Having company?  This is a very fast simple recipe for a healthy appetizer.

Healthy Green Bean Salad Recipe with a festive feel.  Can be made in advance.

Very Easy salad made with black beans, avocado, jalapeno and sweet red pepper. I sometimes add a cup of cherry tomatoes cut in half.

A Chef Nick Stellino Recipe

There is no right way to make red rice-- Bacon or sausage, celery or green pepper, dry or moist, more or less tomato.  Everyone has their favorite method, this is mine.

Garbanzo Bean Stew Serve as a side dish or main dish served over couscous.

Middle Eastern Favorite.

Try Chickpea Tabbouleh for a change of pace from regular Tabbouleh.  Good salad to take to a picnic.

Shown with Savory Chickpea Pancakes

Nice Pea Salad with enough veggies for a little crunch.

A friend of ours owned a Greek Restaurant that we visited quite often. I loved her green beans.  This is a copy-kat version as she does not give out recipes.  Selfish girl! For lent we had this served over rice as dinner.

**lenten version - do not sautee onions and garlic - just add to the geens and tomatoes.

Classic favorite.  Campbells created this recipe in 1955 and it is still an all time favorite.

A little twist on the traditional version of hummus.  The green onion and cayenne pepper give it a little heat, the lemon gives it a little tang.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Source: Registered dietitian Jodie Shield

"No need to pass on fabulous dips to maintain your diet," said Shield. "Thanks to the protein and fiber in chickpeas, hummus is light, yet heart-healthy enough to satisfy hungry sports fans. Try this easy recipe for happy game day guests."

Middle Eastern Pilaf. Great for holiday entertaining.

Hearty meatless paella. The lentils more than make up for the lack of chicken or seafood that is usually in a traditional paella.

The lentils along with the bulgar wheat make this a very filling salad.  The lentils are full of protein. I make this recipe for a vegetarian dinner and serve it with a nice crusty bread and some fruit.

Lebanese family recipe.

For vegan or lenten version omit eggs.

Total recipe time: 25 minutes

For a vegetarian or lenten version of Spinach and Lentil Soup omit the ham and use vegetable broth in place of chicken bouillon.

This vegetarian dish has a wonderful blend of spices and tangy-sweet flavors.

A yummy salsa that can also be a great side dish for a picnic.  Extend it even further by serving over shredded iceberg lettuce.

Recipe Source: Chef Tracy O'Grady, from Willow Restaurant in Arlington, Va.