Sri Lankan Coconut-Free Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken and Local Superfoods

This weight-loss-friendly salad is tailored for Sri Lankans, incorporating locally available ingredients and superfoods. It replaces high-calorie dressings with a light, tangy tamarind-based dressing and swaps avocado for nutrient-rich gotukola, a Sri Lankan superfood. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is low in calories, high in protein, and packed with essential nutrients to support weight loss.

Cooking Method:

,

Cooking Time:

Cuisine:

,

Difficulty Level:

Meal Type:

,

Weight loss based ingredients

  • 8 cups chopped spinach (low-calorie, high in iron and fiber)
  • 1 ½ cups grilled chicken breast (lean protein, low-fat)
  • 1 cup gotukola (replaces avocado, rich in antioxidants and low in calories)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (low in calories, high in vitamins)
  • ½ cup boiled chickpeas (replaces corn, high in protein and fiber)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (replaces pine nuts, lower in calories)
  • 1 tablespoon crumbled low-fat paneer (replaces goat cheese, lower in fat)
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind-based dressing (light, tangy, and low-calorie)

Cooking Methods (Instructions) Focused for Weight Loss

1. Grill the chicken breast with minimal oil and season with black pepper, turmeric, and a pinch of salt for flavor without added calories.

2. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, ensuring no added oil is used.

3. In a large salad bowl, layer chopped spinach, gotukola, cherry tomatoes, boiled chickpeas, and grilled chicken. Top with toasted sesame seeds and crumbled low-fat paneer.

4. Prepare the tamarind dressing by mixing tamarind paste, a dash of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of honey for balance. Drizzle lightly over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Weight Loss Tips & Advice

1. Use gotukola instead of avocado to reduce calorie intake while still benefiting from essential nutrients.

2. Opt for grilled or boiled proteins like chicken or fish instead of fried options to cut down on unhealthy fats.

3. Replace high-calorie dressings with light, homemade options like tamarind or lime-based dressings.

4. Include local superfoods like gotukola and sesame seeds, which are easily available in Sri Lanka and offer numerous health benefits.

Conclusion

This recipe is perfect for Sri Lankans looking to lose weight as it incorporates locally available, nutrient-dense ingredients that are low in calories but high in essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. The tamarind-based dressing adds a burst of flavor without the extra calories, making it a satisfying yet healthy meal. Pair this salad with regular exercise and a balanced diet for effective weight loss.

Advice and tips conclude: Focus on portion control, stay hydrated, and include a variety of local superfoods in your diet for sustained weight loss.