10+ Low Cholesterol Recipes for Heart-Healthy Living

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Low cholesterol recipes can be both delicious and satisfying. By focusing on fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods, you can create meals that not only taste great but also support your well-being.

Incorporating low cholesterol dishes into your meal plan is a great way to make positive changes. You’ll discover that these recipes can enhance your cooking skills while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Enjoy exploring a variety of flavors and textures as you prepare meals that are good for your heart and your taste buds.

1) Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic-roasted Brussels sprouts are a tasty and healthy side dish. They are low in cholesterol, making them a great addition to your meals. The combination of balsamic vinegar and honey adds both sweetness and tang.

To prepare, start by washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will help them roast nicely and enhance their flavor.

You can roast them at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 30 minutes. As they cook, the sprouts become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Adding balsamic vinegar near the end raises the flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts.
3. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway.
6. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey before serving.

2) Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup that is both hearty and healthy. This dish combines pasta, beans, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s perfect for a filling meal without adding too much cholesterol.

You can use whole wheat pasta and lots of vegetables to keep it nutritious. Beans add protein and fiber, making this dish satisfying and good for your heart.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 ribs of celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole wheat pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add beans, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.

3) Oven-Baked Salmon

Oven-baked salmon is a simple and healthy meal. It is low in cholesterol and packed with flavor. You can make it with just a few ingredients.

To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon juice for extra flavor.

Bake the salmon for about 12-15 minutes. You want it to flake easily with a fork when done. Serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets.
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky.

4) Lemon-Herb Salmon with Caponata & Farro

Lemon-Herb Salmon with Caponata and Farro is a delicious dish that’s perfect for a low-cholesterol meal. The combination of fresh ingredients makes it not only tasty but also healthy.

This recipe features wild salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The caponata adds a colorful mix of vegetables, while farro provides fiber and protein.

You can customize the vegetables to suit your taste. This flexibility makes it a great meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pounds wild salmon
• 1 medium eggplant, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 summer squash, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, mix the eggplant, bell pepper, squash, and onion.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.
4. Add the salmon, lemon juice, and zest. Bake for another 15 minutes.
5. Serve with farro on the side.

5) Spiced Chickpea Salad

This Spiced Chickpea Salad is a tasty and healthy choice. Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, making them great for heart health.

You can add fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes for added crunch. A simple lemon vinaigrette brings all the flavors together.

This salad is easy to make and perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It’s delicious served alone or with pita chips for extra texture.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley), chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a smaller bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving.

6) Mushroom Udon Noodle Bowl

This tasty Mushroom Udon Noodle Bowl is both filling and healthy. It uses thick, chewy udon noodles, which make a great base for the dish.

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables. Try zucchini, spinach, or even bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

The broth is rich and savory, perfect for a cozy meal. You can make it quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces udon noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add zucchini and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and soy sauce.
6. Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked noodles and stir gently.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

7) Poached Sole Julienne

Poached Sole Julienne is a light and delicious dish perfect for a low-cholesterol diet. The fish is tender and absorbs flavors well, making it a favorite for many.

You’ll need fresh sole fillets for this recipe. The cooking process helps keep the fish moist while adding a hint of seasoning. Pair it with vegetables to boost nutrition.

Ingredients

• 4 sole fillets
• 2 carrots, cut into thin strips
• 1 zucchini, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, place the carrots and zucchini on the bottom.
2. Add the vegetable broth and lemon juice.
3. Season the broth with salt and pepper.
4. Place the sole fillets on top of the vegetables.
5. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes (165°F/74°C) until the fish is opaque.

8) Cinnamon Porridge with Banana & Berries

Cinnamon porridge with banana and berries is a tasty way to start your day. It’s warm, comforting, and low in cholesterol, making it a great breakfast choice.

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. You can customize it with your favorite fruits. Bananas add natural sweetness, while berries bring in vitamins and fiber.

This recipe is easy to prepare. You simply cook the oats with milk and spices, then top it with fresh fruit.

Ingredients

• 100g porridge oats
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 450ml milk (or water)
• 1 banana, sliced
• Handful of berries (strawberries or blueberries)
• 4 tsp demerara sugar (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine oats, cinnamon, and milk.
2. Heat over medium until it boils, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Serve topped with sliced banana, berries, and sugar if desired.

9) Edamame & Chilli Dip with Crudités

This Edamame & Chilli Dip is a tasty treat for your low cholesterol meals. It combines creamy yogurt with healthy soybeans and a kick of spice. This dip is perfect for snacking with fresh veggies.

Start by cooking 300 grams of frozen soya beans in boiling water for about 4 minutes. Drain the beans and cool them under cold running water.

In a blender, mix the cooked edamame with 150 grams of low-fat natural yogurt, one chopped red chilli, the juice of one lime, and one crushed garlic clove. Blend until smooth.

Serve this dip with crudités like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers for a crunchy snack.

Ingredients

• 300g frozen soya beans
• 150g low-fat natural yogurt
• 1 red chilli, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove, crushed

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil soya beans for 4 minutes.
2. Drain and cool the beans.
3. Blend with yogurt, chilli, lime juice, and garlic.
4. Serve with fresh vegetables.

10) Chinese-Style Chicken Cutlets

Chinese-style chicken cutlets are a delicious and healthy dish. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a great choice for a low cholesterol meal.

You can use skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Marinade the chicken in a mix of soy sauce and ginger to enhance the flavor.

Then, coat the cutlets in a light layer of cornstarch before frying them. This will give them a nice crunch without adding extra fat.

Serve these cutlets with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• 2 skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Cooking oil spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat. This is about 350°F or 175°C.
2. Mix soy sauce and ginger in a bowl. Then, marinade chicken for 15 minutes.
3. Coat chicken in cornstarch.
4. Spray skillet with oil. Then, cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.