52 Heart-Healthy Dinner Recipes That Don't Taste Like Diet Food

Protect your ticker while enjoying a delicious meal.

21 March, 2018
52 Heart-Healthy Dinner Recipes That Don't Taste Like Diet Food

Protect your ticker while enjoying a delicious meal.

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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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2Shrimp 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.

Get the recipe.

Grilled Fish Tacos

Pineapples give this healthy taco recipe a little something sweet.

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3Grilled Fish Tacos

Pineapples give this healthy taco recipe a little something sweet.

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Ravioli with No-Cook Tomato Sauce

Low-sodium smashed and puréed tomato sauce makes these cheesy ravioli better for you.

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4Ravioli with No-Cook Tomato Sauce

Low-sodium smashed and puréed tomato sauce makes these cheesy ravioli better for you.

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Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips

Packed with good-for-you spices, these turkey patties, topped with a sweet and crunchy apple and cabbage slaw, are a healthful way to get your burger fix in.

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5Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips

Packed with good-for-you spices, these turkey patties, topped with a sweet and crunchy apple and cabbage slaw, are a healthful way to get your burger fix in.

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Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette

Skip the tortillas and chicken fajitas become way healthier.

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6Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette

Skip the tortillas and chicken fajitas become way healthier.

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Grilled Watermelon Salad with Steak and Tomatoes

Bet you didn't think steak (yep!) could be good for your heart, did ya?

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7Grilled Watermelon Salad with Steak and Tomatoes

Bet you didn't think steak (yep!) could be good for your heart, did ya?

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Pasta With Walnut Pesto and Peas

Dry white wine and lemon give this nutty pesto-covered farfalle and peas an added kick.

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8Pasta With Walnut Pesto and Peas

Dry white wine and lemon give this nutty pesto-covered farfalle and peas an added kick.

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Leek and Lemon Linguine

Heart-healthy whole wheat pasta excites the taste buds with lemon zest and fresh leeks.

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9Leek and Lemon Linguine

Heart-healthy whole wheat pasta excites the taste buds with lemon zest and fresh leeks.

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Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Switch out your noodle base for a squash option the next time you make lasagna. 

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10Lasagna-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Switch out your noodle base for a squash option the next time you make lasagna. 

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Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pork with Spinach Rice

This slow cooker recipe is as much a time saver as it is a flavor powerhouse.

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11Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pork with Spinach Rice

This slow cooker recipe is as much a time saver as it is a flavor powerhouse.

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Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas

These pita sandwiches, stuffed to the brim with healthy goodies, are as healthy as it gets.

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12Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas

These pita sandwiches, stuffed to the brim with healthy goodies, are as healthy as it gets.

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Sweet and Sour Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Looks like Chinese take-out right? That's what we were going for — but healthier, more affordable and, if you ask us, way tastier. 

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13Sweet and Sour Pork and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Looks like Chinese take-out right? That's what we were going for — but healthier, more affordable and, if you ask us, way tastier. 

Get the recipe.

Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw

Swapping out bread crumbs for sesame seeds makes this chicken dinner way healthier.

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14Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw

Swapping out bread crumbs for sesame seeds makes this chicken dinner way healthier.

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Beef and Broccoli

Skip the takeout and whip up this favorite in your own kitchen.

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15Beef and Broccoli

Skip the takeout and whip up this favorite in your own kitchen.

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Cod with Crispy Green Beans

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

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16Cod with Crispy Green Beans

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

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Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad

Load up a baked potato with tons of heart-healthy ingredients.

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17Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad

Load up a baked potato with tons of heart-healthy ingredients.

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Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas

Mexican goes meatless with these sweet and smoky vegetarian fajitas.

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18Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas

Mexican goes meatless with these sweet and smoky vegetarian fajitas.

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Shrimp and Garlicky Tomatoes with Kale Couscous

Go Mediterranean with these easy shrimp foil packets.

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19Shrimp and Garlicky Tomatoes with Kale Couscous

Go Mediterranean with these easy shrimp foil packets.

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Turkey Meatball Gyro

Go Greek with this easy dinner idea.

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20Turkey Meatball Gyro

Go Greek with this easy dinner idea.

