How to build a light, filling meal with grilled dishes and salads so you won't feel hungry afterward
Friday 11 September 2026 15:30 - Mirella Mendonça
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
A salad made only of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers may be refreshing, but it doesn't always suffice as a main meal.
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.
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
Grilled foods are convenient because they add flavor without needing heavy sauces.
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.
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.
Salads that really fill you up
To turn a salad into a meal, it needs substance.
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.
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.
Fresh salads to serve with grilled meats
Not every salad has to be a main course. Some work better as a side dish, especially when there’s something grilled as the centerpiece of the plate.
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.
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.
How to put together the perfect meal
Think of your plate as having four parts: a protein, plenty of vegetables, a source of fiber or carbohydrates, and a simple seasoning.
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.
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.
Quick questions about grilled foods and salads
Can a salad replace lunch?
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.
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 MendonçaI am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.











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