Trust Us, These 13 Reduced-Sodium Recipes Don't Sacrifice Flavor (2024)

  • Healthy Recipes

We've got reduced-sodium main dishes, appetizers, and more to keep you satisfied without sacrificing flavor.

By

Katlyn Moncada

Trust Us, These 13 Reduced-Sodium Recipes Don't Sacrifice Flavor (1)

Katlyn Moncada

Katlyn Moncada is the associate food editor at BHG.com, sharing food news and tutorials on becoming better home cooks. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience in digital media, photography, and video production.

Learn about BHG's Editorial Process

Updated on November 29, 2022

Reviewed by

Jessica Jones, MS, RD

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Reviewed byJessica Jones, MS, RD

Jessica is a nationally-recognized Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Writer, Speaker, and Digital Content Strategist. As the co-founder of the wellness content media company, Food Heaven, Jessica creates engaging food and nutrition content for over 80 global corporations, food companies, and media outlets including American Heart Association, Blue Apron, Adobe, Dove, and KitchenAid. Jessica also co-hosts the top 50 nutrition Food Heaven Podcast, which explores the intersections of nutrition, health, and wellness through a social justice lens. With over 3 million downloads to date, the Food Heaven podcast has been a pillar for accessible and inclusive health and wellness insights since 2015. In addition to being a go-to nutrition expert, writer, and columnist for SELF magazine, Jessica is the co-author of the 28-Day Plant-Powered Health Reboot and A Diabetes Guide to Enjoying the Foods of the World.

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Fact checked by

Emily Estep

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Fact checked byEmily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.

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Trust Us, These 13 Reduced-Sodium Recipes Don't Sacrifice Flavor (4)

Sticking to a reduced-sodium diet? We can help! Our reduced-sodium recipes have just 300 mg of sodium or less to help stick to the daily recommended level of 2,300 milligrams and an ideal level of 1,500 milligrams (especially for people with high blood pressure) to help stay on track toward your heart-healthy goals. With salads, tacos, and even a succulent shrimp "boil," there are plenty of reduced-sodium dishes ahead that are as delicious as they are good for you.

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Citrus Salad

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Fresh citrus fruits (oranges, pink grapefruit, and clementines) make this oh-so-pretty coconut reduced-sodium salad pop with color. Dress it in a little olive oil and snappy Dijon mustard.

02of 13

Hot and Chunky Guacamole

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Red onion and cilantro heighten the flavors of creamy avocado and fresh shelled peas in this chunky guacamole recipe. Spicy jalapeño peppers add even more green goodness. Serve with cut-up veggies to keep sodium low, or try this guacamole as a sandwich spread.

03of 13

Citrus Salmon with Broccoli

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Thanks to all the omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is an excellent addition to anyone's heart-healthy eating plan. A generous squeeze of lemon provides this reduced-sodium dinner with a bright, zesty finish.

Low-Sodium Dinner Recipes That Are Still Packed with Flavor

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Fennel and Parsley Salad

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For a zippy reduced-sodium side dish, try our fennel and parsley salad. The nutritious recipe features crisp fennel bulbs soaked in lemon juice and a drizzling of olive oil. Grated parmesan adds slight tang.

05of 13

Peppered Kale Chips

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Most purchased potato chips have at least 200 mg per serving (and who can stop at one serving of 12 chips?). Here we've made a healthy, reduced-sodium snack that can use even less (or none) of the ¼ teaspoon called for in the recipe.

22 Easy Healthy Snack Recipes to Curb Your Cravings

06of 13

Air-Fryer Shrimp "Boil"

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As delicious as a classic shrimp boil is, there's usually a salty packet or bottle of seasoning involved. Here we've lightened things up with a reduced-sodium recipe that allows you to celebrate Cajun flavors for Mardi Gras (or anytime).

07of 13

Tuna and Fruit Salsa

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This fresh tuna steak recipe is a peachy-keen pick for a reduced-sodium dinner tonight. Lightly brush each steak with olive oil, then serve with warm, melt-in-your-mouth apricots, peaches, and ruby-red raspberries.

08of 13

Quinoa-Pumpkin Seed Granola

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There's something special about homemade granola. This healthy, quinoa-packed recipe features the comforting combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and dried fruit. Golden honey holds it all together.

09of 13

Veggie Summer Rolls with Chimichurri Sauce

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Next time you crave takeout, try our veggie summer rolls; they're easier to make than you think. Simply roll crunchy strips of Chimichurri-coated zucchini, carrots, and green onions in sheets of rice paper.

10of 13

Grains and Fruit Summer Salad

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This fabulous summer salad features a sweet medley of fruits, greens, and everything in between. Flakes of smoked salmon give this reduced-sodium recipe a savory fix of protein, while homemade lemon-basil dressing keeps it extra fresh.

Salt-Free Seasonings to Add to Your Pantry for Flavorful Dishes Minus the Sodium

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Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach

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This flavor-packed pasta dish is ready in 20 minutes flat. Bow tie pasta combines with fresh mushrooms, spinach, onion, garlic, and thyme to make a reduced-sodium yet flavorful dinner.

12of 13

Holiday Kale Salad

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This colorful, cranberry-studded salad is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it perfect for the holidays. You can enjoy it year-round by stocking up on fresh cranberries in season and freezing for later. You'll get three food groups (fruits, veggies, and grains) in one delicious reduced-sodium salad.

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Chicken with Lime and Avocado Salsa

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You only need eight ingredients and less than 30 minutes to complete this one-skillet reduced-sodium recipe. Use a grill pan to get those nice char marks on the chicken cutlets without having to fire up the outdoor grill.

