Heart-Healthy Recipes That Can Be On the Table in Under 30 Minutes

heart healthy meals two bowls of slow cooker curried butternut squash stew
60 Easy Heart-Healthy RecipesRyan Dausch


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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., which means that focusing on your heart health is essential to living a longer, healthier life. There are various ways to improve your heart health, such as reducing stress, getting more sleep, and exercising. Nutrition also plays a huge role in keeping your heart healthy. People often equate heart-healthy recipes with boring, bland meals but this doesn't always have to be the case. There are plenty of recipes that are as delicious as they are beneficial for your ticker!

One important thing to remember is that there's no one "right" way to eat for heart health, according to Rachael Hartley, RD. So "instead of stressing over individual foods, think about the big picture of your eating pattern." Hartley tells Woman's Day that it's better to think of "ways to choose more heart-healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts and seeds, and avocado, eat fatty fish more often, increase intake of whole grains and other high fiber carbohydrate foods, and eat more fruits and veggies."

The following heart-healthy recipes cover everything from fish-forward dishes to colorful vegetable combinations. And the best part is that you you don't have to be a pro in the kitchen to indulge in these heart-friendly meals.

Chicken Recipes

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Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken

This recipe has chickpeas and sweet peppers which are packed with heart-healthy protein and vitamins. And it can all be cooked on one sheet which means fewer dishes and less fuss.

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heart healthy recipes sheet pan chickpea chicken
Danielle Occhiogrosso

Chicken Kebabs

Chicken has fewer saturated fats than red meats, which is why it's a healthier choice of meat for your heart health. These simple chicken kebabs can be thrown on the grill and whipped up in a jiffy.

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heart healthy recipes chicken kebabs on a grill
con poulos

Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn

This zesty chicken dish only takes half an hour to make and its sweet and spicy goodness will quickly make it a family favorite.

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heart healthy recipes platter of apricot glazed chicken and corn
con poulos

Chicken Salad Collard Wrap

Ditch the typical processed flour tortilla and use a big collard green leaf for these chicken salad wraps.

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heart healthy recipes chicken salad collard wrap with cucumber and tomato slices
mike garten

Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice

Typical chicken gets a boost from Asian-inspired ingredients, like ginger and cilantro. According to a study published in Nutrition, daily ginger consumption was associated with a 13% lower risk of coronary heart disease.

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heart healthy recipes baked chicken cutlets with pineapple rice
Christ Court

Roasted Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Red Pepper Relish

Swap chicken fingers and French fries for roasted chicken and potatoes.

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heart healthy recipes roasted chicken and garlic potatoes with red pepper relish
Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Lemon-Thyme Chicken

Chicken is a solid component of a heart-healthy diet, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. This classic lemon-thyme chicken will be a flavorful choice you come back to again and again.

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heart healthy recipes lemon thyme chicken with green beans and artichokes
mike garten

Roasted Citrus Chicken Salad

This tangy chicken is sure to leave your tastebuds and your health goals satisfied.

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heart healthy recipes roasted citrus chicken salad
Chris Court

Chicken Marbella

This quick and easy chicken dish is a medley of flavors — a little sweet and a tad tangy. Plus, it's packed with 36 g protein per serving.

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heart healthy recipes chicken marbella
mike garten

Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette

Skip the tortillas for lettuce and these easy chicken fajitas become way healthier.

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heart healthy recipes chicken fajita salad with lime cilantro vinaigrette
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Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas

Stuffed to the brim with healthy vegetables, these pita sandwiches are as tasty as it gets.

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heart healthy recipes spinach chickpea and chicken pitas
con poulos

Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw

Swapping out bread crumbs for sesame seeds makes this chicken dinner a heart-healthy option, according to WebMD.

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heart healthy recipes sesame chicken and chili lime slaw
Chris Court

Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs

To make this dish vegan, substitute pieces of zucchini, summer squash, and red onion for the chicken and 2 tablespoons olive oil for the yogurt, tossing all the vegetables in the marinade before grilling. Omit the feta.

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heart healthy recipes yogurt marinated chicken kebabs
Chris Court

Mediterranean Chicken Pitas

With hummus, olive oil, and plum tomatoes, these quick chicken pitas are easy and healthy.

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heart healthy recipes mediterranean chicken pitas
con poulos

Kale and Romaine Chicken Caesar Salad

Kale contains folate which may boost memory, as well as calcium and potassium which help keep the heart healthy. Greek yogurt provides a significant source of protein (double that of regular yogurt), which curbs appetite and aids weight loss.

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heart healthy recipes kale and romaine chicken caesar salad
Chris Court

Grilled Chicken Caprese

Chicken is a great way to add filling protein to a Caprese salad.

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heart healthy recipes grilled chicken caprese
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Seafood Recipes

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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 flavors.

