Canned Mixed Bean Salad Recipe

Canned Mixed Bean Salad Recipe

This canned mixed bean salad recipe is courtesy of my super duper Mama-in-law. 🙂  

Even though it’s April, it seems that Winter has just arrived in Toronto – we had the biggest snowstorm this past week!

Lucky for me, I had the good fortune to spend this past week on a Caribbean cruise with my Mama. Friends, it was absolutely amazing. I’d never been on a cruise before and now I know why people are cruisers for life. It’s basically a 5-star resort on a ship, in the middle of the ocean. I was a bit worried about the food situation (being gluten-free and vegan isn’t always very easy) but I had no reason to fear! The food was incredible and they were very accommodating to gluten-free and vegan diets! We cruised with Holland American who have impeccable service.

Anywho, I arrived 2 days ago and was not ready for a Toronto winter in April! To keep up with my Caribbean spirits, I have decided to share a summer canned mixed bean salad recipe. This salad is incredibly satisfying with it’s sweet and spicy flavours. It’s basically a flavour party in your mouth. Plus, it’s perfect for the summer! Bring some Caribbean in your life. 😛 Enjoy! 

Canned Mixed Bean Salad Recipe
Canned Mixed Bean Salad Recipe | happygut.ca
Canned Mixed Bean Salad Recipe
This canned mixed bean salad recipe is the perfect spring and summer salad. Not only is it super delicious but it is incredibly quick and easy to make!
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Ingredients
  1. 1 can of bean medley, rinsed & drained
  2. 1 tomato, chopped
  3. 1 mango, chopped
  4. 1/2 red pepper, chopped
  5. 1 avocado
  6. 1/2 red onion, chopped
  7. 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander
  8. 1-2 Tbsp lemon juice
  9. 1/2-1 Tbsp hot chilli sauce
  10. 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  11. salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Mix all the the ingredients & refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
HappyGut http://www.happygut.ca/
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Vegan Saag Paneer (Rapini & Spinach with Tofu)

Vegan Saag Paneer

My Mama’s Pakistani saag recipe made with rapini and spinach is the best! I have adapted it to make it a complete protein packed vegan meal, by adding tofu. Hence, my vegan saag paneer ðŸ™‚

The thing is, I have been exposed to many different type of saag dishes (disclaimer: I could live off my Mama’s Pakistani saag dish for a very long time). I especially love saag that is made with rapini and spinach. Unfortunately Pakistani saag is often drenched in ghee, or clarified butter. This isn’t necessarily bad as ghee can have many health benefits, one of them being easier on your digestive track than other types of dairy. Nevertheless, it’s still dairy so if you can’t have dairy then you can’t have ghee. Never to fear though, happygutters (well, that sounds kind of strange :S), saag has just become vegan with tofu and olive oil instead of ghee. I like to call this one the “Vegan Saag Paneer” 🙂 Enjoy!

Vegan Saag Paneer
Vegan Saag Paneer | happygut.ca
Vegan Saag Paneer
Serves 2
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Ingredients
  1. 1 block firm or extra firm tofu
  2. 2 bunches of rapini, chopped (frozen will do)
  3. 1 bunch of spinach, chopped (frozen will do)
  4. 1.5 tsp turmeric
  5. 1 tsp salt
  6. 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
  7. 1-2 green chilli (cut in half if you like spice)
  8. 1.5 tsp minced ginger
  9. 1.5 tsp minced garlic
  10. 1.5 cups water
Tarka Ingredients
  1. 1.5 tsp minced ginger
  2. 1.5 tsp minced garlic
  3. 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
Instructions
  1. Drain tofu - I usually put it between two plates and put something heavy on it for about 20 minutes, then I drain the liquid.
  2. Place ALL saag ingredients into a saucepan, stir and bring to boil.
  3. Lower to low-medium and allow to cook for about 40 minutes (or about 25 minutes if you have a pressure cooker).
  4. Check and stir it every 5-10 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn or dry out (add more water if this is the case, but don't add too much - you don't want it to be watery). You can to cook it until it is really soft and until the water has evaporated.
  5. Remove from heat and, if you like, use your hand blender or food processor to blend it (this makes really smooth, like saag you would get at a restaurant).
  6. While the saag is cooking, make the tarka. Place your olive oil or vegan butter in a frying pan over medium heat and add the ginger and garlic just until they start to brown. Add the tarka to the saag when it is cooked and mix well.
  7. Cut tofu into thirds lengthwise and eighths crosswise.
  8. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  9. Add tofu.
  10. Cook tofu, stirring gently every 2 to 3 minutes, until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes.
  11. Add the tofu with the saag
  12. Adjust spices to taste.
Notes
  1. Tarka refers to the final seasoning of an Indian/Pakistani Punjabi dish.
  2. This dish also freezes really well. If you do plan on freezing it, don't add the tofu to the saag. Rather, eat the tofu on the side as the tofu doesn't freeze as good.
HappyGut http://www.happygut.ca/

