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.
Chicken Recipes
Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken
This recipe has chickpeas and sweet peppers, which are packed with heart-healthy protein and vitamins. It can also be cooked on one sheet, meaning fewer dishes and less fuss.
Get the Sheet Pan Chickpea Chicken recipe.
Chicken Kebabs
Chicken has fewer saturated fats than red meats, which is why it's a healthier choice for 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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Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn
This zesty chicken dish only takes half an hour to make. Its sweet and spicy goodness is sure to make it a family favorite.
Get the Apricot-Glazed Chicken and Corn recipe.
Chicken Salad Collard Wrap
Ditch the processed flour tortillas, and use large collard green leaves for these refreshing chicken salad wraps.
Get the Chicken Salad Collard Wrap recipe.
Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice
Chicken gets a boost from Asian-inspired ingredients, such as ginger and cilantro. According to a study published in Nutrition, daily ginger consumption is associated with a 13% lower risk of hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure.
Get the Baked Chicken Cutlets with Pineapple Rice recipe.
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Roasted Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Red Pepper Relish
Swap chicken fingers and french fries for roasted chicken and potatoes, which are a great source of potassium and essential for overall heart health.
Get the Roasted Chicken and Garlic Potatoes with Red Pepper Relish recipe.
Lemon-Thyme Chicken
Chicken is a solid component of a heart-healthy diet, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. This classic lemon-thyme chicken is a flavorful choice you'll want to remake time and time again.
Get the Lemon-Thyme Chicken recipe.
Roasted Citrus Chicken Salad
This tangy chicken is sure to leave your tastebuds and health goals satisfied. Just remember that a little Kosher salt goes a long way in a heart healthy diet.
Get the Roasted Citrus Chicken Salad recipe.
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Chicken Marbella
This quick and easy chicken dish includes a medley of flavors — sweet, salty, and tangy. Plus, it's packed with 36 grams of protein per serving.
Get the Chicken Marbella recipe.
Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
Instead of a taco or wrap with flour tortillas, enjoy this chicken fajita as a salad with romaine hearts and a mix of other colorful veggies.
Get the Chicken Fajita Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe.
Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas
Stuffed to the brim with heart healthy vegetables, these pita sandwiches are a tasty go-to. While bread may seem scary in the world of heart health, pita bread is actually rich in fiber and can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Get the Spinach, Chickpea, and Chicken Pitas recipe.
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Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw
Swapping out bread crumbs for sesame seeds makes this chicken dinner a heart-healthy option, as sesame is known for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, per the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal.
Get the Sesame Chicken and Chili Lime Slaw recipe.
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs
To make this heart-healthy dish vegan, substitute zucchini, summer squash, and red onion for chicken, as well as two tablespoons of olive oil for yogurt.
Get the Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs recipe.
Mediterranean Chicken Pitas
With hummus, olive oil, and plum tomatoes, these quick chicken pitas are both healthy and easy.
Get the Mediterranean Chicken Pitas recipe.
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Kale and Romaine Chicken Caesar Salad
One of the salad's main ingredients, kale, is low-calorie, rich in vitamins C and K, and anti-carcinogenic, which is great for heart health.
Get the Kale and Romaine Chicken Caesar Salad recipe.
Grilled Chicken Caprese
Add chicken to a traditional Caprese salad for a boost of lean protein — 45 g to be exact.
Get the Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe.
Seafood Recipes
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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 flavor.
Get the Oven-Roasted Salmon with Charred Lemon Vinaigrette recipe.
Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles
Swap high-carb pasta for this low-carb alternative: zucchini noodles! They are just as delicious and come with a slew of health benefits.
Get the Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles recipe.
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Kate Franke
Editorial Assistant
Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
