Recipes That Are Heart-Healthy
Celebrate American Heart Month this February with 25 recipes that say "I love you" to your heart.
Though there is no one magic food that will prevent heart disease, there are certain foods that will definitely help promote heart health. Foods rich in omega-3s—like salmon and walnuts—low-fat proteins like turkey and dried beans, plus fruits and veggies and whole grains are all part of not only a healthy diet, but a heart-healthy one.
Here are 25 dishes that are delicious with known heart-protective properties—try any or all during February, American Heart Month. It’s a perfect time to re-commit yourself to eating habits that are good for you from the outside in and say “I love you” to yourself in the best possible way.
Healthy Makeover Chocolate-Chip Oatmeal Cookies
At only 80 calories each (with a gram of healthy fiber per cookie) these cookies are still ooey-gooey.
Walnut-Blueberry Oatmeal Energy Bites
Walnuts and blueberries take center stage in this nutrient-dense mini energy bite.
Sneak the benefits of oats into a sweet coffee cake.
Low in calories and fat, these cookies are a perfect snack.
Heart-Smart Sweet Potato Muffins
Get your daily servings of whole grains—deliciously.
Hazelnuts and dried apricots, together, in a crunchy Italian cookie.
A delicious way to prepare salmon.
Canned black beans + lean ground beef = one delicious lower-fat burger.
Make-ahead lentils are loaded with fiber and antioxidants.
This is a good way to “sneak” heart-healthy whole grains and nuts into the diet via an irresistible dessert.
Turkey Chili with Cilantro and Green Onion Pesto
A simple pesto made with pistachios, cilantro and green onion deliver so much flavor, you’ll never eat chili without it again.
Grilled Apples with Parmesan Cheese and Honey
Cheese and fruit are a natural marriage, here consummated on the summer grill.
A Mediterranean-style meatball with big flavor.
Red Beans and Rice with Kielbasa
Turkey sausage updates a traditional New Orleans recipe.
Try this tart bean salad as a side with barbecue pork, chicken or beef at your next grill-out.
Turn the bag of hard little black pebbles into a side -- or filling -- for just about any Mexican-style dish.
Feijao (Brazillian Black Beans)
Tender, savory and succulent, these vegetarian black beans are a daily staple in Brazil and never fail to satisfy.
Blueberries brighten this classic farro (wheat berry) salad.
Chewy wheat berries are studded with bits of fruit and laced with a slightly sweet dressing.
Heart-Smart Refrigerator Bran Muffins
Get a jump-start on breakfast two ways, first with this make-ahead muffin, then with the nutritious energy of the delicious finished product.
Shrimp, Sausage and Quinoa Jambalaya
For a healthy boost, quinoa replaces rice in this jambalaya.
Thai-Style Peanut-Cabbage Salad
Peanuts play an integral role in Thai cooking and in this sprightly salad.
Ruby Grapefruit and Avocado Salad
Creamy avocado finds its ideal foils in tangy citrus, crunchy nuts and buttery lettuce.
