Juicy chicken, fresh veggies, bright seasonings and more come together in these delicious, low-cholesterol dinner recipes.
1/16
Chicken Piccata Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
The classic chicken piccata entree is my favorite dish, but I wanted another way to have all the same flavors. These chicken piccata meatballs are the perfect solution, whether served alone or with a sauce like marinara or Buffalo! Serve over buttered noodles if you'd like, or stick toothpicks in them for appetizers. —Dawn Collins, Rowley, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 63 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
These chicken piccata meatballs are packed with lean protein from chicken. They cut saturated fat because they don’t use ground beef or pork like other meatball recipes. Enjoy a few meatballs on their own for a low-cholesterol snack or serve them over zucchini noodles for more nutrients.
2/16
Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie
From the Recipe Creator:
The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
This rich potpie recipe ditches the meat in place of hearty mushrooms and sweet potatoes. Both veggies are rich in fiber to help flush out LDL cholesterol. Serve with a small side salad for a comforting weeknight meal.
3/16
Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 251 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
Watching your cholesterol doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite foods. If you love Italian sausage, ditch the bun and opt for this veggie skillet instead. It cuts the sausage portion and ups the nutrients with zucchini, bell peppers and tomatoes.
4/16
Chickpea and Potato Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups chickpea mixture: 240 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein.
Meatless Monday anyone? This vegetarian curry is rich in fiber from chickpeas and potatoes. Cutting the meat means that it’s low in saturated fat as well. This meal freezes well too, so make a double batch and stock the freezer for a rainy day.
5/16
African Peanut Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 349 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 11g fiber), 10g protein.
If you’ve ever felt like vegetarian meals just do not fill you up, it’s time to add African peanut sweet potato stew to your dinner rotation. It is hearty and flavorful while satisfying your hunger. This stew is rich in fiber from sweet potatoes, chickpeas and kale.
6/16
Mushroom-Bean Bourguignon
From the Recipe Creator:
In our family, boeuf bourguignon has been a staple for generations. I wanted a meatless alternative. All this dish needs is a French baguette. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 234 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
Using hearty mushrooms instead of meat in your favorite dishes is a great way to stick to a low cholesterol diet. Mushrooms provide a meaty texture and flavor without the extra cholesterol and saturated fat. And the rich Bourguignon sauce is just icing on the cake.
7/16
Roast Chicken Breasts with Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a winner in our household. I’m in love with it, too, because this dish goes from start to finish in nearly no time. —Melissa Galinat, Lakeland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast with 2/3 cup peppers: 267 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Juicy roast chicken breasts topped with sweet bell peppers are beautiful enough to serve to guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight. The lean chicken cuts saturated fat, and the peppers provide extra fiber. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
8/16
Chickpea & Chipotle Tostadas
From the Recipe Creator:
I often take a not-so-healthy dish and create something good for my family. My young twins love colorful meals they can eat with their hands, and this one fits the bill. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 347 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 12g fiber), 12g protein.
Taco night is the perfect opportunity to experiment with meatless meals. Up your game with chickpea and chipotle tostadas. They are crunchy and rich while cutting saturated fat and cholesterol. They’re also high in fiber from the beans and fresh veggies.
9/16
Vegetarian Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco (calculated without optional toppings): 413 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 16g fiber), 17g protein.
Beans are a vegetarian’s best friend. They are rich in fiber and protein to keep you full and pack that hearty flavor that you’re craving. These vegetarian tacos are low in saturated fat yet high in flavor from jalapenos and chili powder.
10/16
Grilled Steak Kabobs
From the Recipe Creator:
Many times, I must come up with recipes requiring only ingredients already in my pantry. This is one of them. It's my husband's favorite meat dish. —Dolores, Lueken, Ferdinand, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 447 calories, 29g fat (6g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
11/16
Tuna Mushroom Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this dressed-up version of a tuna casserole. The green beans add nice texture, color and flavor. The first time I made this dish, my uncle asked for seconds even though tuna casseroles are not usually his favorite.
—Jone Furlong, Santa Rosa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 343 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
12/16
Ratatouille with Polenta
From the Recipe Creator:
If you only know Ratatouille as a kids’ movie, you’re in for a treat. Created in the Provence region of France, the dish features seasoned veggies sauteed in oil. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 195 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 vegetable, 2 starch, 1 fat.
This vegetarian meal has some serious staying power with sauteed veggies and hearty polenta. It’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol while keeping the flavor popping with garlic, parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
13/16
Easy Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Shepherd’s pie is great with leftover homemade mashed potatoes, but it’s tasty with ready-made mashed potatoes too. —Jennifer Early, East Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 302 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
This easy shepherd’s pie keeps saturated fat and cholesterol low with lean ground beef and plenty of veggies. Serve it with a side salad for the quickest comfort food recipe ever.
14/16
Tomato-Basil Baked Fish
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe works successfully with many kinds of fish, while the rest of the ingredients are things you’re likely to have on hand. Baked fish is so simple and so good for you. I make this often! —Annie Hicks, Zephyrhills, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 121 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Adding more fish to your meal plan is a great way to incorporate foods that lower cholesterol naturally. These fish fillets are flavored with lemon juice, dried herbs and fresh tomato slices. Serve with a side of roasted asparagus for a light dinner.
15/16
Minted Rice with Garbanzo Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
Fluffy flavored rice and tender beans in a well-seasoned, aromatic sauce make this easy, meatless main dish a fitting introduction to Indian cooking. —Jemima Madhavan, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 475 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 932mg sodium, 82g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
Meal prepping this week? This mint rice with garbanzo curry is just begging to be individually portioned into healthy lunches for the week. This vegetarian dish is low in cholesterol and saturated fat but packs fiber with garbanzo beans.
16/16
Tomato Walnut Tilapia
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 202 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Tilapia is low in cholesterol and rich in healthy fats, so it’s a great low-cholesterol fish for dinner. It’s quick to whip up too. Serve with a side of roasted veggies and quinoa for more fiber.
