15 Best Heart-Healthy Cookbooks: Top Cardiac Diet Recipes for Beginners

Discover the best heart-healthy cookbooks with easy recipes for beginners. Enjoy low-fat, heart-smart meals for a healthy diet & better heart health.

By Muhiuddin Alam

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Last Update: April 12, 2025

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A heart-healthy cookbook is your guide to eating delicious, nutritious meals that help improve your heart health.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this cookbook has simple recipes to help you create low-fat, low-sodium meals.

With tips from the American Heart Association, it offers the best recipes for maintaining a heart-smart diet.

From hearty soups to easy desserts, this cookbook includes everything you need to reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and prevent heart disease.

You'll find easy-to-follow recipes for cooking with healthy ingredients, like vegetables and whole grains, to help you feel your best.

This heart-healthy cookbook is perfect for anyone looking to cook for a healthier heart, avoid heart attacks, and keep your body strong and energized.

15 Best Heart-Healthy Cookbooks: Top Cardiac Diet Recipes for Beginners

Best Heart-Healthy Recipe Books for Beginners: Easy Recipes and Diet Cookbooks for Cardiac Health

Not sure what to make for dinner tonight? Try my Homemade Simple, Healthy, Hearty, Creamy Chili. Or read my blog for my top 15 favorite heart-healthy cookbooks.

Based on scientific concepts and spreading nutrition and health, it is time to talk about health with friends.

Everyone knows that the heart is a very important organ in our body. If it loses its health, its life will be seriously threatened.

According to the survey, 62% of people over 40 in the world already have heart disease or risk factors to varying degrees, and 80% of them have not yet fully understood how to maintain heart health.

Over the last few weeks, I have learned a lot about the heart-healthy cookbook.

Here are my 15 heart-healthy recipe books.

1. The 30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook by Cheryl Strachan RD

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Food is a critical driver of heart health, and this heart-healthy cookbook helps you take the wheel. The 30-Minute Heart Healthy Cookbook is full of simple, quick, and satisfying meals the whole family will love.

Meal planning tips, a grocery shopping guide, and at-a-glance food charts make it easy to prepare nutritious, low-sodium meals.

Many recipes call for just five ingredients, and all are designed for efficiency, perfect for when you’re short on time or energy.

2. The DASH Diet Action Plan by Marla Heller

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Finally, the #1 ranked Dash diet is popularized and user-friendly. Unlike any diet before it, DASH, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, came out of groundbreaking NIH-funded research.

Now, Marla Heller, MS, RD, who was trained by one of the primary architects of the DASH diet and is herself the leading dietician putting DASH into action for over ten years, shares the secret to making the diet easy and accessible, in The Dash Diet Action Plan.

3. The South Beach Diet Supercharged by Arthur Agatston M.D.

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Five years ago, with the publication of The South Beach Diet, renowned Miami cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston set out to change the way America eats. Now he has an even more ambitious goal: to change the way America lives by helping Americans become fitter as well as thinner and healthier . . . for life.

In the all-new The South Beach Diet Supercharged, Dr. Agatston shows you how to rev up your metabolism and lose weight faster while following the proven healthy eating principles of the original diet: choose good carbs, good fats, lean protein, and low-fat dairy.

Collaborating with Dr. Joseph Signorile, a professor of exercise physiology at the University of Miami, Dr. Agatston presents a cutting-edge, three-phase workout that perfectly complements the three phases of the diet itself.

Based on the latest exercise science, this ease-into-it fitness program combines low- and high-intensity interval exercise (with a focus on walking) and functional core body-toning exercises. The result: You'll look fitter and you'll burn more fat and calories all day―even at rest.

4. Vegan Fire & Spice by Robin Robertson

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Spice up your life! - Take a trip around the world with delicious, mouth-watering, meatless, dairy-free, and egg-free recipes ranging from mildly spiced to nearly incendiary.

