The Top Healthy, Easy Recipes from Our First 10 Years
~ Time for a celebration! It’s our 10th anniversary of sharing our favorite easy, healthy recipes with millions of readers and loyal fans (yes, that means you!). In honor of the occasion, we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 most popular, very best recipes from the entire decade. So, did your faves make the list? And which must-try recipes did you miss along the way?? ~
Ten years ago, my dear friend Gretchen and I pushed “PUBLISH” on our very first recipe. (Which, BTW, clocks in at #10 on our list below – it’s a superstar fan favorite that’s stood the test of time!)
Then, I’m certain we squealed and jumped around her kitchen. Felt excited and a smidge terrified all at once. And popped some champagne, even though it was the middle of the day and we weren’t actually going to drink more than a sip or two. (Because now we REALLY had work to do!!)
We’d already worked so hard, though, just to get to that moment.
In fact, our new little site had been over six months in the making by that point – because we wanted to get it all absolutely right before we sent our first recipe out into the world to you.
Getting Recipes Absolutely Right … for You
A lot has changed since that first excited-nervous-OMG-we’re-actually-doing-this day.
And a lot has stayed very much the same.
Mainly, we still work exhaustively to make sure we get our recipes absolutely right for you. To be sure that you’ll love them as much as we do. And that you’ll have all the handy tips and tricks we learned as we tested, tested and re-tested every single one.
Now, more than ever before, it’s important to know you can trust a recipe you want to try.
The Internet is crowded with recipe-babble, including plenty of recipes that nobody actually ever tested at all. Or that some start-up website bought in bulk. Or that somebody flat-out stole, without ever checking to see if the recipe was any good.
Small wonder that, so many times, they don’t turn out like they should.
Over an entire decade, our mission has remained unwavering and crystal clear: To bring you fully tested (by us!), tried-and-true recipes you can rely on.
- Recipes that are easy enough to fit into your busy, go-go-go lifestyle.
- That are healthy enough that you can actually feel good about sharing them with people you love.
- And … most of all … recipes that taste delicious!
It’s a Lot to Celebrate!
Cheers to 10 wonderful years together, my friends!
There’s so much to celebrate. So many delicious ideas we’ve shared throughout the last 10 years. Literally hundreds of recipes that we truly love (and that now you do, too).
But I’ve picked just 25. Which was hard, since that leaves out so many, many really great ones … but I had to draw the line somewhere!
So, out of the hundreds we’ve published over the last decade, here are the 25 blockbusters … the very best recipes that’ve topped the charts …..
1
3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
It's easy to see why this recipe first stole your hearts way back in 2014, and why it keeps winning raves as a go-to for busy weeknights, and for DIY taco bar parties. You only need 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep ... and your crock-pot cooks up a fantastic taco night that's all ready and waiting for you. Pssssst ... you can also make an Instant Pot version, too!
2
Easy Candied Pecans (Just 5 Minutes and 4 Ingredients!)
These super easy, not-too-sweet candied pecans are wonderful for snacking, or for sprinkling on top of salads (especially our Goat Cheese and Pear Salad that's hanging out in the #5 spot below). Great as little hostess gifts at the holidays, too! Maybe best of all, you don't even have to fire up your oven. Now, that's EASY!
3
Farmers' Market Overnight Breakfast Egg Casserole
My big, extended family goes all-in on holiday brunch buffets, usually with two or three breakfast casseroles as the centerpiece. This delicious recipe was my solution for keeping things satisfying and hearty, yet lighter, too! It delivers big flavors with Italian sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and bountiful veggies. As a bonus, it uses shredded potatoes in its base instead of bread, so it also happens to be gluten-free – great for large gatherings where there are different dietary needs.
4
Healthy No Mayo Coleslaw
I specifically created this slaw to go with my North Carolina BBQ Chicken (which landed at the #15 spot below). Ditch the bottled dressing and make your own, with just a few simple ingredients! It's the perfect middle ground between creamy, deli-style coleslaws and tangy vinegar slaws ... and yes ... seriously fabulous with BBQ!
5
Salad with Goat Cheese, Pears, Candied Pecans and Maple-Balsamic Dressing
Super fast to make, but truly special. I take this with me to potlucks and parties all the time, and it still wins raves every time, so I'm not surprised you guys love it just as much. The creamy goat cheese, juicy pears, sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans are spectacular together – but honestly, the very best part is probably the dressing. A thousand, million times better than bottled. It's ok if you want to lick the plate. It happens. 😉
6
Christmas Salad with Citrus-Champagne Vinaigrette
And while I make the salad above on regular repeat, this one is the gold standard for Christmas parties. It's truly fit for a celebration, especially if you shape it into a pretty wreath on a big platter. Serious showstopper, year after year after year!
7
Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is super quick to make. But it's still comfort food through and through. The very best kind of comfort food – the kind you can make in under 30 minutes, with great shortcuts and make-ahead options. Because life happens fast. So dinner's gotta happen fast, too!
