I love me some real simple quinoa salad. It’s the perfect quick, yummy and nutritious weekday meal.

I’m lazy and so I need meals that are complete and packed with protein. Adopting mostly a plant-based lifestyle this isn’t always so easy and so I’m always on the look out for quick, delicious and complete meals. I’ve curated the best real simple quinoa salad recipes that are both vegan and are complete meals with protein.

See my roundup below for the the best real simple quinoa salad recipes.

All of the recipes are vegan but I have also indicated whether they are:

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free

Real Simple Quinoa Salad with chickpeas and…

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Tomato

By HappyGut

Ingredients: 11

Main items:

chickpeas,

tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: Full disclaimer, this is my recipe. 🙂 If you like zesty loaded with garlic and lemon, you will like this one! It’s one of my go-to staple weekday meals.

Get recipe here.

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Cauliflower

By My Darling Lemon Thyme

Ingredients: 12

Main items:

chickpeas, cauliflower, almonds, jalapeno, lime

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: the combination of almonds, jalapeno and lime sounds so delectable!

Get recipe here.

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Zucchini

By A Cedar Spoon

Ingredients: 10

Main items:

chickpeas,

zucchini, onion, parsley

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: with turmeric, cumin, zucchini and chickpeas, this sounds like the perfect weekday hearty meal.

Get recipe here.

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Edamame

By The Girl Who Ate Everything

Ingredients: 13

Main items:

chickpeas, edamame, corn, cranberry, bell pepper, almonds

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: An incredibly hearty and protein packed salad with beans and cranberries, a fabulous combination.

Get recipe here.

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Real Simple Quinoa Salad with black beans and…

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Kale & Sweet Potato

By Cookie and Kate

Ingredients: 14

Main items:

black beans, sweet potato, avocado, jalapeno, pumpkin seeds

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: This nut free version of this southwestern style quinoa salad sounds so appetizing.

Get recipe here.

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Kale & Red Onion

By The Glowing Fridge

Ingredients: 13

Main items:

black bean, kale, red onion, corn, cilantro, lime, hot sauce

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free (*has maple syrup)

Why this makes the cut: no quinoa salad round-up would be complete without a spicy version. 😛 Plus, it has kale!

Get recipe here.

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Sweet Potato & Cashew

By Simply Quinoa

Ingredients: 16

Main items:

black beans, sweet potato, avocado, cashews, cilantro

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: Sweet potatoes with chilli powder and avocado cashew dressing? Yes please!!!

Get recipe here.

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Orange & Bell Pepper

By Damn Delicious

Ingredients: 13

Main items:

black beans, orange, bell pepper, jalapeno, corn, onion

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

Why this makes the cut: another zesty recipe with orange, orange juice and apple cider vinegar.

Get recipe here.

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Real Simple Quinoa Salad with…

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White Bean

By Kelley & Cricket

Ingredients: 11

Main items:

white bean, tomato, red pepper, onion, basil

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: I’m always looking for ways to use white beans – this one looks delicious!

Get recipe here.

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Kidney Beans

By Renee Clerkin

Ingredients: 12

Main items:

kidney beans, carrot, celery, corn, bell pepper

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: A hearty quinoa salad packed with so many veggies!

Get recipe here.

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Three Bean

By Domesticate Me

Ingredients: 12

Main items:

chickpeas, black beans, edamame, red onions, lemon, garlic

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free

Why this makes the cut: An ultra simple and protein packed salad.

Get recipe here.

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Tofu

By Craving Something Healthy

Ingredients: 20

Main items:

tofu, edamame, cabbage, carrots, tahini

✓ Gluten free

✓ Soy free

✓ Nut free

✓ Sugar free (*has maple syrup)

Why this makes the cut: A delicious sweet and spicy tofu quinoa salad recipe.

Get recipe here.

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