Enjoy with rice or the following, if you like :

buckwheat flour chapati
chickpea flour wrap
paleo coconut flour naan

 

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Tofu Scramble Recipe Nutritional Yeast

Tofu Scramble Recipe Nutritional Yeast

I love tofu scramble. I’ve tried many variations of tofu scramble over the years but this tofu scramble recipe with nutritional yeast is absolutely amazing! Nutritional yeast is so versatile and is a vegan’s best friend. 🙂 It’s a terrific veggie/vegan dietary supplement and has a nutty (some even say cheesy) flavour. It’s also rich in vitamin B-12 and packed with protein –1 heaping tbsp has about 8 grams! Aside from it’s nutritional benefits and awesome taste, nutritional yeast is also a wonderful yellow colour! I like my tofu scramble to look like scrambled eggs (this way I get to trick the meat-eaters :P) and so the addition of nutritional yeast is perfect! This recipe came out so wonderfully delicious and satisfying – try it for yourself and see. 😉 I had it with some hummus and avocado. 

Tofu Scramble Recipe Nutritional Yeast
Tofu Scramble Recipe Nutritional Yeast | happygut.ca

 

Tofu Scramble Recipe Nutritional Yeast
Tofu Scramble Recipe Nutritional Yeast | happygut.ca
Tofu Scramble Recipe Nutritional Yeast
Serves 2
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Ingredients
  1. 1 block tofu
  2. 1 tbsp olive oil
  3. 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  4. 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
  5. 2 green onions, chopped
  6. 1/4 cup salsa/chopped tomatoes
  7. 4 handfuls of spinach
  8. 2 tbsp pesto, optional
  9. 1-2 tsp chilli flakes
  10. salt & pepper to taste
  11. freshly chopped cilantro for garnish, optional
Instructions
  1. Drain tofu (I usually do this by placing it between 2 plates, putting something heavy on top, and letting it sit for about 10-20 minutes and then draining the excess water).
  2. Crumble up the tofu with your hands and set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  4. When hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  5. Next, add the crumbled tofu along with the onions, salsa/tomatoes, nutritional yeast, spinach and pesto, if using. Mix well.
  6. Add all the remaining spices and let cook for abut 5 minutes.
  7. Adjust spices to taste.
  8. If you like, garnish with some chopped cilantro and hummus and avocado.
HappyGut http://www.happygut.ca/
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Vegan Chicken Strips Recipe

Vegan Chicken Strips Recipe

This is how this vegan chicken strips recipe came about: It was a lazy Sunday morning. We hadn’t had breakfast yet and my brah (i.e. my partner) asked if we wanted to go to Hogtown Vegan in for some waffles and eggs (oh the pearls of living in Toronto! We can literally go to a restaurant 5 mins away and get “chicken” and waffles, I love this city!). Then I had a brilliant idea! I thought, “We have a waffle maker. We have tofu. We have (gluten-free) breadcrumbs. Omigod, I can make my own chicken and waffles!” 

