Salads are usually considered a side dish, but they can easily be transformed into a nutritious and filling meal. Check out a few simple steps that’ll help you turn you usual salad into a hearty meal.
Don’t Avoid Carbs
Carbs are one of the best sources of energy and they’re good for heart and brain health. For that reason, don’t avoid adding rice, quinoa, potatoes and other foods that are rich in carbs to your salads.
Add Protein
Obviously, protein-rich foods are the most important part of every meal because they’ll give you energy and keep you full longer. Meat and eggs are the most popular sources of protein, but if you’re following a plant-based diet you can add lentils, tofu, beans, and more.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli and kale should be the base of every nutritious salad, because they will provide you with enough nutrients, which is particularly important for people who are eating a plant-based diet.
Toppings
Last but not least, add more flavor and texture to your salads by choosing the perfect toppings. Nuts will provide you with extra protein and they give a salad a crunchy texture. On the other hand, fruits like lemon, lime or pomegranate seeds will boost your vitamin intake.
