We have reached that odd time of year. Many people across the country are starting to experience the weather pattern of needing a sweater in the morning and regretting long sleeves by the afternoon. We’re enjoying the cooling weather and the fact that we are starting to enjoy fresh autumnal veggies!

Green beans are back in season, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Many people think of green beans only in the famous casserole or just steamed or boiled on the side of the plate. We wanted to share so great green bean side dishes with you that followed two rules: under 10 grams of carbs and under 170 calories. Research has shown time and again that, despite being quite high in carbs, beans and legume’s fiber can help keep blood sugar healthy.

Easy, Cold and Fresh Balsamic Green Bean Salad

If you like feta, this is for you. If you like homemade dressing, this is for you. If you like the words “no sugar added,” this is for you. As you might have guessed: a lot of people love this recipe in part because it’s so easy. With only 86 calories, four grams of carbs and four grams of protein, we are big fans. Get the recipe.

Oven-fried Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

We love fried things. But, in deference to our health we rarely, if ever, have anything deep-fried. So we really like this recipe for “fried” crispy, cheesy green beans that uses the oven instead of a fryer. Now that the evenings are cooling down, turning the oven on isn’t as daunting as it was only a week ago! With 120 calories, 4.3 grams of carbs and 4.8 grams of protein, this is going to become a staple in your kitchen. Get the recipe.

Low-carb Four-bean Salad

Even though the fiber in beans is so good for you, many people are still concerned by the high carbs in chickpeas and kidney beans. For them, four-bean salad has been out of reach. Using black soybeans and edamame in their place brings this dish back to the table. This is our most calorific recipe this week, with 161 calories, eight grams of carbs and seven grams of fiber. Get the recipe.

Greek Green Bean Salad

Greek salad dressing is so tasty — lemon, dill and olive oil married together. Mixing it with olives, red pepper and feta can only make it better. We like to make the dressing in a slightly larger batch and then use it for the next couple of days. A serving of the salad has 113 calories, 9.3 grams of carbs and 2.9 grams of protein. Get the recipe.

We hope you like these recipes and enjoy the fall vegetables that are cropping up in the market!