This February marks not only American Heart Month, but another leap year. That means an extra day to enjoy quality time with family and friends. An extra day to chase after your 2020 goals. And an extra day to focus on your heart health. Because, while leap year adds an extra day to the calendar, staying focused on maintaining good heart health can help add years to your life. So, welcome to the 29 Days of Heart Health.

Each day in February, we’ll be posting a short article featuring recipes, tips, exercise ideas and important information to know to help you stay heart smart. We’re kicking things off today with a recipe for Roasted Salmon with Pesto Vegetables. It’s a delicious, simple recipe that’s packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, the American Heart Association advises that eating salmon and other omega-3-rich foods twice a week can have benefits that even extend beyond your heart. Bon Appetit! 

Roasted Salmon with Pesto Vegetables

2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 6-oz skinless salmon fillets
Kosher salt
Black pepper
¼ cup pesto

Heat oven to 450°F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the peppers and onion with the olive oil. Nestle salmon fillets in the mixture. Season with ¾ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Roast until the salmon is opaque throughout and the vegetables are tender, eight to 10 minutes. Serve topped with the pesto.