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heart healthy recipes oven roasted salmon with charred lemon vinaigrette
mike garten

Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles

Loaded with lean protein from the shrimp and green veggies from the zoodles, this dish is as tasty as it is healthy.

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heart healthy recipes pan and bowl of shrimp scampi with zoodles
BEATRIZ DA COSTA/ STUDIO D

Hot Honey-Roasted Salmon and Radishes

Salmon is a great part of a healthy diet for a variety of reasons. Not only is it high in protein, vitamins and minerals, but it also has omega-3 fatty acids that are known for being "brain food."

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heart healthy recipes hot honey roasted salmon and radishes
mike garten

Grilled Fish Tacos

Swap ground beef for fish to make this heart-healthy. Plus, the pineapples give this taco recipe a little something sweet.

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heart healthy recipes grilled fish tacos
Steve Giralt

Fish Chowder Sheet Pan Bake

The bacon and potato mixture gives this fresh, heart-healthy cod dish additional smoky flavor.

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heart healthy recipes fish chowder sheet pan bake with bacon and potatoes
Ryan Dausch

Salmon with Creamy Feta Cucumbers

The perfectly seasoned salmon and whipped feta that coats the cucumbers will leave your tastebuds singing.

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heart healthy recipes salmon with creamy feta cucumbers on blue table
mike garten

Tilapia with Tomatoes and Pepper Relish

We all know that 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 tasty it is.

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heart healthy recipes tilapia with tomatoes and pepper relish
Chris Court

Seared Tilapia with Spiralized Zucchini

This easy and delicious, heart-healthy fish dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

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heart healthy recipes seared tilapia with spiralized zucchini
Christ Court

Pistachio-Crusted Fish

This light and crunchy white fish dish is a great source of vitamin D. According to Science Daily, deficiencies in vitamin D may be a risk factor for heart attacks, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), strokes, and other conditions associated with cardiovascular disease, like high blood pressure and diabetes.

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heart healthy recipes pistachio crusted fish with spinach and quinoa
Mike Garten

Shrimp Bowls with Scallion Vinaigrette

Topped with oven-roasted broccoli, shrimp, and avocado, this quinoa bowl tastes even better thanks to a drizzle of a tomato and scallion vinaigrette.

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heart healthy recipes shrimp bowls with scallion vinaigrette
con poulos

Cod with Crispy Green Beans

Freshen up your dinner menu with pan-seared fish and pesto.

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heart healthy recipes cod with crispy green beans
Chris Court

Shrimp and Garlicky Tomatoes with Kale Couscous

Go Mediterranean with these easy shrimp foil packets. According to a study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Disease, a Mediterranean diet that's low in unsaturated fat and polyphenols may work to prevent cardiovascular disease.

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heart healthy recipes shrimp and garlicky tomatoes with kale couscous
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Pesto Salmon Burgers with Asparagus and Tomato Salad

You can make this dish ahead of time by forming the patties and freezing them for up to one month. Cook from frozen at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until warm and cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Bonus: Salmon contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Get the Pesto Salmon Burgers with Asparagus and Tomato Salad recipe.

heart healthy recipes pesto salmon burgers with asparagus and tomato salad
Chris Court

Soy-Glazed Salmon and Bok Choy

Bok choy is packed with healthy nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which naturally work to decrease blood pressure.

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heart healthy recipes soy glazed salmon and bok choy
Chris Court

Chili-Orange Shrimp with Broccoli Couscous

Cashews are high in magnesium, a nutrient that's important for bone strength and osteoporosis prevention.

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heart healthy recipes chili orange shrimp with broccoli couscous
Christopher Testani

Seared Salmon with Roasted Cauliflower

This hearty fish dinner is super filling and can be ready in no time.

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heart healthy recipes seared salmon with roasted cauliflower
Erika Lapresto

Vegetarian Recipes

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Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ditch white rice for this low-carb veggie option that's tastier than takeout. Plus, it's less than 300 calories.

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heart healthy recipes cauliflower fried rice
mike garten

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Pizza

Indulge your pizza craving with this delicious and healthy pizza that spotlights grilled eggplant and tomatoes.

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heart healthy recipes grilled eggplant parmesan pizza
Alexandra Rowley

Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup

Add turmeric to your traditional butternut squash soup for some heart-healthy benefits. Curcumin, the main antioxidant in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce oxidation, which may contribute to heart disease.

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heart healthy recipes butternut squash and turmeric soup
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Grilled Squash Garlic Bread

If you're craving hearty pizza, satisfy your tastebuds with this fresh veggie version.

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heart healthy recipes sliced grilled squash garlic bread
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Pear & Walnut Salad

Keep it light with this flavorful salad featuring walnuts, celery, and olive oil. According to Mayo Clinic, walnuts are one of the best nuts for your heart health as they contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and can help lower your cholesterol, improve the health of the lining of your arteries, and reduce your risk of blood clots.