Explore the spicy vegan cuisines of the U.S., South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, and Asia with:

Red-Hot White Bean Chili
Vindaloo Vegetables
Moroccan Tagine
Spicy Szechuan Noodles
Jambalaya
Thai Coconut Soup
Penne Arrabbiata
Satays with Ginger Peanut Sauce

5. Recipe Rehab by Everyday Health

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In Recipe Rehab, you’ll discover 80 rehabbed classics from TV chefs such as Spike Mendelsohn, Candice Kumai, and Aida Mollenkamp.

Indulge in all of the foods you love to eat—from Mexican food such as tacos and nachos to Chinese take-out favorites, satisfying burgers, and carb-lovers pasta picks.

These over-the-top dishes have all been transformed into meals that are healthy for the whole family, and simple for the busy home cook.

In Recipe Rehab, you’ll find recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even appetizers, snacks, and desserts—plus tips for rehabbing your own family recipes.

With nutritious kid-friendly dishes such as Chicken Drumsticks and Fish and Chips; party-worthy snacks that range from Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs to Creamy Kale and Artichoke Dip; and decadent desserts, like chocolate cupcakes and Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting; Recipe Rehab is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

6. American Heart Association Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook by the American Heart Association

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Eat wisely, and eat well.

The nation’s most trusted authority on heart-healthy living presents the fourth edition of this classic cookbook, with the most up-to-date information on heart health and nutrition—including the effects of saturated and trans fats and cholesterol—and 50 exciting new recipes.

American Heart Association Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol Cookbook offers more than 200 delicious, easy-to-prepare dishes, including:

Fresh Basil and Kalamata Hummus
Elegant Beef Tenderloin
Tilapia Tacos with Fresh Salsa
Garlic Chicken Fillets in Balsamic Vinegar
Peppery Beef with Blue Cheese Sauce
Thai Coconut Curry with Vegetables
Sweet Potatoes in Creamy Cinnamon Sauce
Pumpkin-Pie Coffeecake
Streusel-Topped Blueberry Bars
Key Lime Tart with Tropical Fruit

The perfect companion for today’s healthy cook, this indispensable cookbook will help you put delicious food on the table and make the best choices for your heart’s health.

7. The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook by Rockridge Press

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The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook makes it easy to transition to a Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest diets in the world, with 150 Mediterranean diet recipes that are delicious and easy to follow.

These healthy recipes use fresh, whole foods that are low in carbohydrates and fats, and naturally high in disease-fighting phytonutrients and antioxidants.

The Mediterranean diet plan is full of flavorful foods that are scientifically proven to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Let The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook change your diet forever with:

150 Savory Recipes for delicious breakfasts, salads, soups, seafood and meat dishes, snacks, desserts, and more
Healthful Ingredients and super-foods packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber
Detailed information on how a Mediterranean diet can help you lose weight, feel better, and drastically improve your heart health
Recipes include Chicken Marsala, Italian Breaded Shrimp, Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Greek Kebabs, Baked Ziti, and much more!

The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook: A Mediterranean Cookbook with 150 Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes will show you how to live and eat healthfully on a Mediterranean diet, without sacrificing flavor.

8. Cooking A La Heart by Linda Hachfeld

Delicious Heart-Healthy Recipes to Reduce Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

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A heart-healthy lifestyle is an all-healthy lifestyle! Not only can the recommendations found in this book help your heart stay fit, but they can also help you live longer and enjoy those added years in good health.

Learn how to adopt lifestyle habits to protect your heart; downsize meals and still feel satisfied; distinguish good fats from bad fats and select eco-healthy Fish, high in Omega-3 fats.

Research shows that we can lower our heart disease risk by as much as 82 percent by adopting sensible health habits. Cooking A La Heart features over 400 recipes (in a lay-flat binding. DASH Diet guidelines and Mediterranean eating plan is emphasized throughout each recipe section.

Packed with Tips to avoid calorie creep, reduce sodium, and curb your sweet tooth. Plus, seven days' worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.

All recipes have nutrient analysis including calories, protein, carb, fat, sat fat, cholesterol, Omega-3, sodium, fiber, carb choices, and diabetic exchanges. All recipes are low sat fat, and no trans fat, with emphasis on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy.