 

Needless to say, the vegan chicken strips recipe was born. 🙂 

Vegan Chicken Strips Recipe
Vegan Chicken Strips Recipe | happygut.ca

 

 

Vegan Chicken Strips Recipe
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Ingredients
  1. 1 block extra firm tofu (I use organic sprouted tofu)
  2. 1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free, if you are gluten-free)
  3. 1 tsp dried thyme
  4. 1 tsp basil
  5. 1/2-1 tsp salt (to taste)
  6. 1/4 olive oil
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400.
  2. Drain tofu (I usually do this by placing it between 2 plates, putting something heavy on top, and letting it sit for about 10-20 minutes and then draining the excess water).
  3. Mix the breadcrumbs with all the spices into a bowl and set aside.
  4. Pour the olive oil into a separate bowl and set aside.
  5. Oil a baking sheet and set aside.
  6. Cut the tofu into strips.
  7. Taking one tofu strip at a time, gently dip the strip into the bowl of oil. Make sure it's completely covered in oil.
  8. Once the tofu strip is nicely oiled, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that it is completely coated in the breadcrumbs (the breadier the better! :))
  9. Place the bread covered strip onto the baking sheet.
  10. Do that for all the tofu strips.
  11. Bake at 400 for about 20-30 minutes, flipping over the tofu once in between.
HappyGut http://www.happygut.ca/
 
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Chickpea Pattie Recipe

Chickpea Pattie Recipe

This amazing chickpea pattie recipe comes from my Mama (thanks mama!). The recipe is an adaptation of a traditional Punjabi dish made with potatoes called “Aloo Tikkis” (meaning potato patties). I try not to eat too many potatoes and so I asked my Mom to make it with chickpeas. She did and it was delicious. 🙂 This chickpea pattie recipe is filled with indian spices so get ready for your mouth to explode with spicy amazingness!

Chickpea Pattie Recipe | happygut.ca
Chickpea Pattie Recipe | happygut.ca

Ingredients for Chickpea Pattie Recipe

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (or 2 cans of 15 ounce chickpeas)
  • 2-3 green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp of chat masala, optional
  • 1/4 tsp of chilli powder, optional
  • 1/2 of a fresh green (or red) chilli, optional
  • 1-2 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • salt, to taste (I used about 1/2 tsp)
  • 3 tbsp of ground chia + 1/2 cup water
  • 4 cup greens (baby spinach, kale, etc.), optional

Directions for Chickpea Pattie Recipe

  1. Combine the 3 tbsp of ground chia with the 1/2 cup of water in a bowl and set aside.
  2. Wash & cook the chickpeas until they are super soft (you will have to mash them by hand, so the softer they are the easier it will be for you).
  3. Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain any excess water and set aside.
  4. Grease a baking sheet and preheat oven to 400.
  5. Chop the green onion, fresh cilantro and greens, if using, and set aside.
  6. Now it’s time to use your mom arms, yoga arms or if you are like me, your slightly weakling arms. 🙂 With a potato masher (or fork if you don’t have a masher), mash the chickpeas. You want to mash them just until you can’t see any more whole chickpeas. You still want them to keep their form. You don’t want to use a food processor because they will get too soft and won’t form properly into patties.
  7. Add all of the spices and the chia mixture to the chickpeas and mix with a spoon until everything is nicely combined.
  8. Using a 1/3 measuring cup, scoop up the chickpea mixture and place onto your greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to flatten your patties until they are about 2-3 inches thick.
  9. Bake at 400 for about 30-40 minutes, flipping them mid-way through.
  10. Enjoy them in your salad, in your burger, in a wrap or on their own!
  11. You can pan fry them right before you eat them so that they are nice and crispy.
  12. These freeze really well, so feel free to wrap them up and freeze them once they are cool.

 

 

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Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce (with Video)

Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce

Are you ready for this? Vegan butter chicken sauce? Ahhh my gawdd! It was so so so delicious and so so easy! I will be making this again again! My only regret is that I didn’t make more! I had a number of friends stroll in the day I made this vegan butter chicken sauce and everyone of them loved it (and none of them are even vegan). 🙂

I want to make this again and eat this right now. 🙂

The picture here doesn’t look super saucy but not to worry! I’ve adapted the recipe to double the sauce and that’s what I have shared below.

Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce | happygut.ca
Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce | happygut.ca
Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce | happygut.ca
Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce | happygut.ca

Ingredients for Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce

  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup soaked cashews
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegan butter)
  • 2 tsp freshly ground/grated ginger
  • 2 tsp freshly ground/grated garlic
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 6 black peppercorns
  • 2 inch piece of cinnamon
  • 1 cup tomato puree (from the can)
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 2-3 fresh green chillies, optional
  • salt, to taste
  • fresh coriander to garnish, optional
  • 1 block tofu
  • 1 tsp of sugar, optional (I didn’t add this but “traditional” butter chicken often includes this)

Directions for Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce

  1. Soak the cashews (you can do this for however long you like. I have a high powdered blender so I usually skip the soaking process entirely but if you don’t have a high powdered blender, you can soak the cashews overnight or for a minimum of 30 minutes). Place the soaked cashews in a food processor / blender, add the coconut milk and blend them until they are completely smooth. Set aside.
  2. Drain tofu and prep tofu. I usually do this by placing it between 2 plates, putting something heavy on top, and letting it sit for about 10-20 minutes. If you would like a “meatier” tofu texture, you can then bake the tofu after it’s drained on a greased baking sheet/parchment paper. Bake it for in about 30 minutes on 400 degrees, flipping mid-way through.
  3. Heat the olive oil (or vegan butter) in a large pan over medium heat.
  4. Add the green cardamoms, cloves, peppercorns and cinnamon.
  5. Sauté for a couple of minutes then add the ginger and garlic paste and cook for a couple of more minutes.
  6. Add the tomato puree, red chilli powder, garam masala, salt, and fresh chillies, if using.
  7. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil (you can add more water if you find the mixture sticking to the pan. I did not do this though).
  8. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  9. Add the tofu and simmer for another five minutes or so. Add the coconut milk & cashew mixture.
  10. Adjust spices to taste.
  11. Serve hot with naan or roti. I eat this with my Paleo Coconut Flour Naan or my Buckwheat Flour Chapati.
 
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Paleo Coconut Flour Naan

Paleo Coconut Flour Naan | happygut.ca

This paleo coconut flour naan was such an exciting discovery! I LOVE naan and grew up with amazing Afghani naan courtesy of the countless Afghani shops in our neighbourhood (thank you Toronto!). Since trying to cut down on the grains though, I am always experimenting with grain free versions of my favourite grain-filled stuff. I was surprised of how easy this paleo coconut flour naan turned out!

Paleo Coconut Flour Naan | happygut.ca
Paleo Coconut Flour Naan | happygut.ca

Directions for Paleo Coconut Flour Naan

  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup tapioca starch (also known as tapioca flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp cumin, optional
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder, optional
  • *4 chia eggs (4 tbsp of ground white chia + 1/2 cup water)
  • 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk (Full fat coconut milk from the can works best. Almond milk will also work though you may need to add more water and will have a stronger chia taste, I haven’t tried any other dairy free milks yet.)
  • oil, for frying

*You can use black ground chia as well but it will have a stronger chia-like taste. If you don’t have chia and are not vegan,  you can use regular eggs instead. I haven’t tried it with regular eggs but I assume it will work.

Directions for Paleo Coconut Flour Naan

  1. Combine the ground chia with the 1/2 cup water and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, combine the coconut flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices (if using) and mix well.
  3. Add the dairy free milk and the chia mixture and mix well. The dough/batter should be easily spreadable but not as liquidly as pancake batter. Add some more milk/water if it’s too thick.
  4. Heat a tbsp of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  5. When the pan is hot, use a 1/3 measuring cup and slowly pour the naan batter in the pan.
  6. Use a spoon to spread out and pat the batter in a circular motion making sure to cover any holes in the batter. We want a complete naan. 🙂 Don’t spread it out too thin or else it will be like a crepe / may break. I spread my batter out to be about 1/8 inch thick.
  7. Wait  3-6 minutes before you flip the naan to make sure it cooks completely. Wait another 3-6 minutes for the other side and continue flipping until you get some nice dark brown spots.
  8. Remove from pan, coat with some oil, if desired and serve hot.
  9. Enjoy!

