Dietitian’s tip: Beans are a good way to add fiber to your diet, especially soluble fiber. Generally, 1 cup of cooked beans provides 9 to 13 grams of fiber. The soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol. Beans are also high in protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.

Dietitian’s tip: This light and tangy salad is a great option for a quick lunch or for a dinner side salad. For variety, serve on top of grilled tuna steaks or with baked tortilla chips.

Dietitian’s tip: The butternut squash in this recipe is a unique nutrient-packed substitute for common high-fat salad dressing.

Dietitian’s tip: Wrap this traditional Middle Eastern salad in lettuce, tuck it in a pita pocket, or serve it as a side dish. This version has more vegetables than grain.

Dietitian’s tip: Wrap this Middle Eastern salad in lettuce, tuck it in a pita pocket or serve it as a side dish. This salad also goes well with lavosh — a round, thin crispbread.

Dietitian’s tip: The red color of tomatoes is due to lycopene, an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. Lycopene is found in deep yellow, dark green and red fruits and vegetables.