These protein-packed salads are hearty, flavorful, and very Pinoy-approved — walang lasang diet food dito, promise! 😄
When we say salad, parang automatic na iniisip natin pang-diet, pang-isang linggong “new year, new me” phase lang. But honestly? Salads can be real meals, especially when they’re packed with protein and familiar flavors we actually love.
These salads are for:
- Moms na gusto magbawas-bawas pero ayaw magutom
- Office workers na ayaw antukin after lunch
- Anyone na gusto kumain ng mas “maayos” without feeling deprived
At oo — busog ka pa rin.
Why Protein-Packed Salads Work So Well
Adding protein makes salads:
- More filling (walang hanap-kanin after)
- Balanced and satisfying
- Easier to stick to long-term
- Great for high-RPM content (health + food + grocery keywords 👀)
Now let’s talk about salads that Filipinos actually enjoy eating.
1. Chicken Caesar Salad
A classic that never fails.
Why it works:
- Grilled or pan-fried chicken = ulam feels
- Creamy dressing makes it indulgent
- Can stand alone as lunch or dinner
Mom tip:
Leftover roast chicken? Shred it and you’re done.
Check out my Chicken Caesar Salad recipe here
2. Tuna Corn Salad (Quick & Budget-Friendly)
Canned tuna is a busy-mom lifesaver.
Why we love it:
- Affordable and high in protein
- Creamy, savory, with a bit of sweetness
- Perfect for WFH lunches or light dinners
This is one of those salads na madaling ulit-ulitin.
3. Mango Kani Salad (Sweet-Savory Favorite)
This one doesn’t even feel like “healthy food” 🥭🦀
Why it’s always a hit:
- Kani gives enough protein without being heavy
- Mango adds freshness and sweetness
- Creamy dressing ties everything together
Perfect pang-introduce ng salad sa mga ayaw ng salad.
4. Shrimp Salad with Honey Mustard or Sesame Dressing
Shrimp instantly makes salads feel special.
Why this doesn’t feel diet-y:
- Naturally sweet and flavorful shrimp
- High protein but light on the stomach
- Restaurant vibes kahit homemade
Great for dinner nights when you want something light pero sosyal.
5. Egg & Chicken Potato Salad (Ultra Filling!)
If you want a salad that can replace rice, this is it.
Why it satisfies:
- Eggs + chicken = solid protein combo
- Potatoes add that comforting, filling element
- Perfect for baon or meal prep
This is salad-as-ulam, period.
6. Asian Tofu Salad (Plant-Based but Hearty)
Yes, tofu can be satisfying too.
Why Filipinos enjoy this:
- Tofu is familiar and affordable
- Absorbs flavor beautifully
- Best with sesame–soy–calamansi dressing
Great option for meatless days without feeling kulang.
7. Chicken Macaroni Salad (Savory, Not Sweet!)
This one feels nostalgic but still works for everyday meals.
Why it belongs here:
- Chicken + pasta = filling and comforting
- Creamy, savory, and very handaan vibes
- Easy to portion for lunches
This is proof that salads don’t have to be leafy to be healthy-ish.
8. Bangus Inasal Salad (Very Pinoy!)
A total game-changer.
Why this works so well:
- Smoky, grilled bangus flakes = ulam feels
- Paired with greens and calamansi dressing
- Familiar flavors, lighter format
Perfect for moms transitioning to healthier meals.
Why These Salads Don’t Feel Like Diet Food
✔ Familiar Pinoy flavors
✔ Creamy, savory, or sweet-salty dressings
✔ Real protein sources
✔ Busog factor is real
Healthy eating doesn’t have to feel like punishment. It just needs to be masarap and realistic.
Hindi kailangan biglaan ang pagbabago.
Even swapping one ulam meal with a protein-packed salad a few times a week already helps—lalo na kung masarap naman.
Kung kakain din lang tayo, dun na sa enjoyable at nakakabusog 😉
