Meatless Monday: Summer Fruity Quinoa

Hello my blissies! We completed the first week of the SGS Cleanse!! I’m so happy I made it this far. It seemed like the longest week of my life LOL!! I realize how much better I feel without the gluten and the sugar. I don’t think soy is that big of a deal, but I would really like to keep fake soy meats out of my life except in special social situations or occasions. Sugar I want to be off for good though!

You are either on or off sugar. It’s more addictive than heroin. I realize now that I can’t just have a little. One cookie turns into 2 and having something filled with sugar more than once a day. Have you ever done a sugar cleanse? It takes at least a week or two to feel the good effects of being off the stuff, then your body stops craving it physically. It’s our mind and emotions that crave it. We know the wonderful feeling we receive from it and that’s what we crave. Also, social situations can be difficult when you want to participate in sharing treats, but I think I will just deal.

SO bye-bye sugar. I don’t need you in my life anyway. Your highs are not worth your lows. I will continue to have small amounts of natural sweeteners like maple, brown rice syrup, coconut palm, and dates after the cleanse is over. But no more cane sugar, turbinado, sucanat, brown sugar or the like. Those are all the same and addictive. Fruit of course is the best sweetener there is and I think after this cleanse I will be able to appreciate a piece of fruit for a dessert 🙂 This leads me to this Meatless Monday recipe!

I made this beautiful quinoa dish for a potluck last night. It started at 5, so at 4pm I pulled myself away from the computer to see what the fridge held. I’m mostly that kind of cook, I literally just open the fridge and make something magical out of what is available. I had a mango on its way out and blueberries still from that sale at Whole Foods. So this Summer Fruity Quinoa was born. Throw in some orange and herbs and you’ve got the perfect potluck dish (or for any meal!).

This makes quite a lot to share, so feel free to cut it in half if you aren’t serving a group.

Summer Fruity Quinoa

2 cups quinoa, washed and drained
2 1/2 cups water
Pinch salt
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 tablespoon yuzu vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Dash cinnamon
Dash cumin
Dash cayenne
1 cup blueberries
1 cup mango chunks
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half or fourths
1 tablespoon mint, chopped
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Salt to taste

Directions:
Combine quinoa water and salt in a saucepan (with lid) and bring to a boil. Lower flame to simmer cover and cook for 25 minutes. Remove lid and place the quinoa in a large bowl. Fluff and spread quinoa out around the edges of the bowl so it cools. In a small bowl whisk together the next six ingredients. Stir in dressing and the rest of the ingredients to quinoa and mix until well combined. Season with salt to taste. Chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving.

I forgot to mention these recipes is oh so perfect for any picnic or BBQ. What what!! Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?