Sticky-Spicy Sauteed Asian Eggplant

Not everyone is an eggplant lover. But this may change that. Long, slender Asian eggplant are no-fuss, and soak up the spicy, sweet, sticky sauce they're doused with when creamy and tender. This is a hearty vegetarian main course paired with brown rice, quinoa, or even wheat berries, but would also make a terrific side dish.

Tomato Salad with Green Beans, Corn and Bulgur

This tomato salad is the perfect fresh-from-the-garden all-purpose side dish for the season. It's bursting with green beans, tomatoes, corn and cucumbers, with toothsome bulgur adding just a touch of heft (and healthy whole grain) while soaking up the tangy dressing.

Fregola Salad with White Beans and Arugula

Fregola is an Italian rolled pasta similar to Israeli couscous, and it's wonderfully toothsome in this salad. If you can't find fregola (or wanted to go gluten free), millet would be a great substitute. Top with a few chunks of good quality tuna packed in olive oil and you've got a nice, hearty, nourishing meal.

Leek, Lemon and Cauliflower Fettuccine

I'm a big fan of cooking cauliflower until it's almost creamy ... especially in pastas like this one. It becomes part of the sauce, adding heft and health to just a handful of fettuccine.

Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges

These sweet potato wedges have a spicy foil to their sweetness. They're reminiscent of sweet potato fries, but a whole lot healthier.

Sauteed Sesame Bok Choy

Letting the bok choy get nice and browned in some places--what the Chinese call "the breath of the wok"--adds a smoky savoriness to the dish.