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Grilled Pork Chops with Plum and Bok Choy

Juicy plums lend sweetness to this savory supper.

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21Grilled Pork Chops with Plum and Bok Choy

Juicy plums lend sweetness to this savory supper.

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Seared Tilapia with Spiralized Zucchini

This easy and delicious fish dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

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22Seared Tilapia with Spiralized Zucchini

This easy and delicious fish dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

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Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice

Typical chicken gets a boost from Asian-inspired ingredients like ginger and cilantro.

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23Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice

Typical chicken gets a boost from Asian-inspired ingredients like ginger and cilantro.

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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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24Yogurt-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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Steak and Snow Pea Salad with Oranges and Edamame

A delicious 20-minute meal you'll feel great about eating.

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25Steak and Snow Pea Salad with Oranges and Edamame

A delicious 20-minute meal you'll feel great about eating.

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Cumin-Spiced Lamb with Carrot and Radish Salad

To make strips, angle the carrot on the cutting board and use a vegetable peeler to shave ribbons from top to bottom. Rotate every few peels.

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26Cumin-Spiced Lamb with Carrot and Radish Salad

To make strips, angle the carrot on the cutting board and use a vegetable peeler to shave ribbons from top to bottom. Rotate every few peels.

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Pesto Salmon Burgers with Asparagus and Tomato Salad

You can make this dish ahead of time! Form patties and freeze for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen at 425 degrees F until warm and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

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27Pesto Salmon Burgers with Asparagus and Tomato Salad

You can make this dish ahead of time! Form patties and freeze for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen at 425 degrees F until warm and cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

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Herbed Pork Medallions

Rosemary and parsley flavor this heart-healthy meal of roasted pork tenderloin and veggies.

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28Herbed Pork Medallions

Rosemary and parsley flavor this heart-healthy meal of roasted pork tenderloin and veggies.

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Tarragon-Citrus–Crusted Salmon

Baked and not fried, panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) gives this salmon a delicious crispy coating.

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29Tarragon-Citrus–Crusted Salmon

Baked and not fried, panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) gives this salmon a delicious crispy coating.

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Scallops with Lemon

Velvety sea scallops are delectable on their own, but this recipe takes them to another level: The succulent seafood is sautéed in a rich, butter-based sauce made with garlic and lemon zest.

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30Scallops with Lemon

Velvety sea scallops are delectable on their own, but this recipe takes them to another level: The succulent seafood is sautéed in a rich, butter-based sauce made with garlic and lemon zest.

Get the recipe.

Tuscan Bass with Squash and Beans

No sides are needed for this filling and colorful fish dish, with striped bass atop a mix of cannellini beans, tomato sauce, rosemary, onion, squash and garlic.

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31Tuscan Bass with Squash and Beans

No sides are needed for this filling and colorful fish dish, with striped bass atop a mix of cannellini beans, tomato sauce, rosemary, onion, squash and garlic.

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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

Traditional stir-fry may be low in fat, but it's also laden with sodium. Lighten things up with this version, which uses a zesty blend of apricot jam, fresh ginger, vinegar and red pepper flakes.

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32Sweet and Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

Traditional stir-fry may be low in fat, but it's also laden with sodium. Lighten things up with this version, which uses a zesty blend of apricot jam, fresh ginger, vinegar and red pepper flakes.

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Halibut with Spinach, Oranges and Olives

Since it's packed with protein and under 300 calories, it's hard to find a recipe that's more filling or healthy.

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33Halibut with Spinach, Oranges and Olives

Since it's packed with protein and under 300 calories, it's hard to find a recipe that's more filling or healthy.

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Seared Pork Chops with Lentil and Apple Salad

This new twist on the classic combination of pork chops and apples comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a hearty and healthy weeknight meal!

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34Seared Pork Chops with Lentil and Apple Salad

This new twist on the classic combination of pork chops and apples comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a hearty and healthy weeknight meal!

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Steak with Lentil and Grapefruit Salad

Prep this salad 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.

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35Steak with Lentil and Grapefruit Salad

Prep this salad 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.

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Mediterranean Chicken Pitas

These quick chicken pitas are easy and healthy.

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36Mediterranean Chicken Pitas

These quick chicken pitas are easy and healthy.

