We’ve all been there: it’s 3pm in the office, and you’re predictably hangry. Somehow you happen to find yourself in front of the pastry box/vending machine/free candy…and before you can say “salad spinner” you have inhaled all of the things and are riding the satisfaction high, on your way to a hard sugar crash.
How can this be avoided? What magical elixir exists to get you through such times? (Hint: it’s Five Hour Energy).
P.R.O.T.E.I.N.
It’s what adults add to salads (… and bowls). It’s what transforms a salad from a sad side dish into a nutritional powerhouse. By adding satisfying and filling protein to your lunchtime salads, you will tackle your afternoon #likeaboss.
And while chicken has always been salad’s favorite child, there are a smorgasbord of other delicious proteins you can rock the afternoon with. Whether you’re paleo or plant-based, there are types of protein for all ways of eating; mix and match sources until you hit your hangry-no-more amount. Here are a few of my favorites:
Quinoa
Pronounced “keen-wa.” Quinoa, a gluten-free seed known for it’s high protein content in relation to other grains, can add some serious substance to your salad. And you don’t have to be a hippy or a hipster to eat it.
Fish
Ok. I admit it. At first glance, fish and salad together sounds kinda gross. But I promise it can be more refined than you think. Gourmet even. Think perfectly seared salmon on a bed of spinach. The omega-3s are an added bonus. Try these easy salmon poke bowls.
Eggs
No, I’m not advocating for egg salad here. It’s eggs on salad. There’s a difference. Don’t underestimate the power of the humble, hard-boiled egg. Historically, they might not be the most glamourous protein source (scary salad bars may come to mind) but it’s time to get over it and just #putaneggonit.
Cheese!
If you can tolerate it and it’s well-sourced, cheese adds a layer of creamy tang that can really tie a salad together. Cheese is not just a topping, it’s a protein all into itself. It is guaranteed to make your salad experience a gouda time. (sorry, I couldn’t resist).
Tempeh
Pronounced “Tem-Pay.” Tempeh who? Tempeh, a cake-like product made from fermented soybeans, sounds downright scary and can taste pretty blah. But it can become delicious if seasoned well and cooked until crispy on the outside (crispiness is a requirement in our book). Try it and you won’t care that you can’t pronounce it.
Here are a few more to round out our all-star list of salad proteins:
Pro-Tip: to keep things simple, I like to batch-cook a couple of types of protein over the weekend and use them throughout the week.
MEAT AND FISH
Chicken breast
Shredded chicken
Ground turkey
Ground beef
Steak
Pork loin or tenderloin
Canned tuna
Canned salmon
Shrimp
Fresh salmon
Fresh tuna
EGGS AND DAIRY
Hardboiled eggs
Cheese
PLANT-BASED PROTEIN
Lentils
Beans
Quinoa
Tofu
Tempeh
Edamame
Nuts
Seeds
Looking For More Tips?
Where to Buy Healthy Ingredients
The Loveleaf Co. Guide to Salad Greens
Fully Stocked: How to Create a Capsule Pantry
How to #Own Your Grocery Budget
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