Principles of heart-healthy living from the experts included in the first chapter to guide the reader through maintaining a healthy weight, exercise benefits, choosing a diet for good health, important heart-health numbers to know, how to increase fiber, how to use less sugar, reduce sodium, and the story behind alcohol helping or hindering good health.

Recipes are categorized into twelve chapters: Appetizers, Dips & Beverages; Bread; Salads; Dressings & Sauces; Grains, Pasta & Legumes; Poultry; Meat; Soups, Sandwiches & Pizza; Seasonings; and Fruit Desserts & More.

Cooking A La Heart was featured in the romantic comedy, Once Around a starring role! This book has gone to Hollywood and co-starred with Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Danny Aiello, and Gena Rowlands.

9. Diabetes and Heart Healthy Cookbook by AHA

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Diabetes puts people at a very high risk of having a heart attack or stroke. To address this problem, the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association created a heart-healthy cookbook for people with diabetes.

Now, it's back in an all-new and expanded edition, including new recipes, twists on previous favorites, updated meal-planning advice, and a beautiful new design.

It's truly a one-of-a-kind cookbook packed with delicious recipes people will genuinely enjoy! Every recipe is low-fat, carb-controlled, and sodium-conscious. Most importantly, every recipe tastes great.

Recipes include everything from appetizers and breakfasts to dinners and desserts. With cardiovascular disease ranking number one on the list of diabetes-related complications, this is the must-have cookbook for anyone who wants to pump up his or her heart health! And it's great for those with prediabetes or people just looking to eat heart-healthier, too.

The original Diabetes and Heart Healthy Cookbook was a bestseller and a reader favorite. With new and updated recipes and an all-new look, this new edition is better than ever.

10. American Heart Association Around the World Cookbook by the American Heart Association

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Bringing together heart-healthy, delicious recipes with international flair, the American Heart Association Around the World Cookbook takes you on a guided tour of the best dishes of many of the world's cuisines.

By adopting the best-loved dishes from Italy, France, Asia, Greece, the Caribbean, Germany, the Middle East, and more, the AHA lets you savor the delicious flavor of old favorites and innovative, exotic dishes without all the fat, cholesterol, sodium, and calories that can sabotage your health.

Charming illustrations, lots of cook tips, and two glorious, full-color photo sections will help you bring these wonderful recipes to life. Special sections on planning and shopping for meals, dining out, cooking healthfully, and putting together menus will help you get the most out of your global culinary tour.

Whether you're looking for breakfast alternatives, tasty soups, and salads, hearty entrees, special holiday appetizers, or decadent desserts, you'll find a wide variety of tasty options sure to delight.

With this latest offering from the bestselling AHA cookbook library, you can enjoy palate-pleasing fettuccine Alfredo, guilt-free mushroom strudel, delightful cannoli cream, and delectable honey-rum mango sauce: proof that good taste and good health can go together.

11. The Healthy Seniors Cookbook by Marilyn McFarlane

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Enjoying great food doesn't stop during your senior years! Coming up with a tasty, nutritious meal is now easier than ever with The Healthy Seniors Cookbook.

Whether cooking for yourself, your spouse, or visiting grandchildren, this book features an easy-to-read, easy-to-use format that provides flavorful meals and simple, fast cooking methods.

The book includes:

Over 190 delicious recipes for cooking everything from soups and main courses to desserts Helpful hints on shopping, cooking, and fitness to make your dining experience more enjoyable.
A six-week plan of menus offering variety every day of the week.
A wide selection of low sodium and low cholesterol recipes Specific recipes that are fun to prepare and share with grandchildren Recipes that have been reviewed by specialists in geriatric nutrition Light or hearty menu alternatives Favorite dishes contributed by several senior chefs.

12. Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook by James E. King

Delicious And Nutritious Recipes for Healthy Living (Healthy Eating Made Easy)

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Ready to nourish your heart and embrace a healthy lifestyle with mouthwatering vegetarian meals? Look no further than the "Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook"!

