The Heart Doctor’s Kitchen
A Free Cookbook by Health Equity at Northwestern (HEN)
A heart-healthy cookbook with recipes that are delicious, low-cost, and easy to follow.
This cookbook was created by Northwestern students with guidance from a registered dietitian and cardiologists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made this cookbook?
Students at Northwestern University created it under the guidance of a registered dietitian and preventive cardiologists.
Is it available in other languages?
Right now, it is only in English. We're working on releasing a version soon.
Is it evidence-based?
Yes. All recipes follow DASH diet principles—a heart-healthy eating pattern recommended by the American Heart Association.
Can I share this with others?
Yes! This resource is free to use and share with patients, clinics, community organizations, or anyone else who might benefit.
Who is this cookbook for?
This cookbook was created for anyone looking to eat in a heart-healthy way—especially those managing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risk factors.
What’s the best way to print a recipe?
Scroll down to the Recipe Gallery. Just click on any recipe photo to download a high-quality version that’s easy to print.
A Fully Digital Resource
This cookbook is a fully digital resource. We do not sell or distribute printed copies in order to keep production costs at zero—and to ensure the book remains free for everyone. If you’d like a paper copy of any recipes, you’re welcome to download the book and print pages yourself.
Recipe Gallery and Additional Resources
Click on the photo of the recipe or resource you want to download.
Breakfasts
Berry Toast.
Baked Berry Oatmeal
Blueberry Oat Pancakes
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Apple and Peanut Butter Toast
Overnight Chia Pudding
Mushroom Spinach Frittata
Yogurt Bowls
Mains
Cabbage Rolls
Healthy Borscht
Tofu Bowl with Peanut Sauce
Lemon Tilapia
Apple Chicken Burger
Chicken Fajita Bowls
Beef Tacos
Vegetable Chicken Soup
Tofu Rancheros
Stuffed Turkey Loaf
Farro, Carrot, and Bean Salad
Quick and Easy Tuna Sandwich
Chicken Salad
Simple Spanish Rice
Cod and Veggies
Mushroom Barley Risotto
Roasted Chicken with Brown Rice and Vegetables
Roasted Turkey with Wild Rice
Apple Pork Chops with Asparagus and Cauliflower Mash
Polish Tomato Rice Soup
Snacks & Sides
Rosemary Olive Oil Popcorn
Fruit Salad
Crispy Edamame
Zucchini Soup
Hummus Crudite
Frozen Banana Bites
Kale Red Pepper Egg Bites
Stuffed Date Snicker Bars
Additional Resources
About Us
We’re a group of students united by a shared belief: good food can be a powerful tool for better health. This project began with Jenny Klein, the founder of Health Equity at Northwestern, whose volunteer work at a free clinic revealed how difficult it can be to eat a heart-healthy diet on a limited budget. Inspired to make a difference, we came together to create a resource that’s practical, affordable, and easy to use.
Every recipe was developed with input from registered dietitians and physicians, and brought to life by the creativity, care, and collaboration of our peers. The book is written at a fifth-grade reading level and includes step-by-step photos for each recipe, making it especially helpful for beginners, visual learners, or anyone looking for a clear, accessible guide to heart-healthy cooking.
This cookbook is for educational purposes and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes. For a full list of disclaimers, see page 8 of the book.
This cookbook is completely free to use and distribute for non-commercial purposes. Please do not sell, rebrand, or use it for profit. A formal copyright registration has been filed with the U.S. Copyright Office and is currently pending. Unauthorized commercial use—including resale or reproduction for profit—is prohibited and may result in legal action. Let’s keep this a free resource for all.