Quinoa Fruit Salad (GF)

How often do you think about the impact you have on the environment? It should cross your mind everyday.. However, we can be guilty of forgetting, or pushing the thought aside, or lacking awareness, or experiencing  denial. Whatever our “excuse” is, we should be mindful of our actions and the consequences they have. As our population and resource demands continue to rise we put more and more strain on our planet and test its limits. We can’t honestly think that our planet can provide enough resources for all of the living organisms it inhabits. I chose a vegan lifestyle for a better planet.  By raising awareness of animal rights, social responsibility, and sustainability I hope to decrease my ecological footprint and return to simple and “green” living. There is historical evidence that civilizations can crumble when pressures from population and consumption overwhelm resource availability. Look at what happened to many great civilizations, such as the Greek and Roman Empires after they depleted their resources and damaged their environment.. They no longer exists. If we don’t make better choices our planet and all its living things could be next. What will you do to reduce your impact?

Here are some basic ideas: go vegan, recycle, take public transportation, do not contribute to global consumerism (buy local), look for fair trade and organic symbols, do not give in to materialism (you do not need the newest and latest “thing”), solar energy, do not use pesticides, buy natural beauty/toiletry products (they do not do animal testing and are safer for the environment), grow your own fruit & veggies…

*In case you’re wondering! White and red quinoa are nutritionally the same. The only real difference is colour and to some, texture. Although I didn’t really notice a difference! 

*Tip: As you can see this makes a giant bowl of quinoa. It lasted me 4-5 days (just me eating it). Feel free to halve the recipe!

Ingredients 

• 2 c water
• 1 c red quinoa
• 1/4 c slivered almonds
• 3 tbsp raisins
• 3 tbsp pecans
• 1 can of mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 c strawberries, chopped (feel free to add more)
• 1 c blackberries (feel free to add more)

Sauce

• 1/4 c cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours
• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or another natural liquid sweetener)
• 1 tbsp almond milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

1. In a large pot, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes or until all of the water is absorbed by the quinoa
2. Allow the quinoa to cool
3. In a food processor or blender combine all of the ingredients for the sauce. Puree until chunks disappear
4. Once the quinoa has cooled, stir the sauce
5. Stir in the fruit and nuts
6. Eat cold and hot

Enjoy!