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.
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1
Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken
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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2
Oven-Roasted Salmon with Charred Lemon Vinaigrette
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.
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3
Chicken Kebabs
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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4
Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
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.
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5
Morning Burritos With Salsa Verde
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.
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6
Hot Honey-Roasted Salmon and Radishes
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.
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7
Cauliflower Fried Rice
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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8
Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn
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.
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9
Grilled Fish Tacos
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.
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10
Fish Chowder Sheet Pan Bake
The bacon and potato mixture gives this fresh, heart-healthy cod dish additional smoky flavor.
Get the Fish Chowder Sheet Pan Bake recipe.
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11
Turkey Burgers and Slaw with Sweet Potato Chips
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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12
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Pizza
Indulge your pizza craving with this delicious and healthy pizza that spotlights grilled eggplant and tomatoes.
Get the Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Pizza recipe.
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13
Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
If you're craving hearty pizza, satisfy your tastebuds with this fresh veggie version.
Get the Grilled Squash Garlic Bread recipe.
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14
Salmon with Creamy Feta Cucumbers
The perfectly seasoned salmon and whipped feta that coats the cucumbers will leave your tastebuds singing.
Get the Salmon with Creamy Feta Cucumbers recipe.
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15
Pasta With Walnut Pesto and Peas
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.
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16
Tilapia with Tomatoes and Pepper Relish
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.
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17
Chicken Salad Collard Wrap
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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18
Butternut Squash and Turmeric Soup
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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19
Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice
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.
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20
Pear & Walnut Salad
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.
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