The axiom, “you are what you eat”, may be true, but another truism I’ve discovered is that you are influenced by what (and how) your friend’s eat. Lately, since mine are heading into the mid/late 30s, healthy eating has become our focus. Several friends are also now certified Zumba instructors which means instead of lunch, we work out together at least once a week.

And several others, like me for 2014, are veggie conscious. This crunchy quinoa salad with ginger dressing was popular at our last ladies’ night in.

The Lime Chili cashews raised the Thai inspired flavors another notch. I’ve made it twice already, once with tuna, and once with chickpeas in place of edamame. Surely there will be many more variations to come! Let me know if you try it and how you add your own special touch.