Broccoli/Broccolini

Slice advice: One of America's favorite pastimes — going out for pizza — doesn't have to be a caloric catastrophe if you stick with the basic (like Pizza Hut Hand Tossed cheese) and stop at two slices. Steer clear of cheese-filled crusts; they can add 10 grams of fat per slice. We gave our homemade pie an advantage by adding broccoli, but there's no reason not to put veggies on a fast food or frozen one.

Sunday dinner. From Golden Door in Escondido, California. Executive chef Michael Stroot loves this stir-fry because it's a showcase for his garden-fresh herbs and produce. And cooking the dish makes the kitchen smell fantastic. Serve it over fiber-rich brown rice.

Pasta's reputation — restored! With the bad press that pasta's been getting in these carb-phobic times, you may have given it up entirely. The truth is, pasta is only a problem when the noodles make the meal. The trick is rounding it out with healthy add-ins. Here, Whole Foods Markets' executive chef Steven Petsevsky has tossed in a day's supply of vegetables; they supply lots of vitamin C and good-for-you phytochemicals — plus fiber. Shrimp adds a kick of protein, and a handful of fresh herbs makes all the flavors sparkle. Self's testers' verdict: yum.

George Hendrix of Carbondale, Colorado, writes: "My family is usually in a hurry, so dinner has to be on the table fast. The stir-fry doesn't require much preparation and the oyster sauce gives it rich flavor, which means I don't have any trouble getting my teenage boys to eat the vegetables."

Wonderfully crunchy, toasted panko transforms an ordinary vegetable into a truly special side dish.

Packed with springtime vegetables, this meal is a quick fix for the winter blues.

This recipe was inspired by a dish that Italian chef Alessandro Giuntoli made when he was at Osteria del Circo, in New York City.

This authentic Cantonese version of chow mein features fresh egg noodles, which are fried into a cake that softens slightly when topped with a meat and vegetable sauce. Be careful not to mistake wonton noodles for Chinese egg noodles — although they look similar, wonton noodles don't have the same rich texture.

Sformato di Cavolfiore e Broccolo con Balsamella di Spinaci In typical trattoria fashion, this dish serves as the meal's antipasto, which is followed by the pasta course. What to drink: A light, dry red from Carmignano, a Tuscan wine district known for its blends of Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Try: Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano.

This low-fat soup is rich in calcium and antioxidants.

Broccolini is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale. You'll need to cook and cool the rice before you begin.

If Chinese broccoli isn't available in your area, you can substitute regular broccoli.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Broiled Polenta Sticks .

Gremolata is the classic osso buco garnish of minced lemon peel, garlic, and parsley. In this version, lemon peel and shallots perfume a simple breadcrumb topping.

The flavorful butter adds plenty of zip.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.