Q&A with Tricia Dillon

Q&A with Tricia Dillon, author of “Forget The Salad” Cookbook Tricia Dillon’s newly released cookbook “Forget the Salad: An Introduction to Plant-based Cooking” is here to show us that eating vegan isn’t boring or bland. This book will show you how to easily create veganized versions of your childhood classic dishes, and surprise you with new and reimagined ones. Practicing her plant-based diet for over 12 years, Tricia has created easy-to-follow and appealing to the-taste-buds meals. Holding this velvet to the touch colorful binder with artwork done by Seng T evokes nostalgic feelings of cooking for the first time with “Fun to Cook Book.” With recipes like our favorite “Broccoli Casserole” & “Oven Bake Zucchini Fingers” there truly is no need for the salad. Get ready, roll up your sleeves, set the oven to create your best vegan comfort foods. We had the pleasure of catching up with Tricia in 2021. Here’s what she had to say.

Tricia, Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us. Where did you get the inspiration to create this amazing cookbook with the clever name “Forget The Salad?” Any chance you will make a second cookbook?

My inspiration for the cookbook came from multiple times of making a dish and wanting to make it again weeks later. I was like "Hey, maybe I should start writing this stuff down." And then I decided I really wanted to share these recipes with people who are also just starting out, so maybe they could have more options for transitioning to a plant based diet.
A second cookbook is already in the works!

 What did 2020 teach you, and what are you looking forward to in 2021?

2020 taught me the importance of staying connected not only with loved ones and friends but also with ourselves. The extra time spent in quarantine provided time to reevaluate certain practices and cultivate new ones. All in all, I learned a lot about myself. In 2021, I look forward to reconnecting with friends and family. I am also looking forward to the seeing the positive changes this pandemic has initiated. I am hoping there will be more compassion and understanding.

Do you have a favorite vegan cookbook that inspired you?

Actually, I do not. When I first became plant-based 12 years ago, there were not many options in the way of cookbook choices. Thankfully, that has changed and there are so many amazing choices for every palate.

Why is veganism important to you?

Veganism is important to me because of the treatment of the animals and the environmental impact. Secondly would be the over all health benefits-mind, body & soul.

In your opinion what do you foresee in 2021, do you think we will see a shift in people willing to switch to a plant-based lifestyle?

I do. I think it’s slowly been happening for a while. People are paying more attention and waking up to the fact that a plant-based lifestyle is better for our bodies, the environment, spiritually and of course for the animals.

What predominantly brought you to a vegan lifestyle?

I was horrified when I began learning about where meat and dairy come from and how the animals are treated.  As a perpetual lover of all living beings, I couldn’t justify being a part of something so horrific.

What is your favorite recipe in your cookbook?

Definitely the noodles in peanut sauce with broccoli.

What movie would you recommend to someone to hopefully encourage them to make a connection with veganism?

While there are many classics, I will have to go with the Game Changers. I feel the focus of health and protein for athletes seems to be a main issue for people to switch over to a plant-based diet. I think this movie does a great job of providing scientific evidence of why meat isn’t necessary to get sufficient protein. Plus it’s just a really good movie-lol!

How can vegans be better in this movement?

I think presentation is key. Vegans in general seem to have a bad reputation for pushing ideas on others. And while I appreciate that sort of passion for such a worthy movement, I think as a whole, we could do better with presenting information while still capturing our passion.

What advice can you give people who want to follow their passion?

Following your passion is so important. It’s a journey, not just a destination. We can learn so much by being present as we pursue the things that matter most to us.

Where can we buy your cookbook “Forget The Salad?”


Amazon.com

Thank you Tricia!