22 Heart-Healthy Dinners to Fight Inflammation

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

Some inflammation in our bodies is necessary and can even be a healthy response to injuries and infections. But long-term, low-grade inflammation—often referred to as chronic inflammation—may increase your risk of stroke and chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. Luckily, these flavor-packed dinners feature anti-inflammatory ingredients like sweet potatoes, avocados, leafy greens, fish and beans. Plus, each of these dishes is lower in saturated fat and sodium to help promote heart health. Recipes like our Tomato-Lentil Ratatouille Skillet and our Easy Salmon Cakes with Greens are so tasty, you'll want to make them regulars at your dinner table.

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French Lentil Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This hearty French lentil salad is packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a bright lemon-Dijon dressing. French green lentils hold their shape well, making them ideal for salads, while herbs add freshness and depth of flavor. It’s a satisfying make-ahead option for lunches or light dinners.

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02 of 22

Tomato-Lentil Ratatouille Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This one-skillet dish is inspired by classic ratatouille, combining tender vegetables with hearty lentils in a rich tomato base. Precooked lentils keep the recipe quick while adding plant-based protein and fiber. Finished with fresh herbs, it’s a satisfying, vegetable-forward entree that works well for weeknights.

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03 of 22

High-Protein Veggie Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This colorful, protein-packed salad combines black beans, fresh vegetables and a zesty lime dressing for a quick, satisfying meal. With fiber-rich beans, leafy greens and healthy fats from avocado oil, it delivers bold, fresh flavor in every bite.

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04 of 22

Easy Salmon Cakes with Greens

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

These easy salmon cakes are served with a simple salad for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal. Paired with a quick homemade vinaigrette, this dish comes together in under an hour and works well for both weeknights and casual lunches.

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05 of 22

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Chickpeas & Tomatoes

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

These stuffed sweet potatoes are topped with a savory chickpea and tomato mixture that cooks down to a thick, jammy consistency. A simple garlic-yogurt sauce adds creaminess and tang, balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

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06 of 22

Tomato, Cucumber & White Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey.

This fresh salad highlights crisp vegetables and creamy white beans tossed in a vibrant chive vinaigrette. Blending the dressing creates a smooth, herb-forward sauce that evenly coats every bite. Served over tender baby kale, this quick entree is light, satisfying and packed with plant-based nutrients.

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07 of 22

Chickpea, Beet & Cucumber Salad

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

In this colorful salad, earthy beets and hearty chickpeas are tossed with crisp cucumber, tender greens and nutty farro for a vibrant mix of texture and flavor in every bite. Enjoy it as a light vegetarian lunch or serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for an easy, make-ahead side.

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08 of 22

High-Protein Dill Chicken Orzo

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spolle.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spolle.

This one-pan dinner delivers on protein and flavor with tender chicken cutlets, whole-wheat orzo and wilted kale in a creamy, lemony herb sauce. Dill and scallions add fresh brightness, while a bold homemade spice blend brings the flavor.

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09 of 22

Sheet-Pan Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Green Beans

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This easy sheet-pan salmon dinner pairs roasted baby Yukon Gold potatoes with crisp-tender green beans for a simple all-in-one meal. A thyme and olive oil mixture infuses the salmon with bright flavor while finishing the vegetables with a light drizzle. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a satisfying option for busy weeknights.

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10 of 22

Green Goddess Chickpea Bowl

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This veggie-packed chickpea bowl features hearty chickpeas and quinoa topped with an herby green goddess dressing made creamy with Greek-style yogurt and avocado. It’s a satisfying vegetarian lunch or light dinner that delivers fiber, protein and fresh flavor in every bite.

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11 of 22

Easy Bean Salad With Herby Salsa Verde

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This refreshing bean salad gets a lift from a quick homemade salsa verde packed with fresh herbs, jalapeño and lime. A mix of creamy beans, crisp radishes and smoky corn makes it hearty enough for a light lunch or easy dinner.

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12 of 22

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This Sheet-Pan Balsamic Salmon & Asparagus is an easy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly. Salmon, asparagus and red onion roast in a savory balsamic-soy glaze with garlic and Dijon for a perfect balance of tangy and rich. Finish with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh touch.

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13 of 22

Swamp Soup

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This swamp soup, named for its vibrant green color, is made from a combination of spinach and parsley blended into a silky base, with fiber-rich white beans, shredded chicken and brown rice stirred in for a satisfying texture. A sprinkle of fried garlic and crushed red pepper adds savory crunch and gentle heat to each spoonful.

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14 of 22

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.

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15 of 22

Thai Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls

Credit: Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali
Credit: Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali

These Thai sweet chili salmon bowls are a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for two. For best results, use 1-inch-thick salmon pieces—thicker cuts may not cook fast enough, and the glaze can burn under the broiler. The salmon is served over fluffy rice with crisp coleslaw for crunch and balance. It’s a colorful bowl that hits all the sweet, spicy and savory notes.

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16 of 22

Chopped Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette, while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.

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17 of 22

Sheet-Pan Balsamic Chicken & Asparagus

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This chicken and asparagus recipe is a simple one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken cutlets are coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, roasting right alongside tender asparagus for an easy, well-balanced dinner. If you don’t have chicken cutlets on hand, you can easily make your own by slicing two 8-ounce chicken breasts in half horizontally. The thin cut ensures quicker, more even cooking, so everything on the sheet pan finishes at the same time for a fuss-free, delicious dinner.

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Marry Me White Bean Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for and pulls inspiration from Marry Me Chicken. Tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

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Sheet-Pan Chickpeas & Spring Veggies

Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.
Credit: Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

This sheet-pan dinner is a fresh way to celebrate the season. Chickpeas roast alongside tender vegetables on one baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze. Served over a creamy, tangy yogurt base, the warm veggies and chickpeas create a satisfying contrast that feels both comforting and light.

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20 of 22

5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.

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Honey Salmon with Potatoes & Spinach

Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

This honey salmon with potatoes and spinach is a quick, wholesome meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With only five ingredients (not counting oil, salt and pepper), this dish comes together fast without sacrificing flavor. The salmon is seared to a golden crust and glazed with honey for a sweet and savory finish. Tender roasted potatoes and garlicky spinach round out the plate. It’s a simple, nutritious dinner that feels special with minimal effort.

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Sheet-Pan Salmon & Shaved Brussels Sprouts

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

This sheet-pan salmon and Brussels sprouts recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Cooked entirely on one pan, this dish combines tender, flaky salmon with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, all brought together with a zesty lemon-roasted garlic drizzle. It’s quick, flavorful and makes cleanup a breeze—perfect for busy evenings!

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/heart-healthy-anti-inflammatory-dinner-recipes-11998219