Fast and easy vegetable side dish recipes to survive the holiday season

November 6, 10:16 AMNutrition ExaminerCarol Bardelli

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Holiday entertaining made elegant and easy.
iStockPhoto license.

Vegetables dishes are a nutritious way to round out any holiday meal or family dinner. During this busy season, being able to prepare healthy meals fast is more than a convenience. We all need to budget our time as well as our finances. When you need fast and easy recipes for side dishes to please nearly every palate, try these gourmet recipes built for speed.

Tip: Asparagus and many other fresh vegetables can be cooked one day ahead. After draining asparagus, plunge into a bowl of ice cold water to stop cooking. Drain again and store in a Ziploc bag lined with damp paper towels. Refrigerate until ready to reheat. Most vegetables can be turned into gourmet fare by combining with butter and lemon. Season with your favorite spices and herbs for a delicious kick.

Elegant Asparagus with Lemon and Butter Serves 8-10

60-70 asparagus, trimmed
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Additional 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Peel lower portion of each asparagus stalk with a vegetable peeler. Boil asparagus in a 6 quart pot of salted water, uncovered, until tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well, toss with butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

Chinese Style Cabbage Slaw Serves 6-8

1/2 pound snow peas
1 1/2 pounds green and red cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, shredded
1 green bell pepper, sliced thin and 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
3 scallions, diced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup cashews, chopped

Blanch snow peas boiling water for 15 seconds, drain and plunge into a bowl of cold water. Drain. In a large bowl, combine snow peas, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers and scallions. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, and vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour dressing over salad, toss and chill at least 1 hour before serving. Garnish with cashews just before serving.

Elegant Crispy Cucumber Salad

1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh dill weed, diced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cucumbers, sliced
1 cup red onion, sliced
2 ripe tomatoes, sliced

In a large bowl, mix together vinegar, sugar, salt, dill, pepper, and oil. Add cucumbers, onion, and tomatoes and toss. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Recipes courtesy 'Easy Gourmet on a Budget' by Carol Bardelli.

Video demonstration: vegetable dish to go with turkey.