Heart Healthy

Heart‑healthy cooking centers on minimally processed foods, plenty of plants, and fats that support cardiovascular health. Build meals around vegetables…

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

About Heart Healthy

Heart‑healthy cooking centers on minimally processed foods, plenty of plants, and fats that support cardiovascular health. Build meals around vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins; use olive oil as your primary fat; and include fatty fish (salmon, sardines) a few times per week.

Boost soluble fiber (oats, beans, apples), add nuts and seeds, and keep sodium modest by relying on herbs, citrus, and spices. Limit trans fats, excessive saturated fats, processed meats, and deep‑fried foods. If you manage blood pressure or lipids, choose recipes that are both low‑sodium and high‑fiber.

For sustainable habits: cook more at home, plan balanced snacks, and keep flavorful staples (garlic, onions, tomatoes, leafy greens) stocked.

FAQs

What fats are heart‑healthy?
Favor olive oil, avocado, nuts, and fatty fish. Limit trans fats and excessive saturated fat; read labels on packaged foods.
How do I reduce cholesterol with food?
Increase soluble fiber (oats, beans), add plant sterols/stanols, and include fish rich in omega‑3s. Limit processed meats and fried foods.

Recipes tagged "Heart Healthy"

Sunrise Citrus & Herb Salmon with Farro-Asparagus Medley

A vibrant and flavorful DASH-friendly dish featuring pan-seared salmon infused with bright lemon, orange zest, and a medley of fresh herbs. It's perfectly paired with a wholesome farro and crisp asparagus medley, brightened by cherry tomatoes and a hint of fresh mint. This recipe prioritizes natural flavors and whole ingredients to support heart health without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
Mediterranean Sunset Quinoa Bowls

Mediterranean Sunset Quinoa Bowls

A vibrant, fiber-rich bowl featuring fluffy lemon-herb quinoa, oven-roasted harissa-inspired spiced chickpeas and bell peppers, and fresh spinach, all drizzled with a tangy sumac-tahini dressing. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, perfectly aligning with DASH principles for low sodium and high potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
Golden Sunshine Nourish Bowl

Golden Sunshine Nourish Bowl

A vibrant and nutrient-dense bowl featuring earthy turmeric-spiced lentils, sweet roasted root and cruciferous vegetables, and crisp greens, all brought together with a bright lemon-tahini dressing. This DASH-friendly recipe emphasizes whole foods, lean plant protein, high fiber, and bold, natural flavors for a truly satisfying and heart-healthy meal.
Golden Harvest Penne with Mediterranean Chicken & Sun-Kissed Pepper Cream

Golden Harvest Penne with Mediterranean Chicken & Sun-Kissed Pepper Cream

This 'Golden Harvest Penne' elevates comfort food to a gourmet level, featuring tender Mediterranean-spiced chicken breast and a vibrant medley of roasted vegetables tossed with whole wheat penne. The signature creamy sauce, crafted from sun-kissed roasted red bell peppers and rich cashews, offers a luxurious texture and deep flavor without heavy creams, making it a truly heart-healthy and delicious creation. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, crowning this wholesome, competition-worthy dish perfectly aligned with Mayo Clinic's focus on balanced nutrition and whole foods.
Mediterranean Golden Penne: Creamy Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Basil

Mediterranean Golden Penne: Creamy Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes & Basil

A vibrant, heart-healthy pasta dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken, whole-wheat penne, and a luscious, light cream sauce made from slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Enriched with low-fat cottage cheese and fresh spinach, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, finished with a sprinkle of low-sodium Parmesan and crispy whole-wheat breadcrumbs.
Award-Winning Smoky Paprika Chicken & Roasted Red Pepper Mafalde with Toasted Almond Gremolata

Award-Winning Smoky Paprika Chicken & Roasted Red Pepper Mafalde with Toasted Almond Gremolata

A heart-healthy, competition-worthy dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breast and whole-grain mafalde tossed in a vibrant, naturally sweet roasted red pepper and tomato sauce, infused with smoky paprika. Finished with a bright, crunchy toasted almond and lemon-herb gremolata for a burst of flavor and texture contrast. This dish transforms comfort into a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Tuscan Sunburst Chicken & White Bean Penne with Crispy Herb Crumble

A vibrant and comforting heart-healthy pasta dish featuring pan-seared chicken breast, whole-grain penne, and a remarkably creamy, dairy-free sauce made from cannellini beans and roasted red peppers. Enhanced with earthy mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and a bright lemon-herb finish, it's topped with a golden, savory whole-grain crumble for a satisfying crunch.

Za'atar-Crusted Cod with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables and Lemon-Tahini Drizzle

A light yet flavorful dish featuring flaky cod fillets crusted with aromatic za'atar spice blend, perfectly pan-seared. It's served alongside a vibrant medley of roasted asparagus, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a zesty and creamy lemon-tahini drizzle. This recipe is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a diabetic-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
Golden Nurture Bowl with Pan-Seared Cod

Golden Nurture Bowl with Pan-Seared Cod

A truly comforting and nourishing bowl designed to offer gentle care. Flaky pan-seared cod rests atop a bed of fluffy quinoa, all embraced by a creamy, vibrant golden sauce made from butternut squash, carrots, ginger, and turmeric. This dish is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and easily digestible nutrients, perfect for a soothing and restorative meal.
Crimson Tide Cod with Lemon-Mint Quinoa

Crimson Tide Cod with Lemon-Mint Quinoa

Flaky cod fillets crusted with a vibrant, earthy blend of roasted beet and crunchy unsalted pistachios, served alongside a refreshing quinoa salad with peppery arugula, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh mint, all brightened with a zesty lemon dressing. This dish is meticulously crafted to support healthy blood pressure with its abundance of potassium, magnesium, nitrates, and omega-3s, while remaining delightfully flavorful and inherently low in sodium.