With this essential guide, you'll discover a world of delicious and nutritious recipes designed to support your heart health and promote overall well-being.

Packed with expert advice and flavorful dishes, this cookbook is the ultimate resource for anyone seeking to prioritize their heart health without compromising on taste.

From vibrant salads and hearty soups to satisfying mains and guilt-free desserts, you'll find a wide variety of recipes that will delight your taste buds while taking care of your heart.

Don't settle for bland and uninspired meals when you can savor the flavors of a heart-healthy vegetarian diet. With the "Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Cookbook" in hand, you can embark on a delicious journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

13. The Heart Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook by Hari Pulapaka

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101 Recipes for Cardiac Recovery, Reversing Heart Disease and Lowering Blood Pressure

The Heart Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook features over 125 easy, oil-free, and salt-free recipes optimized not only to prevent and reverse heart disease but for delicious flavors as well.

Written by lifestyle medicine expert Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka and professional chef Hari Pulapaka, The Heart Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook combines food expertise with medical knowledge to create an essential collection of recipes so flavorful, that it's almost impossible to tell they are good for you.

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the US. Research has found that a plant-based, low-sodium, low-fat, oil-free diet coupled with exercise not only reduces one's risk but is also an important element in recovery.

The Heart Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook includes recipes divided into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert as well as pantry staples, special seasoning blends, soups, and sauces.

Sample recipes include:

Blueberry and Oats Pancakes
Sweet Potato, Kale, and Mushroom Scramble
Roasted Vegetable Tikka Masala Curry
Quinoa, Garbanzo, Corn, and Spinach Pilaf
Rapini, Garlic, and White Bean Soup-Plantain and Lima Bean Mofong
Green Chile and Corn Chowder
Plus a primer on key habits for a healthier heart

14. Healthy Heart, Healthy Planet by Dr. Cathi Misquitta

Delicious Plant-Based Recipes and Tips to Reduce Heart Disease, Lose Weight, and Preserve the Environment

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After a heart attack scare at the age of forty, physician Rajiv Misquitta and his pharmacist wife, Cathi, set out to find ways to change their lifestyle to ensure they lived long enough to see their children grow up.

Learning that roughly six hundred thousand people in the United States die annually from heart disease, Rajiv researched the medical literature and discovered that a low-fat vegan diet can actually reverse heart disease as well as help people lose weight—not to mention have a positive impact on the ecosystem.

Finding existing vegetarian and vegan cookbooks less than satisfying, Cathi developed her own vegan recipes. Compiled and presented here is a bountiful collection of more than one hundred heart-healthy, eco-friendly, everyday vegan recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner—and even snacks.

Inspired by cuisines from around the world, the recipes include plenty of protein-rich grains and legumes as well as seasonal variations for a balanced diet that’s in tune with nature.

In addition, the book provides advice on transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, and each chapter offers an eco-friendly kitchen tip. With weekly sample menus and grocery lists, Healthy Heart, Healthy Planet delivers both inspiration and empowerment for anyone who desires to live a healthy life and ensure a healthy planet.

15. The Cardiac Recovery Cookbook by M. Laurel Cutlip LN RD

Heart Healthy Recipes for Life After Heart Attack or Heart Surgery

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Best cookbook after heart attack and Help your heart by eating right:

Over 100 easy and delicious recipes for cardiac patients on the road to having a healthier, stronger heart

If you are looking to eat healthier and still enjoy mealtime, open your kitchen to The Cardiac Recovery Cookbook.

This indispensable companion to The Cardiac Recovery Handbook contains over 100 quick, easy, and delicious recipes, all approved by the National Institutes of Health, to help cardiac patients eat well on the road to wellness.

Whether you want a quick meal, a nutritious dinner, or a heart-healthy dessert, this book is packed with great-tasting recipes the whole family can enjoy.

All the recipes are reduced in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and come complete with detailed nutritional information. Eat to your heart’s content with The Cardiac Recovery Cookbook.