Leafy Greens

Hearty accompaniments would be grilled or broiled bell peppers and portobello mushrooms and a basket of crusty wheat rolls. In the Italian tradition, offer grapes, biscotti and espresso afterward. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A great accompaniment to baked fish or sausage calzones.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Fragrant smoke from the mesquite wood chips makes a fine counterpoint to the sweetness of the lobster in this salad. Finish the meal with lemon ice drizzled with tequila, and pass a plateful of sugar cookies.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Baked egg roll wrappers make a crisp, low-fat base for the roasted mushroom topping.

Cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, and lots of fresh mint accent the salad. Offer chilled beer or a fruity white wine alongside.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Toasted nuts keep well in the freezer. If you make extra and save them, it'll take you just 10 minutes to prepare this salad the next time you make it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Whole-wheat spaghetti can replace the soba noodles used here.

Pour a chilled dry Gewürztraminer to accompany the salad and offer crusty bread throughout dinner.

Clearly this is an Italian soup. Biete is Swiss chard, usually green, although I have a fondness for the drama and beefy taste of the red-stemmed kind.