Peas are a legume and a very beneficial food to add to your diet. These little green veggies contain 15% of your daily protein, 30% of your daily fiber, and lots of plant antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of developing type two diabetes. They do contain starch and some sugar, which accounts for their slightly sweet flavor, but the amounts are modest compared to the benefits.

You can certainly enjoy a cup of peas for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on occasion. To get you started, here are five ways to use peas in your meals.

#1 Pea & Mint Spread

A spread made of processed peas, mint leaves, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese makes for a hearty snack. This spread is bright green and is a filling alternative to a fattening cheese spread or sugary spread. Consider serving it on some crostini for a nice crunch.

#2 Peas & Pasta

Instead of reaching for meat to accent your pasta dishes, consider reaching for the peas instead. They have plenty of protein and add a lovely contrasting color to your dish. Whether you make the pasta and serve it with a creamy sauce or mix a handful of peas into a pasta casserole, this is an easy way to incorporate some veg into your meal too.

#3 Pea Slaw

When you have pea pods to enjoy, such as snow peas, make something a little different. A pea slaw features julienned peas, carrots, and fennel mixed with a coating of yogurt, honey, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy dish. This is the perfect option for a late Summer barbeque.

#4 White Wine Spiked Peas

This is an easy, adult way to make a side dish of peas for dinner. It mixes the oniony flavor of sauteed scallions with salt, pepper, and the bright, sharp flavor of white wine. This recipe does call for a generous amount of butter, but you can probably get away with less or even experiment with a healthier fat, like olive oil.

#5 Baked Peas

Enjoy a crunchy, savory snack with some panko encrusted baked sugar snap peas. These are tossed in a mixture of panko, olive oil, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Then, you pop them into the oven to get a nice, crispy texture. It’s a hearty, healthy alternative to potato chips on any day.