetables and...
How to put together the perfect meal
For example: grilled chicken with couscous salad; kebabs with tabbouleh; cod with chickpeas and tomatoes; or tuna with black-eyed peas, egg, and olives. This way, the meal stays light but becomes more nutritious and satisfying.
Light sauces make a difference
Sauce can turn a light meal into a heavy one.
Instead of very creamy sauces or too much mayonnaise, opt for olive oil, lemon, vinegar, plain yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, mustard, or spices. Good seasoning brings out the flavor of grilled foods and salads without overpowering the ingredients.
An incredibly easy recipe that will make salads, vegetable patties and meat-based main courses even tastier (it pairs perfectly with chicken) and fish . It’s simple to make, and in just five minutes you’ll have a fresh, flavorful dressing . The...
Mayonnaise , that famous sauce we love to serve with deviled eggs or crispy fries ... We’re offering a delicious, lighter alternative made with hard-boiled eggs and Greek yogurt . It’s perfect for anyone who prefers to avoid raw eggs and, at the...
When temperatures rise, preparing a homemade mayonnaise with raw egg is no longer a safe option. But that doesn't mean giving up on a creamy , fresh and tasty sauce . This avocado mayonnaise with boiled egg is an easy, healthy and risk-free...
Quick questions about grilled foods and salads
Yes, as long as it contains protein, fiber, and enough ingredients to keep you full.
Are grilled foods always healthier?
It depends. They’re a good option when prepared with little fat and served with vegetables, but the overall balance of the meal is still important.
What should you add to avoid feeling hungry?
Chicken, tuna, eggs, cod, cheese, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, lentils, potatoes, quinoa, or couscous help make the meal more complete.
Mirella Mendonça
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