You'll Never Guess These Tasty Recipes Are Secretly Heart-Healthy
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No matter if your doctor has instructed you to follow a more heart-healthy diet or you’ve chosen to abide by one on your own, it can never hurt to develop heart-smart habits. After all, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting some 121 million Americans. But eating food that is good for your heart doesn't mean sacrificing taste. For instance, these simple heart-healthy recipes — think grilled fish tacos, turkey burgers, veggie-packed potstickers — are delicious and easy to whip up for any meal. They are simple enough to add to the weeknight dinner rotation and even great for a family full of picky eaters.
Many of these kid-friendly recipes include ingredients rich in omega-3 fatty acids, low in saturated fats, and high in fiber — all components that can support good heart health, according to Mayo Clinic. Also, many of these dishes are low-calorie, coming in at 300 calories or less per serving. Finally, many of these heart-healthy recipes can be made in 30 minutes or less.
To make browsing our list of heart-healthy recipe ideas easier, we’ve split the heart-healthy recipe ideas into four categories based on their main form of protein: chicken, seafood, vegetarian or plant-based proteins, and turkey. Should you have any dietary restrictions, we also have recipes for gluten-free meals and vegan dinner ideas that you can browse through after saving recipes from this list. Time to get cooking!
When you're done, quiz yourself on your heart-health knowledge:
Heart-Healthy Chicken Recipes
Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken
This recipe is all about chickpeas and sweet peppers, which are packed with heart-healthy protein and vitamins. It can also be cooked on one sheet in 25 minutes or less, meaning fewer dishes and less fuss.
Get the Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken recipe.
RELATED: Easy Sheet Pan Dinners
Chicken Kebabs
Skinless chicken has fewer saturated fats than most red meats, which is why it's generally a healthier choice for heart health. These simple chicken kebabs can be thrown on the grill and whipped up in 25 minutes.
Get the Chicken Kebabs recipe.
Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn
This flavor-packed, eight-ingredient chicken dish only takes half an hour to make (and we're willing to guess you have most of the ingredients already in your pantry). Its sweet and spicy goodness is sure to make it a family favorite.
Get the Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn recipe.
Chicken Salad Collard Wrap
Ditch the processed flour tortillas, and use large collard green leaves for these refreshing chicken salad wraps. Clocking in at 52 grams of protein, this is a filling, delicious way to get in your daily greens.
Get the Chicken Salad Collard Wrap recipe.
Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice
Chicken gets a major boost from Asian-inspired ingredients, such as ginger and cilantro in this 25-minute recipe. According to a study published in Nutrition, daily ginger consumption may help lower the risk of hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure.
Get the Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice recipe.
Roasted Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Red Pepper Relish
Swap chicken fingers and french fries for this 30-minute roasted chicken and potatoes recipe. Potatoes in particular are a great source of potassium and can be part of a heart-healthy diet when steamed, broiled, or baked.
Get the Roasted Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Red Pepper Relish recipe.
Lemon-Thyme Chicken
Skinless chicken can be a solid component of a heart-healthy diet, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. This gluten-free classic lemon-thyme chicken is a flavorful choice you'll want to remake time and time again. Added tip: Make sure to prepare extra Parmesan-thyme roasted vegetables. You won't be sorry.
Get the Lemon-Thyme Chicken recipe.
Roasted Citrus Chicken Salad
This 30-minute tangy chicken meal is sure to leave your tastebuds and health goals satisfied. Don't skip out on the croutons if you want to get the best result.
Get the Roasted Citrus Chicken Salad recipe.
Chicken Marbella
This quick and easy slow-cooker chicken dish includes a medley of flavors — sweet, salty, and tangy. Plus, it's packed with 36 grams of protein per serving. Three steps, and you're done!
Get the Chicken Marbella recipe.
Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
Instead of a taco or wrap with flour tortillas, enjoy this chicken fajita as a salad with romaine hearts and a mix of other colorful veggies. The whole meal only takes 35 minutes to whip up from start to finish. Tip: Throw some avocado halves on the grill for a minute or two to add a bit of smoky flavor.
