5 Heart Healthy Snack Recipes

Carrie Havranek

January 3, 2025

We love a good snack here at Clean Plates as much as the next person, and we recognize that snacks serve a purpose in our day-to-day health and wellness. The trick, of course, is to snack in a way that makes sense for your taste preferences and what your body requires; i.e., you need protein-filled snacks. But if you want to protect your heart health, for example, or you’re managing cardiovascular issues, you might benefit from these easy and tasty heart-healthy snacks.

Chocolate, Pumpkin, and Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Pumpkin isn’t just for pie, bread, or decoration—it’s also packed with heart-healthy nutrients. This autumn squash is a good source of beta carotene, which may offer protective benefits to the heart. You can whip up these energy balls in a jiffy and keep them on hand all week. If you have a peanut allergy, try swapping in almond or cashew butter. Sunflower butter is also a great alternative for those avoiding all tree nuts.

Try the recipe: Chocolate, Pumpkin, and Peanut Butter Energy Balls.

Kale Chips

Like other cruciferous veggies, kale shines when cooked at higher temperatures, such as roasting. Kale chips are a delicious way to sneak more dark, leafy greens into your system. Massaging kale with olive oil softens its tough fibers, making it tender and ready to absorb the flavors of your favorite herbs, spices, and salt. Once baked, the leaves transform into pleasantly crunchy kale chips. Nutrients like potassium, vitamins C and K, and omega-3 fatty acids make kale a heart-healthy snack.

Try the recipe: Kale Chips from Minimalist Baker.

Oyster Mushroom Jerky

At first glance, you might not necessarily think about jerky as a food that can bestow cardiovascular benefits. But if that jerky is made from a veggie? Different story. Take, for example, this oyster mushroom jerky, which is indeed a heart-healthy snack. Oyster mushrooms are high in beta-glucans, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure.

Try the recipe: Oyster Mushroom Jerky from Summer Yule.

Roasted Chickpeas

It’s time to venture beyond hummus with that can of chickpeas in your pantry. Have you tried roasting chickpeas? Simply rinse, drain, and dry them, season to your liking, and roast them until crispy for a quick and easy heart-healthy snack. These plant-based legumes are a good source of protein and fiber, with fiber being especially beneficial for your health.

Try the recipe: Roasted Chickpeas from Love and Lemons.

Sesame Pomegranate Chocolate Bark

Nuts and seeds are packed with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, minerals, and protein, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Frequent consumption of nuts and seeds has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The other ingredients in this versatile chocolate bark recipe only add to its healthful benefits.

Try the recipe: Sesame Pomegranate Chocolate Bark from Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen.

What are some of your favorite snack ideas with heart-healthy benefits?