Whether or not you worry about 1. getting your daily allotment of fruits and vegetables, and 2. just what side dishes other than a garden salad are quick and easy, I’m assuming you do and can quell your angst right now.

These side dishes both take less than 10 minutes to prepare, go with just about any entrée and, most importantly, are fresh and healthy.

First up: fresh green beans or asparagus, lightly cooked in a little bit of olive oil, garlic and lemon juice. Make sure you don’t over-cook, keep these greens crunchy. It’s delicious.

Second: fresh fruit salad topped with a light and refreshing citrus, ginger and honey mixture. Pick your favorite fresh fruits (canned fruit packed in that yucky syrup won’t work). I used a few different types of apples and a banana and a pear. Chop into bit sized pieces and toss in this mixture. Quick and easy. (Warning: it may seem like a good idea to warm up the honey in microwave so it will squeeze out faster, but too long results in a melted honey bear face and a sticky explosion. Or so I would imagine. OK, I know it to be true.)

Easy!

Garlic green beans or asparagus
Ingredients:
1 lb. green beans or asparagus, trimmed and cut in half
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. garlic, minced
fresh ground pepper
Directions:
Heat oil in small sauce pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for just a few minutes. Add the greens and stir frequently, cooking for about 10 minutes until they are bright in color but still crunchy. Add a little black pepper, if desired, and serve.

Ginger citrus fruit salad
Ingredients:
Fresh fruit, diced or small slices
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. honey
2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
dash of cinnamon
Directions:
Stir ingredients together and pour over fruit, tossing to lightly coat each piece.