A heart healthy Easter, without missing a beat
Media release: April 2, 2026
How small food choices can reduce heart disease risk over time while leaving room to celebrate
The Heart Foundation is offering free Easter recipes to help people enjoy a family feast while still supporting heart health.
Recipes such as Easter brunch tarts, fruity hot cross scones and chocolate mousse are some of the heart healthy favourites people can make at home this long weekend.
Maria Packard, Senior Food and Nutrition Advisor at the Heart Foundation, says Easter is a timely reminder that heart healthy eating is about balance over time and regularly choosing nutritious foods that support long-term health. “Easter food is about sharing, tradition and connection,” Ms Packard said.“We can enjoy meals this Easter that are both heart healthy and still feel generous and celebratory.”
Cardiovascular disease remains one of Australia’s leading causes of death, with diet playing a major role in prevention. Latest ABS data shows that on average people in Australia are consuming less sugar than they were a decade ago, however many people are still consuming more added sugar than recommended*.
What if you can’t resist a chocolate treat this Easter?
Ms Packard said heart health is shaped by patterns of eating over time, not a single day.
“What we eat most days has the biggest impact on heart health. By prioritising minimally processed foods like wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, and lean proteins, there is still room to enjoy special occasions. Small amounts of chocolate can be part of this, with darker varieties generally a better choice” she said.
Free recipes this Easter
Heart healthy recipes that the Heart Foundation’s nutrition team recommend this Easter include:
“The Heart Foundation’s Easter recipes show that heart healthy food can be delicious, special and good for your heart. They’re designed to be easy to prepare, full of flavour and perfect for sharing with family and friends over the long weekend,” she said.
Easter brunch tarts
Eggs, wholegrains, avocado and tomatoes feature in this savoury brunch, perfect for after an Easter egg hunt
Chocolate mousse
A tasty treat using dark chocolate, ricotta and fresh raspberries
Fruity hot cross scones
A healthy twist on a traditional favourite with a sweet mix of pumpkin, dates and sultanas
Fish tacos with tomato and jalapeno salsa
Lime juice and spices combine for a tangy take on this easy-to-serve main meal
Roasted carrots with tahini yoghurt
Honey and thyme blend together in this delicious side dish.
Ms Packard also recommended foods that helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol and featured as part of a heart healthy eating pattern for this year’s Easter feast, including:
- lean proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs and legumes
- wholegrains including brown rice, rolled oats, wholemeal bread and pasta
- fresh herbs, spices and citrus to add flavour without excess salt
- colourful vegetables and salads for plenty of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
“These foods bring flavour and variety to the table and help people feel satisfied,” Ms Packard said. “They help to support healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which together can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
Free recipes books
For people searching for a meat-free option or wanting to skip meat on Good Friday, the Heart Foundation’s ‘Meat free recipes’ eBook offers eight heart-heathy recipes to choose from. If you’re looking to make fish the star of your Easter celebrations, our Fish recipe e-Book has ten heart-healthy recipes which highlight the fresh flavours of fish. “From cauliflower steaks to Moroccan veggie burgers, if you’re looking for a vegetarian or fish-based meal this Easter, the Heart Foundation’s ‘meat free and fish eBook’ is full of ideas for healthy alternatives and is free to download,” she said.
Last updated06 April 2026