30 Days of Heart-Healthy Dinners

Day 1: Mediterranean Chickpeas

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

Day 2: 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

Day 3: 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

Day 4: Feta Shrimp Skillet

On our honeymoon in Greece, my husband and I had a dish like this one. I tried to re-create the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back such wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York

Day 5: Caesar Salmon with Roasted Tomatoes & Artichokes

This recipe 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

Day 6: Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

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

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

Day 8: Cauliflower Soup

Every other cauliflower soup recipe I tried lacked flavor, but this cheesy recipe packs a tasty punch! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia

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

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

Day 11: Vegetarian Tacos

I wasn’t all that sure about trying a vegetarian recipe, especially with a meat-and-potatoes husband. However, this meal was so tasty that he absolutely raved over it! I’ve made it over and over, and even my young children enjoy it.—Mischelle Jewell, Clermont, Florida

Day 12: Margherita Chicken

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

Day 13: 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

Day 14: Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad

This pretty crowd-pleaser always stands out on the buffet table. With plenty of shrimp, artichoke hearts, olives, peppers and a host of herbs, it's a tasty change of pace from pasta salads. I serve it with a from-scratch vinaigrette. —Ginger Johnson, Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Day 15: Mushroom-Stuffed Turkey Tenderloins

I love this recipe because it looks beautiful, tastes delicious, and is a very healthy alternative to turkey and dressing! Turkey broth may be substituted if chicken broth is not available. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio

Day 16: 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

Day 17: 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

Day 18: 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

Day 19: 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

Day 20: Spaghetti Squash with Balsamic Vegetables and Toasted Pine Nuts

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

Day 21: Spinach-Pesto Spiral Chicken

The homemade pesto sets this main dish apart from the rest. Elegant enough for a special dinner but simple enough to a quiet evening at home, you can make this anytime. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia

Day 22: 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

Day 23: 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

Day 24: 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

Day 25: Tuna with Tuscan White Bean Salad

Once the tuna steaks hit the grill, do not move them around or they may tear. This recipe is for tuna that is still pink in the middle (medium-rare). Increase the cooking time for tuna that is more cooked through. —Vance E. Werner Jr., Franklin, Wisconsin

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

Day 27: Summertime Orzo & Chicken

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

Day 28: Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas

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

Day 29: Italian Chicken Chardonnay

One day I needed to have dinner ready when we walked in the door after work and school. So I altered a skillet dish that my family likes into this delicious slow-cooker meal, and it was ready and waiting when we got home. It's perfect for an everyday meal but nice enough for company, too. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

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