Protein-packed salads that will become the main character of your healthy diet plan

Health benefits of Sprouted Moong Bean Salad: Sprouted moong beans (green gram) are rich in protein and fibre. They are easy to digest and a fantastic plant-based protein source (Image: Canva)

Bored with eating your usual cucumber-tomato-onion salad every day? These easy salad recipes will not only make your meal more interesting, they are also a great way to include more protein into you day. Enjoy them alongside your meal, or make a complete meal out of them!

Sprouted Moong Bean Salad

Why it’s protein-packed: Sprouted moong beans (green gram) are rich in protein and fibre. They are easy to digest and a fantastic plant-based protein source.

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix sprouted moong beans, onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chili.
• Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chaat masala.
• Toss well and garnish with fresh coriander.
• Serve chilled for a refreshing, protein-rich salad.

Why it’s protein-packed: Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein. Paired with cucumber and spices, this salad is both filling and healthy.

Instructions:

• Mix boiled chickpeas, cucumber, onion, and tomato in a large bowl.
• Add lemon juice, cumin powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss everything together.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

Why it’s protein-packed: Paneer is a rich source of protein. Combined with fresh veggies, this salad is perfect for a light yet protein-rich meal.

Instructions:

• In a pan, lightly sauté paneer cubes until golden brown.
• In a large bowl, mix the paneer, cucumber, tomato, carrot, mint, and coriander.
• Add roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt.
• Toss everything together and serve.

Rajma Salad

Why it’s protein-packed: Rajma (kidney beans) are not only high in protein but also in fibre, making this salad incredibly filling.

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix boiled rajma, onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chili.
• Add cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Toss well and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Why it’s protein-packed: Quinoa is a complete protein. When combined with chickpeas, this salad becomes a protein powerhouse.

Instructions:

• Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
• In a large bowl, mix the quinoa, chickpeas, onion, cucumber, tomato, and coriander.
• Add cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Toss everything together and serve chilled.

Why it’s protein-packed: Masoor dal (red lentils) is rich in protein and cooks quickly, making it a great base for a healthy salad. This salad is light, nutritious, and full of flavour.

Instructions:

• Boil masoor dal until tender, then drain and let it cool.
• In a large bowl, mix the boiled masoor dal, onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chili.
• Add cumin powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Toss well and garnish with coriander.

Tofu and Spinach Salad

Why it’s protein-packed: Tofu is an excellent plant-based protein source and combines well with spinach, which is rich in iron and vitamins. This salad is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients.

Instructions:

• Lightly sauté tofu cubes until golden brown.
• In a large bowl, mix the tofu, spinach leaves, onion, tomato, and coriander.
• Add cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Toss everything together and serve fresh.

These simple salad recipes are packed with protein and will give your everyday food an interesting twist.