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Sources

Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.

  1. Shaking the Salt Habit to Lower High Blood Pressure, American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/shaking-the-salt-habit-to-lower-high-blood-pressure, October 31, 2016
Trust Us, These 13 Reduced-Sodium Recipes Don't Sacrifice Flavor (2024)

FAQs

What foods taste good without salt? ›

Vegetables and Fruits
  • Any fresh fruits, such as apples, berries, oranges, mangoes, and bananas.
  • Any fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets, okra, spinach, peppers, carrots, and edamame.
  • Frozen vegetables without added butter or sauce.
Jun 1, 2023

How do you add flavor to soup without salt? ›

Explore other flavors when you are cooking.
  1. Add a splash of lemon and other citrus fruits, or wine, to soups and other dishes. ...
  2. Avoid onion or garlic salt. ...
  3. Try different types of pepper, including black, white, green, and red.
  4. Experiment with vinegars (white and red wine, rice wine, balsamic, and others).
Jun 22, 2022

How can you make a low sodium diet more appealing? ›

Salt-free seasoning blends made of herbs and spices can also help, she added. Fat naturally carries flavor, and Knowles suggested adding a small amount of a healthy fat source to your food just before serving, such as a spoonful of nut butter in your oatmeal or a drizzle of olive oil over your chicken.

What meat is low in sodium? ›

A: Lean meat options like skinless chicken breast, turkey breast, pork tenderloin, beef sirloin, etc., are the lowest in sodium. But make sure that they are freshly cut and unprocessed. Processed meat varieties like sausage, salami, etc., often contain a lot of sodium.

What has no salt but tastes like salt? ›

Salt substitutes made from potassium chloride alone look like regular salt and have a salty flavor, but have zero sodium. “But potassium doesn't activate the same taste cells as sodium,” Breslin says. That's why people complain that these substitutes often leave a bitter or metallic aftertaste.

What tastes like salt but isn't bad for you? ›

What are salt substitutes? Most “salt substitutes” are made of potassium chloride, which tastes much like sodium chloride. In fact, for many people they're similar enough in flavor that they find it easy to switch.

How do you reduce salt without losing flavor? ›

At home, this can be overcome by adding more herbs and spices. Another trick is to add foods that contain natural flavour enhancers, such as tomatoes or parmesan cheese, and combine these with low-salt soy sauce or tiny amounts of fish-based sauces, such as Worcester sauce, which contains anchovies.

What are two alternatives to salt for flavoring food? ›

Other Healthy Alternatives to Salt
  • Garlic.
  • Lemon juice or zest.
  • Ground black pepper.
  • Dried onion or onion powder.
  • Nutritional yeast.
  • Balsamic, apple cider and red wine vinegars.
  • Paprika.
  • Truffle oil.
Jun 15, 2023

What is the best substitute for salt? ›

What are the best salt alternatives for cooking?
  1. Garlic. You can mince garlic and add it to various savory dishes, like pasta, fish, and vegetables. ...
  2. Lemon juice or zest. Like salt, lemon juice brings out the flavors in your food. ...
  3. Ground black pepper. ...
  4. Onions. ...
  5. Nutritional yeast. ...
  6. Vinegar. ...
  7. Paprika. ...
  8. Herbs and spices.
Mar 1, 2023

Which vegetable is not allowed on a low sodium diet? ›

High-Sodium Foods
  • Regular canned vegetables and vegetable juices.
  • Olives, pickles, sauerkraut and other pickled vegetables.
  • Vegetables made with ham, bacon or salted pork.
  • Packaged mixes, such as scalloped or au gratin potatoes, frozen hash browns and Tater Tots.
  • Commercially prepared pasta and tomato sauces and salsa.

Can I eat eggs on a low sodium diet? ›

A low sodium diet may benefit people with certain health conditions, including kidney disease. Many foods fit with this diet, including fresh fruit and vegetables and whole eggs.

What kind of sandwich is low in sodium? ›

Replace deli meats with fresh-cooked turkey or chicken breast (90 mg sodium), fresh roasted beef or pork, and avoid ham, hot dogs and sausage products. Go for natural cheeses such as Swiss, cheddar or mozzarella (50-180 mg sodium) instead of processed cheese slices, and limit to 1 ounce.

What foods has 0 to none sodium? ›

Both fruits and vegetables contain important nutrients that can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Some naturally sodium-free vegetables include asparagus, green beans, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic and squash.

Can I eat pizza on a low sodium diet? ›

Avoiding these foods as much as possible can help reduce the amount of sodium you ingest significantly. A low-sodium diet requires you to avoid the following high-sodium foods: Canned foods (meats, soups, beef stew, and pasta meals) Frozen meals, entrees, and pizza.

Are eggs high in sodium? ›

Are hard boiled eggs high in sodium? One boiled egg has about 65 mg of sodium, which accounts for 4-5% of most people's recommended daily sodium intake. As a result, hard-boiled eggs are not considered high in sodium when prepared and eaten plain.

Can food have flavor without salt? ›

You might try herbs, spices, and seasoning blends when cooking. Here is a list of some options for adding taste and zest to your food without using extra salt. General tips: Fruit juices can be used as marinades or as sauces or glazes thickened with cornstarch.

How can you satisfy a salt craving without salt? ›

You can also replace high-sodium, processed snacks with healthier choices. Nutrient-dense foods can often satisfy that "salty tooth," too—think: edamame, guacamole, savory oatmeal, or nuts.

What allows you to flavor food without adding salt or fat? ›

Onion, garlic, soy sauce, various vinegars, herbs, and spices can all add flavor to meat or vegetables, meaning one needs less salt or fat.

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