30 Days of Heart-Healthy Dinners (2024)

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A busy schedule doesn't mean you can't make time for heart health. These heart-healthy dinners will have both your heart and your taste buds thanking you!

1/30

Day 1: Feta Shrimp Skillet

My husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York

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2/30

Day 2: Mediterranean Chickpeas

Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It’s great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts

3/30

Day 3: Egg Roll Noodle Bowl

We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

4/30

Day 4: Parmesan Chicken with Artichoke Hearts

I’ve liked the chicken and artichoke combo for a long time. Here’s my own lemony twist. With all the praise it gets, this dinner is so much fun to serve. —Carly Giles, Hoquiam, Washington

5/30

This is my “go to” recipe for quick dinners, family or guests. It’s colorful, healthy, easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The best part is it only calls for five ingredients! —Mary Hawkes, Prescott, Arizona

6/30

Day 6: Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

I fell in love with the spicy aromas in this sweet potato lentil stew. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas

7/30

Day 7: Easy Asian Glazed Meatballs

As a writer and busy mom of three boys, I need tasty meals on the quick. We serve these glazed meatballs over a steaming bed of rice. —Amy Dong, Woodbury, Minnesota

8/30

Day 8: Cauliflower Soup

This cheesy recipe is way tastier than any other cauliflower soup I’ve tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia

9/30

Day 9: Artichoke Chicken Pasta

Here’s a colorful, delicious chicken dish that’s easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for guests. Oregano, garlic and a light wine sauce add lovely flavor. —Cathy Dick, Roanoke, Virginia

10/30

Day 10: Mediterranean Tilapia

I recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio

11/30

Day 11: Margherita Chicken

I’ve been making this dish for years, and when I saw the same dish on the menu at Olive Garden, I knew I had a winner. Fresh basil gets all the respect in this super supper—even forks will stand at attention when it hits the table. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

12/30

Day 12: Hearty Portobello Linguine

If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll love this entree! It turns any night into a special occasion. I like to serve it with fresh bread and a crisp white wine. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California

13/30

Day 13: Chicken Paprikash

Some recipes for chicken paprikash include vegetables like bell peppers and celery, but not my Grandmother Alta’s. Hers was a simple combination of chicken, onions, garlic, paprika and sour cream. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

14/30

Day 14: Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad

Loaded with veggies and shrimp, this crowd pleaser is a tasty change from standard pasta salads. —Ginger Johnson, Pottstown, Pennsylvania

15/30

Day 15: Sausage-Stuffed Butternut Squash

Load butternut squash shells with an Italian turkey sausage and squash mixture for a quick and easy meal. Even better, it’s surprisingly low in calories. —Katia Slinger, Columbus, Georgia

16/30

Day 16: Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken

I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

17/30

Day 17: Moo Shu Mushroom Wraps

With so many awesome veggies out there, I’m always playing around with the ingredients in these sandwiches. Sometimes I add extra protein, too—chicken, shrimp, pork, beef and tofu all work. Check for sriracha and hoisin sauces in the Asian or international foods section of your grocery store. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

18/30

Day 18: Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Balsamic Vegetables

The veggies can be prepared while the squash is in the microwave, so I can have this satisfying low-carb and low-fat vegan spaghetti squash recipe on the table in about half an hour. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan

19/30

Day 19: Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup

Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It is quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

20/30

Day 20: Mushroom Burgers

Ready to turn over a new burger? I guarantee no one will be missing the beef after tasting these vegetarian burgers. They’re moist, tender and full of flavor. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta

21/30

Day 21: Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke Saute

I’ve been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren’t big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

22/30

This easy-as-can-be main dish is likely to become a summer staple at your house. It’s that good! If you prefer, grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking in a skillet. —Fran MacMillan, West Melbourne, Florida

23/30

Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota

24/30

Day 24: Italian Chicken Chardonnay

One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. I altered a skillet dish that my family likes, creating this delicious slow-cooker meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight but nice enough for company, too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

25/30

An easy marinade gives these chops lots of flavor, the crumb coating packs on crunch and Brussels sprouts add nutrition! —Char Ouellette, Colton, Oregon

26/30

Day 26: Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers

My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

27/30

Day 27: Turkey Meat Loaf

I first made this recipe when my husband and I had to start watching our diet. Since then, I’ve been asked to make my turkey meat loaf many times. —Ruby Rath, New Haven, Indiana

28/30

Day 28: One-Pot Unstuffed Cabbage

Here is one of my favorite ways to cook and enjoy cabbage. It has all the good flavor of regular cabbage rolls, but it’s a lot less bother to make. In fact, it’s a one-pot meal! —Mrs. Bernard Snow, Lewiston, Michigan

29/30

Day 29: Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa

Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois

30/30

Day 30: Zucchini Crust Pizza

My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario

Carrie is a health writer and nurse who specializes in healthy eating and wellness through food. With a master’s degree in public health from the Medical College of Wisconsin, she strives to translate the latest health and nutrition research into interesting, actionable articles. During her six years at Taste of Home, Carrie has answered hundreds of reader questions about health and nutrition, such as if pomegranate seeds are safe to eat, why pregnant women crave pickles and how much caffeine is in a shot of espresso. Carrie is also a former health coach and food blogger.