This 10-Minute Salad for Healthy Aging Finally Convinced Me to Try Sardines

Sardines have always been on my list of healthy foods that seemed too fishy to actually eat. That said, I'm always looking for ways to get more longevity-supporting nutrients into my diet in ways that are cheap and simple.

So after much experimentation, I landed on a tasty sardine salad recipe that's made its way onto my weekly lunch menu.

Sardines are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which support your brain and heart health as you age. Specifically, they have a type of omega-3 called DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid), which supports healthy brain function, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Sardines are also high in protein, with 12 grams per fish, according to the USDA. Muscle atrophy is common in older adults and plays a role in many diseases and your ability to get around easily as you age, according to February 2018 research in ‌Aging and Disease‌. Getting more protein in your diet is one way to help support your health as the years go by.

Despite all the health benefits, I had to find the right balance of flavors in order to really change my mind about this once-loathed protein powerhouse.

In this sardine salad recipe, I used a chipotle-lime flavored mayo and a squeeze of lemon juice to help mask the fishiness. Some chopped red onion and fresh parsley also add a refreshing taste.

The absolute best part of this sardine salad is how quick and simple it is to prepare. All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a bowl and decide how you want to eat it — there's no cooking involved, and you'll only use one dish!

1. Drain your sardines and place them into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Mash the sardines with a fork.
3. Add the rest of your ingredients to the bowl and combine.
4. Enjoy!