 

 

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Vegan Winter Salads (with protein)

Vegan Winter Salads | Happygut.ca

Sigh, vegan winter salads….the best type of salads! I love salads and eat them all year round. Eating salads is the summer is super easy and refreshing. Having salads in the winter though is not always awesome. My criteria for vegan winter salads: it has be warm and complete with protein (and, of course, delicious and easy).

I was invited to a potluck a couple of weeks ago and decided to bring a salad. In my search for vegan winter salads, I came up with so many delicious options that I decided to bookmark and share with you. 🙂

See below for my roundup for the best vegan winter salads.

All of the salads are complete with protein. The first section of salads calls for lentils, the second section has tofu and the last section has some other type of veggie protein.

I’ve indicated whether the salads are

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free
✓ Nightshade free

A few of the salads call for some dairy but I have provided options to veganize.

Let me know if you try them out, and how you like them. 🙂

Vegan Winter Salads with LENTILS and…

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Yam & Brussel Sprout
Lentil Salad | In Pursuit of More
Lentil Salad | In Pursuit of More

By In Pursuit Of More

Ingredients: 8
Main items:
lentils, yam, brussel sprouts, balsamic vinaigrette

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

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Spinach & Mushroom
Lentil Salad | Tales of a Kitchen
Lentil Salad | Tales of a Kitchen

By Tales of a Kitchen

Ingredients: 15
Main items:
mushrooms, spinach, carrot

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

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Spinach & Quinoa
Lentil Salad | Simply Quinoa
Lentil Salad | Simply Quinoa

By Simply Quinoa

Ingredients: 14
Main items:
fennel, quinoa, spinach, pine nuts

✓ Gluten free
✓ Vegan
✓ Sugar free (*has maple syrup)
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

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Potatoes & Pickles
Lentil Salad | Vegan Insanity
Lentil Salad | Vegan Insanity

By Vegan Insanity

Ingredients: 13
Main items:
potatoes, capers, dill pickle

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free

Get recipe here.

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Salads for a Crowd Winter Salads with LENTILS and…

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Roasted Veggies & Apples
Lentil Salad | Green Evi
Lentil Salad | Green Evi

By Green Evi

Ingredients: 16
Main items:
lentils, beetroot, sweet potato, apple, almond

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Sugar free (*has maple syrup)
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

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Carrot, Leek & Arugula
Lentil Salad | Craving Something Healthy
Lentil Salad | Craving Something Healthy

By Craving Something Healthy

Ingredients: 10
Main items:
carrot, parsnip, leek, arugula

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free (*has honey)
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

Note: Replace honey with maple syrup to make vegan. 

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Squash & Tahini Sauce
Lentil Salad | Coconut & Berries
Lentil Salad | Coconut & Berries

By Coconut & Berries

Ingredients: 15
Main items:
lentils, squash, tahini

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free (*has maple syrup)
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

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Vegan Winter Salads with TOFU and…

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Kale & Indian Spices
Tofu Salad | Happygut
Tofu Salad | Happygut

By HappyGut

Ingredients: 14
Main items:
kale, cilantro, green onion, indian spices

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ *Nut free
✓ Sugar free

Get recipe here.

*Note: Remove nuts if nut free. 

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Brussel Sprouts
Tofu Salad | Vanilla & Spice
Tofu Salad | Vanilla & Spice

By Vanilla & Spice

Ingredients: 13
Main items:
brussel sprouts, sweet potato, pecan

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

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Kale & Sriracha
Tofu Salad | Vegetarian Gastronomy
Tofu Salad | Vegetarian Gastronomy

By Vegetarian Gastronomy

Ingredients: 12
Main items:
kale, carrots, sriracha, vegan mayo

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free (*has maple syrup)

Get recipe here.

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Vegan Winter Salads with TOFU and…

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Kale & Peanut Sauce
Tofu Salad | Get Off Your Tush & Cook
Tofu Salad | Get Off Your Tush & Cook

By Get Off Your Tush & Cook

Ingredients: 15
Main items:
kale, onion, carrots, cucumber, peanut butter, peanuts

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Sugar free (*has agave)

Get recipe here.

