11 Delicious Heart Healthy Recipes Perfect for Fall

The shorter days, changing leaves, and cooler weather all mean fall is here — and with the new season come so many heart healthy foods to enjoy. Though it’s hard to say goodbye to summer’s peaches, corn, and tomatoes, we’re so ready for butternut squash, apples, cranberries, and, of course, pumpkin. The best part: All of these delicious autumnal items are great for cardiovascular health. No matter what you’re craving, this collection of cozy heart healthy recipes will get you in the mood for fall.

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What is the healthiest food for your heart?

Here are some of the best foods to incorporate for a strong ticker, including what’s in season in fall:

• Vegetables. In the fall, choose dark leafy greens, winter squashes (like butternut and acorn), Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and root vegetables (like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets)
• Fruit. Apples, pears, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and figs
• Nuts and seeds
• Omega 3-rich fish (fresh and canned)
• Lean protein. Including chicken, turkey, eggs, and tofu
• Beans and legumes
• Whole grains. Such as oats, wild rice, wheat berries, and quinoa
• Healthy fats. Olive oil, olives, avocado

Here are 12 delicious recipes to enjoy right now that incorporate heart-healthy foods in creative ways.

1. Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Yes, you can have carrot cake for breakfast — as long as it comes in the form of this make-ahead, hearty baked oatmeal. It’s a who’s who of heart-friendly ingredients, including carrots, hemp seeds, pecans, cinnamon, and oats. It can also double as a healthy snack.

Try this recipe from Simply Quinoa.

2. Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble

Speaking of dessert for breakfast, you won’t believe this comforting apple crumble is healthy enough to eat in the morning (but it is!). The topping is a clever mix of oats, nuts, and a touch of honey; add a sprinkle of apple pie spice, if you like. Keep extras in the fridge, rewarm in the oven, and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of vanilla. 

Try this recipe from Healthy Happy Heroes.

3. Butternut Squash Salad

Mixing hot roasted butternut squash with a mix of spices including cayenne, cumin, and cinnamon gives it a sweet-spicy-savory quality that makes this salad feel special. Plus, the sweetness from the cider-date vinaigrette balances the fresh greens and creamy goat cheese. Enjoy it on its own, or add slices of rotisserie chicken to make it a meal.

Try this recipe from Love & Lemons.

4. Baked Salmon with Rosemary

Omega 3–rich baked salmon is always a good idea when it comes to heart healthy recipes, and the rosemary in this version adds a warm, autumnal flair. Plus, reducing stress is also good for your heart, and this fuss-free recipe, on the table in 15 minutes, can help make for a relaxing weeknight.

Try this recipe from Running in a Skirt.

5. Turkey White Bean Pumpkin Chili

You can whip up this comforting, hearty chili in the slow cooker or instant pot, making it as simple to put together as it is tasty and crowd pleasing. Serve it up for a game day get-together, or make a batch over the weekend for meal prep. It’s lean, rich in fiber, and both high protein and low calorie.

Try this recipe from Skinnytaste.

6. Raw Beet Salad with Carrot, Quinoa, and Spinach

Beets are good for heart health due to their high nitrate content, which can help lower blood pressure. With protein-rich quinoa and edamame, plus carrots, spinach, and avocado, this nutrient-dense salad is as satisfying and delicious as it is colorful. 

Try this recipe from Cookie and Kate.

7. Tofu Pumpkin Curry

A warming, comforting curry is so welcome on a cool night, and this one screams fall with chunks of pumpkin (or winter squash) along with protein-rich tofu. Baby spinach adds a pop of color and more nutrients. Serve it over brown or cauliflower rice for added fiber, another booster for heart health.

Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food.

8. One-Pot Braised Chicken with Kale and White Beans

Here’s your new favorite fall Sunday dinner. After you brown seasoned chicken thighs in a skillet, you braise them in a mustardy broth mixture with kale, white beans, shallot, and tarragon, for a flavorful, hearty meal that will make your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. It’s a one-pot meal that incorporates several heart-healthy ingredients in a restaurant-worthy dish.

Try this recipe from The Modern Proper.

9. Autumn Slaw

When it comes to heart healthy recipes, a slaw is usually a good bet. Slaw is typically loaded with fiber-rich vegetables, and nutrient-dense seasonings, and sometimes nuts and fruit as well. This one combines red and green cabbage, plus scallions, apple, dried cranberries, and pecans. It’s perfect for a game-day party, or just to keep in the fridge to have alongside whatever you’re having for lunch. 

Try this recipe from Most Delicious Life.

10. Golden Cauliflower Leek Soup

Potato-leek soup is a cold-weather fave, and here it gets a glow-up with nutrient-dense cauliflower instead of potatoes. Almonds lend creaminess to this dairy-free soup, and the golden color comes from a generous amount of inflammation-fighting turmeric. Leeks are also heart healthy, thanks to their folate and B6 content. 

Try this recipe from Life is But a Dish.

11. Roasted Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

No roundup of fall heart healthy recipes would be complete without brussels sprouts. With shaved sprouts and sweet potatoes, both roasted, plus toasted walnuts, mandarin orange segments, and pomegranate seeds, it’s a welcome mix of flavors and colors. Enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or even cold — you can’t go wrong.

Try this recipe from The Endless Meal.

Read next: 8 Heart Healthy Dinner Recipes for a Strong Ticker