Get the Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.
Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas
Stuffed to the brim with heart-healthy vegetables, these 20-minutes-or-less pita sandwiches are a tasty Mediterranean go-to, especially during the summer months.
Get the Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas recipe.
RELATED: Super Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw
This chicken dish is full of sesame seeds, which are rich in zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6, and other nutrients involved in memory function. The sesame seed-crusted chicken, paired with tangy red cabbage bursting with ginger, chilis, and fresh lime juice, is a true flavor-forward dinner.
Get the Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw recipe.
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs
You can't go wrong with 30-minute kebabs. To make this heart-healthy dish vegan, substitute zucchini, summer squash, and red onion for chicken, as well as two tablespoons of olive oil for yogurt.
Get the Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs recipe.
Mediterranean Chicken Pitas
With hummus, olive oil, and plum tomatoes, these quick chicken pitas are both healthy and easy.
Get the Mediterranean Chicken Pitas recipe.
Kale and Romaine Chicken Caesar Salad
One of the salad's main ingredients, kale, is low-calorie, rich in vitamins C and K, and anti-carcinogenic, which is great for heart health. And talk about delicious and easy — everything you love about a tangy, creamy Caesar dressing, but healthier and made in 20 minutes or less.
Get the Kale and Romaine Chicken Caesar Salad recipe.
Grilled Chicken Caprese
Add chicken to a traditional Caprese salad for a boost of lean protein — 45g to be exact.
Get the Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe.
RELATED: Easy Grilling Recipes to Ring in the Warmer Months
Heart-Healthy Fish Recipes
Oven-Roasted Salmon with Charred Lemon Vinaigrette
Salmon is known for being light and heart-healthy, but this recipe does not skimp out on big bold flavor thanks to ingredients like fennel, red onions, and baby arugula.
Get the Oven-Roasted Salmon with Charred Lemon Vinaigrette recipe.
Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Nothing says heart health like a bull full of veggies! In this 30-minute dinner recipe, low-carb zucchini noodles are tossed with shrimp, garlic, lemon zest, white wine, and red pepper flakes for a lighter take on the beloved favorite.
Get the Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles recipe.
Hot Honey-Roasted Salmon and Radishes
Jalapeno-infused honey and spicy radishes — need we say more? This flavorful sweet-and-spicy meal is made with only seven ingredients and packs 34g of protein per serving. Yes please!
Get the Hot Honey-Roasted Salmon and Radishes recipe.
Grilled Fish Tacos
Swap ground beef for fish in this easy-grilling recipe full of pineapple and tomatillos. White fish, such as cod, tilapia, and halibut, are all low in saturated fats, making them great for heart health.
Get the Grilled Fish Tacos recipe.
Salmon with Creamy Feta Cucumbers
This 20-minute dish practically screams summertime. Perfectly seasoned salmon and whipped feta-covered cucumbers will leave your tastebuds (and heart) singing. P.S., the feta spread is also great on toast or when used as a dip for other veggies!
Get the Salmon with Creamy Feta Cucumbers recipe.
Tilapia with Tomatoes and Pepper Relish
Tilapia is high in protein and good-for-you vitamins, but when it's coated in this spicy pepper relish, all you'll be thinking about is how good it tastes.
Get the Tilapia with Tomatoes and Pepper Relish recipe.
Seared Tilapia with Spiralized Zucchini
Would you believe this entire 25-minute meal — main and side dish included — is under 300 calories? But just because it's low-cal doesn't mean it lacks any flavor, thanks to hints of lemon, garlic, and capers.
Get the Seared Tilapia with Spiralized Zucchini recipe.
Pistachio-Crusted Fish
Using whole wheat panko and unsalted pistachios, the fish dish is just as tasty and crunchy as other crusted dishes, but with a healthier twist. Add some fluffy quinoa tossed with lemon juice and spinach on the side, and done!
Get the Pistachio-Crusted Fish recipe.
