These heart-friendly meals are so tasty they make eating healthy simple.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., which means that focusing on your heart health is essential to living a longer, healthier life. There are various ways to improve your heart health, such as reducing stress, getting more sleep, and exercising. Nutrition also plays a huge role in keeping your heart healthy. People often equate heart-healthy recipes with boring, bland meals but this doesn't always have to be the case. There are plenty of recipes that are as delicious as they are beneficial for your ticker!
One important thing to remember is that there's no one "right" way to eat for heart health, according to Rachael Hartley, RD. So "instead of stressing over individual foods, think about the big picture of your eating pattern." Hartley tells Woman's Day that it's better to think of "ways to choose more heart-healthy fats, like olive oil, nuts and seeds, and avocado, eat fatty fish more often, increase intake of whole grains and other high fiber carbohydrate foods, and eat more fruits and veggies."
The following heart-healthy recipes cover everything from fish-forward dishes to colorful vegetable combinations. And the best part is that you you don't have to be a pro in the kitchen to indulge in these heart-friendly meals.
This recipe has chickpeas and sweet peppers which are packed with heart-healthy protein and vitamins. And it can all be cooked on one sheet which means fewer dishes and less fuss.
Get the Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken recipe.
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Salmon is known for being light and heart healthy, but this recipe does not skimp out on big bold flavors.
Get the Oven-Roasted Salmon with Charred Lemon Vinaigrette recipe.
Chicken has fewer saturated fats than red meats, which is why it's a healthier choice of meat for your heart health. These simple chicken kebabs can be thrown on the grill and whipped up in a jiffy.
Get the Chicken Kebabs recipe.
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Loaded with lean protein from the shrimp and green veggies from the zoodles, this dish is as tasty as it is healthy.
Get the Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles recipe.
These burritos get plenty of protein from the refried beans and eggs, which will help you feel satisfied till lunch.
Get the Morning Burritos With Salsa Verde recipe.
Salmon is a great part of a healthy diet for a variety of reasons. Not only is it high in protein, vitamins and minerals, but it also has omega-3 fatty acids that are known for being "brain food."
Get the Hot Honey-Roasted Salmon and Radishes recipe.
Ditch white rice for this low-carb veggie option that's tastier than takeout. Plus, it's less than 300 calories.
Get the Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.
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This zesty chicken dish only takes half an hour to make and its sweet and spicy goodness will quickly make it a family favorite.
Get the Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn recipe.
Swap ground beef for fish to make this heart-healthy. Plus, the pineapples give this taco recipe a little something sweet.
Get the Grilled Fish Tacos recipe.
The bacon and potato mixture gives this fresh, heart-healthy cod dish additional smoky flavor.
Get the Fish Chowder Sheet Pan Bake recipe.
Packed with good-for-you spices, these turkey patties, topped with a sweet and crunchy apple and cabbage slaw, are a healthy alternative to red meat.
Get the Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips recipe.
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Indulge your pizza craving with this delicious and healthy pizza that spotlights grilled eggplant and tomatoes.
Get the Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Pizza recipe.
If you're craving hearty pizza, satisfy your tastebuds with this fresh veggie version.
Get the Grilled Squash Garlic Bread recipe.
The perfectly seasoned salmon and whipped feta that coats the cucumbers will leave your tastebuds singing.
Get the Salmon with Creamy Feta Cucumbers recipe.
Dry white wine and lemon give this nutty pesto-covered farfalle and peas an added kick. Plus, it has 6 g of fiber per serving.
Get the Pasta With Walnut Pesto and Peas recipe.
We all know that tilapia is high in protein and good-for-you vitamins, but when it's coated in this spicy pepper relish, all you'll be thinking about is how tasty it is.
Get the Tilapia with Tomatoes and Pepper Relish recipe.
Ditch the typical processed flour tortilla and use a big collard green leaf for these chicken salad wraps.
Get the Chicken Salad Collard Wrap recipe.
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Add turmeric to your traditional butternut squash soup for some heart-healthy benefits. Curcumin, the main antioxidant in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce oxidation, which may contribute to heart disease.
Get the Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup recipe.
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Typical chicken gets a boost from Asian-inspired ingredients, like ginger and cilantro. According to a study published in Nutrition, daily ginger consumption was associated with a 13% lower risk of coronary heart disease.
Get the Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice recipe.
Keep it light with this flavorful salad featuring walnuts, celery, and olive oil. According to Mayo Clinic, walnuts are one of the best nuts for your heart health as they contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and can help lower your cholesterol, improve the health of the lining of your arteries, and reduce your risk of blood clots.
Get the Pear & Walnut Salad recipe.
This hearty slow cooker dish is packed with hearty-healthy veggies like split peas, tomatoes, and butternut squash.
Get the Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Stew recipe.
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This slow cooker recipe is as much of a time saver as it is a flavor powerhouse. Each serving has 30 g of protein.
Get the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Pork with Spinach Rice recipe.
Load up a baked sweet potato with tons of heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease prevention.
Get the Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Salad recipe.
Get all of your veggies in one delicious meal. Even better: This dish is naturally flavored with fresh ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
Get the Roasted Vegetable Bowl recipe.
This easy and delicious, heart-healthy fish dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
Get the Seared Tilapia with Spiralized Zucchini recipe.
According to Mayo Clinic, it's okay to eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing your risk of heart disease. Eggs have about 185 mg of cholesterol that comes from the yolk, so you can ditch the yolk and make this an egg white frittata if you prefer.
Get the Sweet Potato Kale Frittata recipe.
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Though this whole wheat pasta with lemon and green beans is light and fresh, each serving is packed with 17 g of protein to keep you full until your next meal.
Get the Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms recipe.
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According to Medical News Today, a half-cup serving of carrots contains 1.8 g of fiber and 205 mg of potassium, which protect against high blood pressure and heart disease.
Get the Spiced Carrot Fritters recipe.
There's nothing boring about this salad that features fresh mozzarella and grilled pepper, eggplant, and zucchini.
Get the Ratatouille Salad recipe.
A simple couscous salad is a great way to get plenty of vegetables but also feel full and satisfied. This variety features a bunch of fresh summer flavors.
Get the Fresh Corn, Tomato, Herb, and Israeli Couscous Salad recipe.
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