Arugula

(Green Salad with Roquefort Toasts) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

At Woodside in West Los Angeles, owner Noel Ampel and executive chef Nigel Faulkner both believe in taking the freshest ingredients and combining them in simple, yet highly sophisticated ways. This pasta is a fine example of that philosophy. A basket of crusty warm rolls and a salad of mixed baby greens with a Sherry vinaigrette are great accompaniments. End with coffee gelato and chocolate-dipped biscotti. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Try the arugula mayonnaise on burgers, and chicken and tuna sandwiches, too.

Quiche made its way from France to our shores in the sixties, but it was in the seventies that its popularity soared.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Toasted baguette slices and some baby greens tossed with marinated artichoke hearts are a wonderful accompaniment to the pasta. (For extra flavor, you can spread the baguette slices with olive paste before servings.) Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The following antipasto is based on an octopus and cannellini salad served at La Baraonda in Florence.

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

It doesn’t look or taste like it, but this pizza is low-fat. Each slice has just 346 calories and 4 1/2 grams of fat.

You would never guess by tasting these robust sandwiches that they are low in fat and calories. The secret is spread made of low-fat mayonnaise, nonfat yogurt, Dijon mustard and chopped arugula.

Martini fans will find that this simple and elegant appetizer goes perfectly with their favorite cocktail.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This dip, called fava in Greece, is typically found on taverna menus. As the yellow peas become tender and creamy and the cooking liquid thickens, stir the mixture frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom. This is nice with a chilled Pinot Blanc.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Marinated peppers, mushrooms and eggplant make nice accompaniments to these Mediterranean-style pizzas. Finish up with almond cookies and mixed berries.

Arugula's bold flavor and the texture of curly frisée team up in this simple salad.