25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (2024)

Oats are always a nutritious option for breakfast, but there are many other foods like wheat berries, beans, nuts and seeds that you can eat to diversify your heart-healthy dishes. Whether you fancy something like an easy, nutrient-rich smoothie or a savory, satisfying grain bowl, this collection is packed with the flavorful dishes you’re looking for in a morning meal. Plus, each serving is low in sodium and saturated fats to align seamlessly with a heart-healthy eating pattern. Recipes like our high-fiber Strawberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie and cheesy Egg Sandwiches with Rosemary, Tomato & Feta are so delicious, you’ll want to make them again and again.

01of 25

Strawberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (1)

This fiber-rich chia smoothie is sweet and tangy, with a velvety texture thanks to nutritious chia seeds that expand as they combine with liquid.

View Recipe

02of 25

Two-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (2)

These delicious and unbelievably simple pancakes are best enjoyed right after cooking. With just eggs and a banana, you can have healthy grain-free pancakes with no added sugar.

View Recipe

03of 25

Egg Sandwiches with Rosemary, Tomato & Feta

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (3)

These hearty breakfast sandwiches are packed with ingredients popular in the Mediterranean diet, including feta, tomato and spinach.

View Recipe

04of 25

Anti-Inflammatory Cherry, Beet & Kale Smoothie

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (4)

Kale, cherries and beets team up in this powerful anti-inflammatory smoothie. All three of these fruits and veggies contain unique anti-inflammatory compounds that may help stave off diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. Using packaged steamed beets is a great shortcut here. If you have cooked beets on hand, use those! The cherries help sweeten the smoothie and add a fruity flavor. If you opt for tart cherries, you can balance the tanginess with a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

View Recipe

05of 25

Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (5)

This quick egg scramble with hearty bread is one of the best breakfasts for weight loss. It combines protein-packed eggs and superfood raspberries with filling whole-grain toast and nutrient-rich spinach. The protein and fiber help fill you up and keep you going through the morning.

View Recipe

06of 25

Peanut Butter & Berries Waffle Sandwich

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (6)

Whole-grain freezer waffles make the perfect base for a nourishing breakfast that tastes just like a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We use crunchy peanut butter to add texture, but you can swap in creamy, if you prefer. If fresh berries aren't available, you can use frozen ones; microwave them in a small bowl for about 30 seconds to thaw before adding to the sandwich.

View Recipe

07of 25

Almond Butter & Roasted Grape Toast

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (7)

A slice of almond butter toast gets topped with roasted grapes for a sweet, nutty bite. This three-ingredient twist on a classic PB & J makes for a quick and tasty breakfast or snack.

View Recipe

Anti-Inflammatory Lemon-Blueberry Smoothie

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (8)

The kale, hemp seeds and green tea in this bright, lemony smoothie all contain antioxidants that can help fight inflammation. If you can’t find baby kale, baby spinach will work well in its place. Banana adds natural sweetness. If you want it a little sweeter, just a touch of honey will do the trick.

View Recipe

09of 25

Spinach & Fried Egg Grain Bowls

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (9)

Wheat berries, a nutty-tasting whole grain with a pleasantly chewy texture, are the base of this hearty breakfast bowl recipe. The fiber-rich grain freezes very well, socook up a batchto stash away for salads, bowls and more. Topped with spinach, peanuts and an egg, these bowls make for a satisfying breakfast. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper for extra heat.

View Recipe

10of 25

Gluten-Free Almond-Flour Banana Pancakes

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (10)

These gluten-free almond-flour banana pancakes have a lovely nutty flavor that complements the sweet bananas. Vanilla and nutmeg tie everything together.

View Recipe

11of 25

Pistachio & Peach Toast

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (11)

This breakfast is great when you have leftover ricotta cheese--plus it comes together in just 5 minutes.

View Recipe

12of 25

High-Fiber Matcha Green Smoothie Bowl

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (12)

Matcha powder and spinach give this healthy smoothie bowl a beautiful green hue. If you don't have spinach on hand, try swapping in another dark leafy green like kale.

View Recipe

13of 25

Egg Tartine

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (13)

Bruschetta meets avocado toast in this simple breakfast upgrade.

View Recipe

14of 25

Scrambled Egg with Tofu

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (14)

Even when you are cooking for one, it's worth taking a few minutes to make a hot, protein-rich breakfast. By stretching an egg with a little tofu, you reduce the cholesterol and saturated fat. Try tucking it into a whole-wheat pita pocket for a simple and satisfying breakfast sandwich-and a healthful alternative to fast-food fare.

View Recipe

15of 25

Southwestern Breakfast Tostadas

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (15)

Mashed black beans, crumbled queso freso, fresh cilantro and chopped tomato give this easy breakast tostada a Soutwestern flair.

View Recipe

16of 25

Egg, Spinach & Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (16)

Fill yourself up with this ultra-quick egg, spinach and Cheddar breakfast sandwich. It's not only fast, but there's a good chance you already have the ingredients on hand that you'll need to pull it together, so you can skip a trip to the store before your busy workweek.

View Recipe

17of 25

Cherry-Pineapple Smoothie

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (17)

Cherries contain vitamin E, vitamin C and polyphenols, nutrients that may help reduce inflammation in the body. The tart pomegranate-cherry juice pairs well with crushed pineapple and creamy yogurt.

View Recipe

18of 25

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (18)

Top multigrain rice cakes with creamy peanut butter for a nutritious snack with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full.

View Recipe

19of 25

Strawberry & Yogurt Parfait

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (19)

This strawberry parfait recipe combines fresh fruit, strained yogurt and crunchy granola for an easy breakfast. Pack the parfait in a Mason jar for a healthy breakfast on the go.

View Recipe

20of 25

Peanut Butter-Banana Cinnamon Toast

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (20)

This satisfying peanut butter-banana toast gets a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

View Recipe

21of 25

Everything Bagel Avocado Toast

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (21)

Get all the flavor of an everything bagel married with the creaminess of avocado toast in one healthy breakfast. Just toast, top, sprinkle and go for this quick morning meal when you need to get out the door fast. Want to take it up a notch? Top with a poached or fried egg.

View Recipe

22of 25

Raspberry Yogurt Cereal Bowl

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (22)

For breakfast, snack or a healthy dessert, try using yogurt instead of milk for your cereal. If making this as a to-go snack, keep the cereal separate and top just before eating.

View Recipe

23of 25

Southwest Breakfast Quesadilla

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (23)

Pico de gallo and cheesy eggs make this quick breakfast flavorful and satisfying.

View Recipe

24of 25

Breakfast Beans with Microwave-Poached Egg

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (24)

In Costa Rica, this popular breakfast bean dish is called gallo pinto, which means spotted rooster, referring to the dark beans amid the pale rice. We call for cooked barley here, but you can use whatever leftover cooked grain you may have on hand.

View Recipe

25of 25

Baby Kale Breakfast Salad with Bacon & Egg

25 Heart-Healthy Breakfasts That Aren't Oats (25)

Breakfast salad? Oh yes! Start your day off right with this healthy breakfast recipe. A bowl of good-for-you greens, such as baby kale, will knock out half of your daily veggie quota with the first meal of the day.

View Recipe