Grilled dishes and salads: how to prepare a light meal without going hungry
that don't leave us feeling heavy. But eating light is one thing, and preparing a dish so meager that we're hungry again two hours later is quite another.
A salad can be a great meal, just like a chicken and vegetable dish or cold legumes. The difference usually lies in how we combine the ingredients. Vegetables add volume, flavor, and variety; eggs, fish, meat, cheese, or legumes can provide protein; and foods like potatoes, rice, couscous, quinoa, or the legumes themselves help give the dish more substance.
When a salad falls short as a main course
We can add egg, chicken, tuna, cod, cheese, octopus, or legumes, and complete the dish with ingredients like potato, rice, couscous, or quinoa. This isn't because there's a mandatory combination, but because it transforms a simple side salad into a more varied and substantial meal.
diversity and balance, with a regular presence of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and different sources of protein.
Chicken and vegetables for a simple meal solution
Chicken combines especially well with vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, onions or eggplant and allows you to prepare quick dishes both on the grill and in a pan, oven or air fryer.
Salads that can solve a meal dilemma
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And other salads that work better as a side dish
Greek salad, tabbouleh or couscous salad can perfectly accompany fish, chicken skewers or grilled vegetables.
A simple way of thinking about the dish
Are there vegetables or greens?
Is there a source of protein?
Do I need to add something to give it more consistency, like legumes, potatoes, or cereals?
The seasoning matters
Olive oil, vinegar, lemon, mustard, yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, or spices can completely transform a simple salad.
Rather than seeking a sauce that is necessarily "light," it's best to use the amount you need and choose a dressing that complements the ingredients without overpowering them. A yogurt with herbs pairs very well with chicken and vegetables; a simple vinaigrette with legumes; and a good olive oil with tomatoes or roasted vegetables.
Quick questions about complete salads
Can a salad be a complete meal?
Does eating light mean avoiding carbohydrates?
What can I add to a salad to make it more substantial?
Do we need to include protein in all salads?
