Hearty and Heart Healthy
February 4, 2026
By Gretchen Westdal Centers
By February, many New Year’s resolutions have fallen by the wayside. The beginning of the year can be busy, and the cold winter months have many yearning for comfort, so it’s no wonder only about 25% of people stay committed to their resolutions after 30 days. The good news? You can always start again — no matter the time of year!
February is American Heart Month, and it is a great time to make small, intentional choices that can lead to healthier outcomes. Don’t let a bygone resolution get you down. Set a goal to make one or two healthy recipes a week and celebrate the easy wins! We’ve rounded up easy heart-healthy recipes that deliver delicious, satisfying meals without sacrificing flavor.
Winter blues will be dashed away when you make these fresh and flavorful Pork Tenderloin Spring Roll Bowls. Pork tenderloin is an ideal protein because it’s healthy, easy to make and allows the flavors of other ingredients to shine through. Marinating the pork tenderloin in a blend of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce and other spices creates a layered, dynamic flavor profile. Once grilled to perfection, the pork sits atop light rice noodles, butter lettuce, carrots, pepper and cucumber for a dinner that’s both filling and fresh. Sprinkle with fresh mint for an additional flavor profile.
Heart Healthy? Pork tenderloin is low in fat and rich in nutrients that include potassium, thiamin, and B vitamins, earning it an American Heart Association Heart-Check certification.
Get the recipe here: Pork Tenderloin Spring Roll Bowls
You can have your cake — well, in this case, steak — and eat it too. Lean red meat, like the one found in this Beef Steak and Black Bean Soft Tacos dish, is a great option for when you’re craving beef but still want to watch your cholesterol. This recipe calls for bottom round steaks, which are a lean and affordable cut of beef that still offers a satisfying sear and flavor. With only 2.2 grams of saturated fat and 29 grams of protein per 3-oz serving, it is a balanced option that provides valuable nutrients. You’ll get the added nutritious benefits of fiber-rich black beans and the other veggie toppings that include avocado, lettuce and tomato.
Heart healthy? When you opt for lean cuts of red meat like round, sirloin, loin or extra-lean ground beef, you are choosing low-cholesterol options that are still flavorful and satisfying.
Get the recipe here: Beef Steak and Black Bean Soft Tacos
Getting in from a long day of work on a cold mid-winter night sometimes just calls for a bowl of creamy, indulgent Alfredo sauce pasta. You will still get all that cheesy goodness, but without some of the potential guilt, with this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce Pasta. The best thing? It’s done in under 30 minutes. Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are the stars of the show. They add a velvety quality to the dish, pack in protein and are lower in lactose, which can sometimes be troublesome for tummies with the traditional Alfredo. Add in some lean turkey sausage and fresh broccoli for a well-rounded dinner.
Heart healthy? Traditional Alfredo sauce will generally have around 30 grams of saturated fat per serving, compared to this recipe’s nutrition facts of around 4 to 8 grams, making it a better choice for those who want a lighter option.
Get the recipe here: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce Pasta
While sounding impressive, these Miso Glazed Air Fryer Salmon Bites come together in one easy dish that is perfect for weeknights or for a dinner party! The salmon is glazed in a savory miso paste, complemented by sweet honey, nutty sesame oil, zippy rice vinegar and bright lemon. When put in the air fryer, the glaze forms a delightful crisp while keeping the center tender and flavorful. Serving this over a bed of brown rice with edamame and cucumber makes the meal not only delicious but also colorful and refreshing on a winter night.
Heart healthy? Salmon is one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and can lower triglycerides and may even improve blood pressure. The miso paste, which is fermented soybean, contains isoflavones that have possible reductions in heart disease risk.
Get the recipe here: Miso Glazed Air Fryer Salmon Bites
With just a little bit of preparation, the Spicy Cauliflower Burger can make your meatless Monday gourmet. This takes humble ingredients like quinoa, cauliflower and egg, and transforms them into one savory and satisfying burger that is a heart-healthy take on a classic. By using pre-made quinoa and pre-riced cauliflower, this meal comes together in a flash, with the bit of spice coming from shredded pepperjack cheese. The egg binds it all together and adds protein to keep you full. Top it with lettuce, tomato and your favorite condiments, and add in some sweet potato fries for a full meal.
Heart healthy? Cauliflower and quinoa supply the fiber and antioxidants that help lower cholesterol and support a healthy heart, and the eggs provide protein without excessive saturated fats
Get the recipe here: Spicy Cauliflower Burger
If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for cozy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or meal-prep ahead of a busy week, this Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili fits the bill beautifully. With just about an hour of stovetop cooking, the hearty chili combines lean ground turkey with vibrant vegetables, beans and warming spices — and it practically makes itself once it’s simmering.
Heart Healthy? It’s a nutrient-dense soup that has heart-healthy aspects from nearly every ingredient. Ground turkey provides protein without added saturated fats. Black and kidney beans are full of fiber that helps lower LDL — the bad — cholesterol, and the medley of vegetables delivers vitamins, minerals and nutrients that support metabolic health.
Get the recipe here: Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili