Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Special Diets
  3. Cholesterol Diet Center
  4. 16 Easy Dinner Recipes for a Healthy Cholesterol

16 Easy Dinner Recipes for a Healthy Cholesterol

Leah Goggins headshot
Leah Goggins Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD September 10, 2021
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas

Your cholesterol levels have a notable impact on your heart health. Factors like genetics and diet can cause high levels of low-density lipoproteins, sometimes called "bad cholesterol," to build up as plaque in your arteries. These recipes focus on foods that can boost your "good cholesterol," or high-density lipoproteins, like avocado, salmon, beans and more. These dinners also avoid foods high in saturated or trans fats, which can increase your "bad" cholesterol levels. Recipes like our Black Bean-Cauliflower "Rice" Bowl and Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas are delicious ways to support a healthy heart.

Start Slideshow

1 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

BBQ Shrimp with Garlicky Kale & Parmesan-Herb Couscous

6885400.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In the U.S., dry whole-wheat couscous has been partially cooked, making it a quick-cooking (5 minutes!) whole-grain weeknight dinner champ. And when you buy peeled shrimp, plus a bag of prechopped kale and bottled barbecue sauce, the savings in prep time helps to get this healthy dinner done in a jiff.

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Black Bean-Cauliflower "Rice" Bowl

Black Bean-Cauliflower "Rice" Bowl
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This aromatic cauliflower rice bowl comes together in minutes and is a simple meal for one. Using frozen riced cauliflower instead of rice keeps the carbs in check--and makes for quicker prep.

2 of 16

3 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mussels with White Beans & Tomatoes

a bowl of mussels with tomatoes and white beans
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cooking mussels may seem intimidating, but here we've made it quick and easy. We've added white beans to turn this classic mussels-in-white-wine-sauce dish into a heartier weeknight meal. Serve with whole-grain crusty bread to sop up the flavorful broth.

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

White Bean & Veggie Salad

White Bean & Veggie Salad
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This meatless main-dish salad combines creamy, satisfying white beans and avocado. Try mixing it up with different seasonal vegetables.

4 of 16

5 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pasta e Fagioli with Instant Ramen Noodles

8293681.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Quick sautéed vegetables, canned tomatoes, dried oregano and canned beans transform ramen noodle soup mix into this classic Italian favorite in minutes. To cut back on sodium, look for ramen varieties with less than 600 mg sodium per serving or use less of the seasoning packet.

5 of 16

6 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

7278532.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A rich, creamy topping made of mashed avocado, sour cream, lime juice and salt takes these spicy slow-cooker chicken tacos to the next level. Lightly toast the tortillas, if desired. Use any leftover avocado cream as a chip dip, and serve with tortilla chips.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas

6885403.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this vegetarian riff on a popular Indian dish, we swap in cauliflower and chickpeas for the chicken in tikka masala. The cauliflower's nooks and crannies are particularly good at soaking up all the intense flavors of the sauce. Serve over rice for an easy healthy dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes.

7 of 16

8 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon
Credit: Will Dickey
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Herby and bright pesto coats tender salmon fillets in this quick and healthy fish dish. Colorful cherry tomatoes burst and combine with shallots to complement the pesto in this fast and simple weeknight dinner.

8 of 16

9 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts

6599311.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this summery strawberry spinach salad alongside soup or a half sandwich, or top with grilled chicken or roasted salmon for a complete and easy healthy meal.

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Loaded Black Bean Nacho Soup

6184892.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Jazz up a can of black bean soup with your favorite nacho toppings, such as cheese, avocado and fresh tomatoes. A bit of smoked paprika adds a bold flavor kick, but you can swap in any warm spices you prefer, such as cumin or chili powder. Look for a soup that contains no more than 450 mg sodium per serving.

10 of 16

11 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Chickpeas & Spinach

Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Chickpeas & Spinach
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Simmer eggs in a rich tomatoey cream sauce studded with chickpeas and silky spinach for a super-fast vegetarian dinner. Serve with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Be sure to use heavy cream; a lower-fat option might curdle when mixed with acidic tomatoes.

11 of 16

12 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry

vegan chickpea coconut curry
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

To make this 20-minute vegan curry even faster, buy precut veggies from the salad bar at the grocery store. To make it a full, satisfying dinner, serve over cooked brown rice. When shopping for simmer sauce, look for one with 400 mg of sodium or less and check the ingredient list for cream or fish sauce if you want to keep this vegan. If you like a spicy kick, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end.

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos

4499626.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These hearty vegan tacos are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. They are so tasty no one will miss the meat or dairy.

13 of 16

14 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chickpea & Quinoa Grain Bowl

4548023.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It seems grain bowls have as many variations as there are stars in the sky, and there is no wrong way to build one! But we prefer to keep things classic and simple with hummus, quinoa, avocado and loads of veggies!

14 of 16

15 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rosemary Roasted Salmon with Asparagus & Potatoes

8087851.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yukon Golds are great here because they get crispy on the outside but completely creamy on the inside. A brush stroke or two of balsamic glaze provides a rich color and a sweet finish to the roasted salmon.

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry, Avocado & Arugula Salad

5565820.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This refreshing salad with fresh strawberries, creamy avocado and zesty arugula is the perfect appetizer or side dish for any summer meal.

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Leah Goggins

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 16 BBQ Shrimp with Garlicky Kale & Parmesan-Herb Couscous
    2 of 16 Black Bean-Cauliflower "Rice" Bowl
    3 of 16 Mussels with White Beans & Tomatoes
    4 of 16 White Bean & Veggie Salad
    5 of 16 Pasta e Fagioli with Instant Ramen Noodles
    6 of 16 Slow-Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema
    7 of 16 Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas
    8 of 16 Pesto Salmon
    9 of 16 Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado & Walnuts
    10 of 16 Loaded Black Bean Nacho Soup
    11 of 16 Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Chickpeas & Spinach
    12 of 16 Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry
    13 of 16 Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos
    14 of 16 Chickpea & Quinoa Grain Bowl
    15 of 16 Rosemary Roasted Salmon with Asparagus & Potatoes
    16 of 16 Strawberry, Avocado & Arugula Salad

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    16 Easy Dinner Recipes for a Healthy Cholesterol
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.