Shrimp Bowls with Scallion Vinaigrette
Topped with oven-roasted broccoli, shrimp, and avocado, this quinoa bowl tastes even better, thanks to a drizzle of tomato and scallion vinaigrette.
Get the Shrimp Bowls with Scallion Vinaigrette recipe.
Cod with Crispy Green Beans
With two tablespoons of basil pesto, this pan-seared fish dish easily falls into the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its plant-based foods and healthy fats.
Get the Cod with Crispy Green Beans recipe.
Shrimp and Garlicky Tomatoes with Kale Couscous
Packed with delicious garlicky goodness, this shrimp dish still remains heart-healthy thanks to its stacked list of ingredients: couscous, shrimp, baby kale, and more.
Get the Shrimp and Garlicky Tomatoes with Kale Couscous recipe.
Pesto Salmon Burgers with Asparagus and Tomato Salad
Prepare heart-healthy salmon in a new way with this pesto burger recipe that can be formed and frozen ahead of time and cooked when hungry.
Get the Pesto Salmon Burgers with Asparagus and Tomato Salad recipe.
Soy-Glazed Salmon and Bok Choy
Bok choy is packed with healthy nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which work to naturally decrease blood pressure.
Get the Soy-Glazed Salmon and Bok Choy recipe.
Chili-Orange Shrimp with Broccoli Couscous
Cashews are a fun bonus to this dish that offer great, heart-healthy benefits. They are high in magnesium, which is a vital nutrient to the heart's overall function.
Get the Chili-Orange Shrimp with Broccoli Couscous recipe.
Seared Salmon with Roasted Cauliflower
Packed with protein and antioxidant-rich cauliflower, this hearty fish dish is an easy, healthy dinner option.
Get the Seared Salmon with Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Vegetarian Recipes
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Ditch white rice for this low-carb veggie option that's tastier than takeout. Plus, it's less than 300 calories!
Get the Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.
RELATED: Healthy Spring Dinners
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Pizza
Indulge your pizza craving with this deliciously healthy pizza that spotlights grilled eggplant and tomatoes.
Get the Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Pizza recipe.
Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup
Add turmeric to your traditional butternut squash soup for more heart-healthy benefits. Curcumin, the main antioxidant in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce oxidation, which may contribute to heart disease.
Get the Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup recipe.
Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
If you're craving pizza, satisfy your tastebuds with this fresh summer take, made with a host of yellow and green veggies!
Get the Grilled Squash Garlic Bread recipe.
Pear & Walnut Salad
Keep it light with this walnut, celery, and olive oil salad. According to Mayo Clinic, walnuts are one of the best nuts for your heart health since they contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower your cholesterol, improve the health of your artery lining, and reduce your risk of blood clots.
Get the Pear & Walnut Salad recipe.
Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad
The picture alone sells it as a must-try, don't you think? Load up a baked sweet potato with heart-healthy olive oil-coated veggies and you have a filling lunch or dinner in 20 minutes or less.
Get the Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad recipe.
Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Stew
This fall-favorite slow-cooker dish is packed with heart-healthy veggies, such as split peas, tomatoes, and butternut squash.
Get the Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Stew recipe.
RELATED: Slow Cooker Meals for Kids That Prove Your Crockpot Is Dinner's MVP
Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms
Though this whole wheat pasta with lemon and green beans is light and fresh, each serving is packed with 17 g of protein to keep you full until your next meal.
Get the Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms recipe.
Spiced Carrot Fritters
Who knew you could make carrot pancakes THIS tasty? These make for a delicious dinner side, incorporating ingredients like scallions, chiles, and cilantro. Serve with a green salad and let the compliments roll in.
Get the Spiced Carrot Fritters recipe.
Potsticker Stir-Fry
This tasty, meatless main makes it easy to get your fix of veggies. Not to mention, it's made in 25 minutes or less, low-sodium, and cholesterol-free!
Get the Potsticker Stir-Fry recipe.
Spring Minestrone Soup
Healthy greens such as asparagus, sugar snap peas, leeks, and celery make for a delicious bowl of hearty soup. Celery, in particular, is packed with potassium and calcium, which are essential for good heart health.