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Mushrooms
Tofu Salad | Lady & Pops
Tofu Salad | Lady & Pups

By Lady & Pups

Ingredients: 15
Main items:
mushrooms, greens, miso

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ *Vegan
✓ Nut free
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

*Note: Replace mayo with vegan may to make vegan. 

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Eggplant & Zucchini
Tofu Salad | Greek Vegetarian
Tofu Salad | Greek Vegetarian

By Greek Vegetarian

Ingredients: 10
Main items:
eggplant, zucchini, arugula, pistachio

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ *Vegan
✓ Sugar free

Get recipe here.

*Note: Remove feta to make vegan. 

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Vegan Winter Salads with…

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Kale & Northern Beans
Bean Salad | Fat Free Vegan
Bean Salad | Fat Free Vegan

By Fat Free Vegan

Ingredients: 12
Main items:
kale, bok choy, carrots, cabbage, northern beans

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

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Black Beans & Sweet Potato
Bean Salad | Oh She Glows
Bean Salad | Oh She Glows

By Oh She Glows

Ingredients: 13
Main items:
black bean, sweet potato, onion, cilantro

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Soy free
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free
✓ Nightshade free

Get recipe here.

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Tempeh & Vegetables
Tempeh Salad | Vegan Yack Attack
Tempeh Salad | Vegan Yack Attack

By Vegan Yack Attack

Ingredients: 13
Main items:
tempeh, red onion, baby bella, romain lettuce, cherry tomato

✓ Gluten free
✓ Grain free
✓ Vegan
✓ Nut free
✓ Sugar free

Get recipe here.

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Real Simple Quinoa Salad – 12 Vegan Recipes Packed with Protein

Real Simple Quinoa Salad

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
Quinoa Salad Cilantro, Tomato, Cucumber | HappyGut.ca
Quinoa Salad Cilantro, Tomato, Cucumber | HappyGut.ca

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
Quinoa Salad | My Darling Lemon Thyme
Quinoa Salad | My Darling Lemon Thyme

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
Quinoa Salad | A Cedar Spoon
Quinoa Salad | A Cedar Spoon

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
Quinoa Salad | The Girl Who Ate Everything
Quinoa Salad | The Girl Who Ate Everything

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
Quinoa Salad | Cookie & Kate
Quinoa Salad | Cookie & Kate

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
Quinoa Salad | The Glowing Fridge
Quinoa Salad | The Glowing Fridge

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
Quinoa Salad | Simply Quinoa
Quinoa Salad | Simply Quinoa

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
Quinoa Salad | Damn Delicious
Quinoa Salad | Damn Delicious

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
Quinoa Salad | Kelley & Cricket
Quinoa Salad | Kelley & Cricket

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
Quinoa Salad | Renee Clerkin
Quinoa Salad | Renee Clerkin

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
Quinoa Salad | Domesticate me
Quinoa Salad | Domesticate me

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
Quinoa Salad | Craving Something Healthy
Quinoa Salad | Craving Something Healthy

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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Easy & Delicious Tandoori Tofu

Tandoori Tofu | Happygut.ca

This is by far the best tandoori tofu recipe. I have tried many over the years and this one takes the cake! (or tofu, hehe).

My aunt who is a fabulous cook uses this recipe for chicken, I just replaced the chicken for tofu and it was delicious! Not only that, but it was incredibly easy to make – the perfect quick weekday meal.

Ideally, you will want to prep this the night before.

Ingredients for Tandoori Tofu

  • 1 block extra firm tofu, sliced
  • 1 cup yogurt (use vegan yogurt if you’re vegan)
  • 2 tbsp fresh garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2-2 tsp red chilli powder (I use 2 but I like it spicy!)
  • 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions for Tandoori Tofu

  1. Combine all the ingredients, except the tofu, into a bowl
  2. Add tofu slices to the sauce mixture and ensure that all the tofu is covered with the sauce
  3. Marinade overnight in the fridge (or a couple of hours)
  4. Pre-heat oven to 400 on bake
  5. Oil a baking tray and place tofu onto tray (you will have excess sauce, use it as a dip if you please!)
  6. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for about 40 minutes
  7. Remove the foil paper and broil each side for about 5-10 minutes

Enjoy! 🙂

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