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LEMON-BASIL BEAN BOWL

Lima beans go upscale in this main-dish salad. Paired with green beans, tomatoes, and bacon, and then dressed with a lemon-basil vinaigrette, the end result is so tasty our Test Kitchens gave it a near-perfect rating. Leave out the bacon for a vegetarian variation.

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 garlic clove, minced 4 cups (1-inch) cut green beans (about 1 pound) 1 1/2 cups chopped plum tomato 1 (10-ounce) package frozen baby lima beans, cooked and drained 4 low-fat bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (drained) Combine first 9 ingredients in a bowl; stir with a whisk.

Steam the green beans, covered, for 8 minutes or until tender. Combine green beans, tomato, and lima beans in a large bowl. Pour basil mixture over bean mixture, and toss well. Sprinkle with bacon.

Serves 6.

GREEK-STYLE BURGERS WITH FETA AIOLI

This burger - stuffed with roasted bell peppers and spinach - carries Greek flavors in every bite. We've topped it with a tomato slice, lettuce leaves, and our low-fat version of the garlicky French mayonnaise aioli (ay-OH-lee) - made more flavorful by adding feta cheese.

AIOLI 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise 2 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1 garlic clove, minced BURGERS 5 (1/2-inch-thick) slices red onion Cooking spray 1 pound lean ground round 2/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs 1/3 cup chopped Bottled roasted red bell peppers 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry 1 large egg, lightly beaten 2 garlic cloves, crushed 5 sourdough sandwich buns

To prepare aioli, combine first 5 ingredients in a food processor; pulse 1 minute or until smooth. Cover and chill.

Prepare grill or broiler.

To prepare the burgers, place onion slices on a grill rack or broiler rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray, and cook 2 minutes on each side. Set aside.

Combine the beef and the next 9 ingredients (beef through crushed garlic) in a large bowl. Divide the beef mixture into 5 equal portions, shaping each portion into a 1/2-inch-thick patty. Place patties on grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray, and cook for 6 minutes on each side or until burgers are done. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons aioli over top half of each bun. Place patties on bottom halves of buns, and top each with 1 onion slice and top half of bun.

Makes 5 sandwiches.

SUPER-DUPER SUNRISE SHAKE

An assortment of four different fruits gives this smoothie sweet, tart, tropical flavors - not to mention a thick, milkshakelike texture.

1 1/2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
2 tablespoons roasted wheat germ
1 (16-ounce) can apricot halves in light syrup, drained
1 large ripe banana, peeled

Combine all ingredients in a blender, process until smooth.

Serves 3.

NEXT : Orange-wild rice salad with smoked turkey, fresh-fruit compote with orange-lime drizzle, and loaded macaroni and cheese >>
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