Salad after playing basketball for 3-4 hrs bad or good?

i always heard to eat protein after a workout. but all i did was play basketball which is more cardio cuz we were playing full court and i ran up and down a LOT! didnt lift any weights. i just ate one ceaser salad w/ lil dressing and croutons. not on a diet but i do have a little tummy i just want to have a 6pack or at least some definition of abs. i was thinking maybe a bowl of caeser salad & 1 hot dog? would that b good for recovering from playin bball for 3-4 hrs? and why?