Get the Spring Minestrone Soup recipe.
RELATED: All-Time Best Soup Recipes
Chickpea, Spinach, and Quinoa Patties
Quinoa is high in protein, contains nine essential amino acids, and is high in fiber, magnesium, vitamin B, and more, which means it's an easy way to pack a major health punch into a meal. These quinoa patties pack flavor too with garlic and jalapeño in the mix.
Get the Chickpea, Spinach, and Quinoa Patties recipe.
Spaghetti Squash and Chickpea Sauté
Toss high-carb pasta aside and try this eight-ingredient veggie version instead made with squash and chickpeas and flavored with red onion, feta, garlic, and parsley.
Get the Spaghetti Squash and Chickpea Sauté recipe.
Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas
Mexican cuisine goes meatless with these sweet and smoky vegetarian fajitas where black beans take center stage. As part of a healthy diet, black beans can help lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Get the Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas recipe.
Yellow Split Pea, Butternut Squash, and Sweet Potato Stew
This vibrant update on a classic stew is packed with butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and loads of heart-healthy nutrients.
Get the Yellow Split Pea, Butternut Squash, and Sweet Potato Stew recipe.
Heart-Healthy Turkey Recipes
Turkey Burgers and Slaw
Turkey patties, topped with a sweet and crunchy apple and cabbage slaw, are a healthy alternative to red meat.
Get the Turkey Burgers and Slaw recipe.
Thai Ground Turkey Lettuce Cups
Lighten up this spiced taco recipe with lettuce instead of tortillas and ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Get the Thai Ground Turkey Lettuce Cups recipe.
Turkey Meatball Gyro
Go Greek with this easy, high-protein dinner idea. The recipe calls for Greek yogurt, which is great for lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
Get the Turkey Meatball Gyro recipe.
Greek Turkey Burgers
Looking for a healthy burger recipe? This one is super quick and easy to make. Plus, without red meat, it's a better option for your heart.
Get the Greek Turkey Burgers recipe.
Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey
Packed with protein, this herbaceous turkey recipe will be your new go-to for holidays and weekend dinners.
Get the Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey recipe.
Turkey Chili with Wheat Berries and Beans
This recipe features wheat berries at the forefront, a high fiber and heart-healthy ingredient, among others such as tomatoes and low-sodium beans.
Get the Turkey Chili with Wheat Berries and Beans recipe.
Red-Rubbed Turkey
Pack a flavorful punch with this red-rubbed turkey, coated in smoked paprika and cayenne pepper — hence the "red" of the red-rub. Cayenne pepper helps increase blood flow.
Get the Red-Rubbed Turkey recipe.
Turkey, Carrot, and Mushroom Meat Loaf
Have you ever tried meat loaf with turkey instead of beef? This could be a pivotal moment. Not only is turkey leaner and more heart-healthy, but the mushrooms in this recipe make up for any lost moisture.
Get the Turkey, Carrot, and Mushroom Meat Loaf recipe.
Sage and Orange Roast Turkey
Citrus, and more specifically oranges, are great for lowering blood pressure. They also add a kick of tangy flavor to this traditional roast turkey dish.
Get the Sage and Orange Roast Turkey recipe.
Turkey Posole
Whip out the dutch oven for this spicy Mexican dish that features shredded turkey, heart-healthy hominy, and low-sodium chicken broth.
Get the Turkey Posole recipe.
Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Prep this hearty chili dish in the morning, and leave it the slow cooker for a heart-warming dinner hours later.
Get the Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Turkey Bolognese
This pasta dish swaps refined white noodles for whole-wheat linguine, meaning it's rich in fiber, vitamins B and E, and other necessary minerals.
Get the Turkey Bolognese recipe.
Turkey Meatballs
Cooking oats are added to this delicious turkey meatball recipe. Oats have been linked to lower blood sugar and cholesterol, and from a cooking perspective, they help bind the meatball ingredients together.
Get the Turkey Meatballs recipe.
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