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heart healthy recipes pear and walnut salad
mike garten

Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Stew

This hearty slow cooker dish is packed with hearty-healthy veggies like split peas, tomatoes, and butternut squash.

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heart healthy recipes slow cooker curried butternut squash stew
mike garten

Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad

Load up a baked sweet potato with tons of heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease prevention.

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heart healthy recipes sweet potatoes with shredded salad
Chris Court

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.

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heart healthy recipes spaghetti with grilled green beans and mushrooms
Ryan Dausch

Spiced Carrot Fritters

According to Medical News Today, a half-cup serving of carrots contains 1.8 g of fiber and 205 mg of potassium, which protect against high blood pressure and heart disease.

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heart healthy recipes spiced carrot fritters
Chris Court

Potsticker Stir-Fry

This tasty meatless main makes it easy to get your fix of veggies, and it's low-sodium and cholesterol-free.

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heart healthy recipes potsticker stir fry
CHRIS COURT

Spring Minestrone Soup

Healthy greens like asparagus, sugar snap peas, leeks, and celery make for a delicious bowl of hearty soup. According to a study published in Journal of Medicinal Food, celery may help lower blood pressure.

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heart healthy recipes spring minestrone soup
mike garten

Chickpea, Spinach, and Quinoa Patties

Quinoa is high in protein, contains nine essential amino acids, and is high in fiber, magnesium, vitamin B, iron, potassium, calcium, and more, which means it's an easy way to pack a major health punch into a meal. And these quinoa patties pack the flavor too with garlic and jalapeño.

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heart healthy recipes chickpea spinach and quinoa patties
mike garten

Spaghetti Squash and Chickpea Sauté

Toss the high-carb pasta aside and try this veggie version instead.

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heart healthy recipes spaghetti squash and chickpea saute
Ryan Dausch

Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas

Mexican goes meatless with these sweet and smoky vegetarian fajitas.

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heart healthy recipes pineapple and black bean fajitas
con poulos

Yellow Split Pea, Butternut Squash, and Sweet Potato Stew

This vibrant update on a classic is packed with butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and loads of nutrients.

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heart healthy recipes yellow split pea butternut squash and sweet potato stew
Raymond Hom

Turkey Recipes

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Turkey Burgers and Slaw

Packed with good-for-you spices, these turkey patties, topped with a sweet and crunchy apple and cabbage slaw, are a healthy alternative to red meat.

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heart healthy recipes turkey burgers and slaw
Ryan Dausch

Thai Ground Turkey Lettuce Cups

Some tortillas are made from refined carbs, which are linked to risk of cardiovascular disease. So lighten up this spiced taco recipe by using lettuce and ground turkey instead of tortillas and ground beef.

Get the Thai Ground Turkey Lettuce Cups recipe.

heart healthy recipes thai ground turkey lettuce cups
mike garten

Turkey Meatball Gyro

Go Greek with this easy, high-protein dinner idea.

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heart healthy recipes turkey meatball gyro
Chris Court

Greek Turkey Burgers

Looking for a healthy burger recipe? This one is super quick and easy to make, plus, with no red meat, it's a better option for your heart.

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heart healthy recipes greek turkey burgers with lettuce and tomato feta salad on a burger gun
Erika Lapresto

Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey

Get the Garlic and Herb Roasted Turkey recipe.

heart healthy recipes garlic and herb roasted turkey
Chris Court

Sage and Orange Roast Turkey

Get the Sage and Orange Roast Turkey recipe.

heart healthy recipes sage and orange roast turkey
Chris Court

Turkey Chili with Wheat Berries and Beans

Get the Turkey Chili with Wheat Berries and Beans recipe.

heart healthy recipes turkey chili with wheat berries and beans
mike garten

Red-Rubbed Turkey

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heart healthy recipes red rubbed turkey
Red-Rubbed TurkeyCon Poulos; Food styling by Vivian Lui; Prop styling by Paige Hicks

Turkey, Carrot, and Mushroom Meat Loaf

Get the Turkey, Carrot, and Mushroom Meat Loaf recipe.

heart healthy recipes ground turkey recipe carrot mushroom meatloaf
con poulos

Turkey Posole

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heart healthy recipes leftover turkey recipes turkey posole
Ryan Dausch

Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Get the Slow Cooker Turkey Pumpkin Chili recipe.

heart healthy recipes slow cooker turkey pumpkin chili
Steve Giralt

Turkey Bolognese

Get the Turkey Bolognese recipe.

heart healthy recipes turkey bolognese
Turkey BologneseSteve Giralt

Turkey Meatballs

Get the Turkey Meatballs recipe.

heart healthy recipes turkey meatballs
Turkey MeatballsKat Teutsch

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