5 Delicious Salads That Won’t Increase Your Waistline

Okay. Salads and delicious don’t really go together. Or that’s what you seem to think. We bring to you today some tried and tasted salads that can be eaten as a meal or a snack. These recipes also work great for those girly brunches where everyone’s watching their weight but still wants something lip-smacking!

Of course we’ve also added a desi tadka to these recipes to make sure your cravings are satisfied. We’ve made sure there we include both veggie and meat salads here, so make your pick:

Pasta Avocado Salad

For those of you wondering, yes pasta is a legit salad ingredient.
You’ll need:
Whole-wheat pasta
1 Ripe Avocado
I Red bell pepper
Cream (optional)
Salt
Pepper
Method:
Cook the whole wheat pasta as per instructions. Cut your avocado into cubes and mix in salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 teaspoons of cream if you choose to, and add cubed red bell pepper to this mix.
Add in the pasta and set it in the refrigerator for around an hour.
Serve with whole wheat crackers.
Good for :
Avocado is rich in vitamins and good fatty acids; it is higher than bananas in potassium. Red bell peppers are great for glowing skin.

Aubergine, Zucchini and Cheese Salad

This healthy combo is so delicious, it is even used as a pizza topping.

You’ll need:

Aubergine/Eggplant – 1 cut into thick slices
Zucchini – 2 nos. cut into slices
Cumin seeds
Garlic – crushed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Mint leaves
Any crumbly cheese
Pine nuts

Method:

Brush the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle garlic and cumin seeds. Grill in a barbeque till they are just about done and soft.
Transfer it to a bowl and add salt and pepper and the pine nuts. Crumble the cheese into the mixture and garnish with mint leaves.
Serve with any variety of toasted bread.

Classic Egg Salad

If you love eggs, this is for you!

You’ll need

4 eggs – boiled and quartered
Celery – 2 bunches
Tofu (cut into pieces)
Chilli flakes
Fresh lime juice (2 tsp)
Salt

Method:

Toss the tofu in a skillet for a few minutes till it is just about golden on the sides. Add celery and the eggs to a salad bowl and add chilli flakes.
Add the tofu to this and sprinkle salt and add the lime juice.

Delicious Chicken Salad

Works great if you have bits of leftover chicken curry that you need to use.

You’ll need:

Lean Chicken bits (cooked, curried or boiled. Just chop into bite sized pieces)
Pineapple bits
Walnuts (smashes into little bits)
Shredded cheese (parmesan or cheddar)
Salt
Pepper
Cream (optional)
Lettuce (2 hearts)

Method:

Mix the chicken bits and the pineapple chunks along with the cream. Add some salt and generously sprinkle the pepper.
Arrange the lettuce leaves in a bowl and add the creamy chicken mixture to this. Put in a handful of nuts and top with cheese.
Tastes best when served chilled.

Good for:

Lean meat is a great source of protein and lets you build up on muscle.

Sprouts And Apple Winter Salad

What you’ll need –

1 carrot
1 celery stalk
1 red-skinned dessert apple
1 cup mung bean sprouts
3⁄4 cup alfalfa sprouts
1⁄2 cup sunflower kernels
For dressing –
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
1⁄2 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
pepper to taste

Method:

Chop the carrots, apple and celery into smaller bits and combine with the sprouts.
Whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing and dizzle over the salad.
The ginger in the dressing adds a pop of spice !

Good for :

Ginger is an excellent aid to lose weight.