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Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado and Pomegranate Salsa

Avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and will help you feel fuller longer. Even better, this dish comes out to less than $2 per serving.

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37Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado and Pomegranate Salsa

Avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and will help you feel fuller longer. Even better, this dish comes out to less than $2 per serving.

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Sweet and Smoky Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple and Peppers

Have leftovers? Make fried rice! Cut the vegetables and pork into smaller pieces and stir-fry until heated through. Add 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, then scramble a couple of eggs into the mixture. Sprinkle with sliced scallions.

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38Sweet and Smoky Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple and Peppers

Have leftovers? Make fried rice! Cut the vegetables and pork into smaller pieces and stir-fry until heated through. Add 1 1/2 cups cooked rice, then scramble a couple of eggs into the mixture. Sprinkle with sliced scallions.

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Soy-Glazed Salmon and Bok Choy

Bok choy has vitamin K, which helps your body use bone-building calcium.

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39Soy-Glazed Salmon and Bok Choy

Bok choy has vitamin K, which helps your body use bone-building calcium.

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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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40Kale 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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Corn, Zucchini and Jalapeno Spaghetti with Parmesan Crumbs

The parmesan brings a good amount of saltiness to open up taste buds and experience all the flavors.

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41Corn, Zucchini and Jalapeno Spaghetti with Parmesan Crumbs

The parmesan brings a good amount of saltiness to open up taste buds and experience all the flavors.

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Grilled Chicken Caprese

Adding chicken is a great way to turn a Caprese salad into a full-blown meal.

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42Grilled Chicken Caprese

Adding chicken is a great way to turn a Caprese salad into a full-blown meal.

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Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Spinach Quesadilla

Sweet potatoes are loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene, which keeps vision sharp and may fight off the common cold.

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43Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Spinach Quesadilla

Sweet potatoes are loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene, which keeps vision sharp and may fight off the common cold.

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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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44Chili-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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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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45Yellow 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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Beet, Tangerine and Steak Salad

You don't have to cut red meat from your diet: Portions and leaner cuts are key. Pairing steak with oranges and beets helps keep this salad light and refreshing, yet totally satisfying.

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46Beet, Tangerine and Steak Salad

You don't have to cut red meat from your diet: Portions and leaner cuts are key. Pairing steak with oranges and beets helps keep this salad light and refreshing, yet totally satisfying.

Get the recipe.

One-Pot Spaghetti Marinara

Make this decadent pasta without dirtying a bunch of pans.

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47One-Pot Spaghetti Marinara

Make this decadent pasta without dirtying a bunch of pans.

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Seared Salmon with Roasted Cauliflower

This hearty fish dinner is super filling and ready in no time at all.

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48Seared Salmon with Roasted Cauliflower

This hearty fish dinner is super filling and ready in no time at all.

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White Wine Mussels

Now you can eat mussels whenever you want, not just in restaurants or on vacations. Plus, each serving clocks in at less than 200 calories.

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49White Wine Mussels

Now you can eat mussels whenever you want, not just in restaurants or on vacations. Plus, each serving clocks in at less than 200 calories.

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Sticky Chicken with Scallion and Corn Rice

Enjoy this quick sticky chicken with a hearty serving of scallion corn rice.

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50Sticky Chicken with Scallion and Corn Rice

Enjoy this quick sticky chicken with a hearty serving of scallion corn rice.

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Greek Turkey Burgers

Looking for a healthy burger recipe? This one is super quick and easy to make, plus it's great for your heart.

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51Greek Turkey Burgers

Looking for a healthy burger recipe? This one is super quick and easy to make, plus it's great for your heart.

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Rosemary Skillet Pork Chops with Quick Braised Cabbage

Cooking these pork chops in a skillet makes a fast, fun, no-fuss dinner.

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52Rosemary Skillet Pork Chops with Quick Braised Cabbage

Cooking these pork chops in a skillet makes a fast, fun, no-fuss dinner.

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Ginger Dumpling Soup

Ginger helps fight inflammation such as arthritis, muscle soreness and migraines.

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53Ginger Dumpling Soup

Ginger helps fight inflammation such as arthritis, muscle soreness and migraines.

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