8
Easy Chicken Parmesan Wraps
And maybe dinner happens on the run at your house, while you're coordinating family schedules and trying to keep everyone nourished when nobody's mealtimes line up? Yeah. Been there. Soccer and band and track and Girl Scouts and ... and ... and ... All.The.Things. If you're nodding your head OMG YES, then this is for you. This is a grab-and-go meal you can whip up in about 15 minutes, and even stockpile in your freezer ahead of time. And it beats the pants off of the McDonald's drive-thru!
9
Crock-Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
I know you guys love ultra-easy crock-pot recipes, especially seeing how there are six (YES ... SIX!) slow cooker recipes in this Top 25 Best Recipes list! This one channels the yummy flavors of a chicken Caesar salad, with a speedy homemade Caesar dressing made with ingredients you probably have on hand (and not a single raw egg or anchovy).
10
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Ok, guys. Here it is. The Ball That Started It All (aka "Quick and Healthy Snack Bites"). The very first recipe we ever published, waaaaaaaay back 10 years ago. Easy, healthy, freezable, portable and just ... YUM. So YUM. This is the one people exclaim over, when they first meet me. The one people ask about and remember my website by. THE ONE. Sure, we've got 7 other Energy Ball recipes, and each of them is fantastic. But this one is the classic. Seriously – don't miss it. Bookmark it now!
11
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl
Chipotle made burrito bowls famous, but you clearly love creating your own at home, too. And why not? This recipe is so darn easy in the slow cooker, and everybody 'round the table can top theirs off any way they please. What's not to love?!?
12
5-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Quesadilla
What could be better than combining two "junk" foods, in one healthier recipe? How about if it's still super delicious? And seriously fast (like, 5 minutes FAST)? Perfect! No wonder this simple recipe is such a fan favorite!
13
Corn, Edamame and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette
One of the earliest recipes we published, way back in 2013 – this was adapted from a recipe shared with me by my kiddos' preschool teacher. It instantly became one of my personal favorites ... and was clearly just as popular with all our readers, as well. Sure, it's fabulous as a salad. But it's also kind of like a really unique twist on "Cowboy Caviar," making it an outstanding appetizer dip with tortilla chips. Can't go wrong, either way!
14
4-Ingredient Chicken and Biscuits Homemade Dog Treats
I've published three different dog treat recipes, all 100% approved by our pup, Finn. These are simple to make, and they freeze great for long-term storage. And trust me, if your pooch is anything like our little guy, these'll be a HUGE hit! (Finn also recommends that you try our 2-Ingredient Frozen Dog Treats and our Sweet Potato Turkey Treats. Your pup will thank you!)
15
Crock-Pot North Carolina BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
These vinegar-y, North Carolina-style barbecue sandwiches were inspired by our seriously epic extended-family beach vacations along the Carolina shore. You can mix up the quick, 5-ingredient sauce right in your slow cooker ... super easy and insanely delicious! And, it's gotten resoundingly rave reviews, even from NC natives who grew up eating Carolina-style 'cue. A must-try, for sure! (Mmmmm ... and don't forget to serve these with the coleslaw up at #4 on our list.)
16
Crock-Pot Crazy Pineapple Chili
This unique chili has clinched the trophy at one chili cook-off after another. I love when readers send along notes that it's been a winner for them, once again! Sweet Italian sausage and pineapple join more typical chili ingredients to create a memorable flavor combination that people go crazy for. But don't wait until a chili competition rolls around – this recipe is a snap to make for dinner, even on busy weekdays!
17
Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower Pasta with Parmesan, Lemon and Garlic
This is one of those deceptively simple recipes: just a few ingredients add up to surprisingly big, big flavors! Total bonus that, with all those roasted veggies, it’s essentially a meal-in-one with no vegetable side dish needed, which makes it perfect for busy nights!
Easy Christmas Appetizer "Hummus Wreath"
Hummus is one of my favorite snacks, and always a go-to when I need a lightning-fast party appetizer. But for the holidays, it had to be a real showstopper, too. This recipe delivers on all levels ... no wonder it's been over-the-top popular with all of you, too! And even though it's so pretty, and so very festive ... it's also really quick and easy to make, I promise!
19
3-Ingredient Chocolate Dip
No surprise that this recipe's been so popular, right? I mean ... CHOCOLATE. Warm, melty, decadent CHOCOLATE. 'Nuff said. But if you need more convincing to give this one a try, let me just throw in that you truly do need only 3 ingredients and less than 10 minutes. And absolutely no double boiler. Chocolate nirvana is yours in a jiffy!
20
Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk and Berries
I'm delighted all of you adore this recipe – it's really near and dear to my heart, since my son and I spent a lot of time working together to test it (exhaustively!) and then stage the photo shoot. (I love being in the kitchen with my kids!) He even wrote the accompanying article, explaining all the ins and outs of how to create our "copycat" version of the amazing A.M. Superfoods Bowl we order at First Watch.
21
Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes, Apples and Tarragon-Yogurt Dressing
This is no ordinary chicken salad. It's loaded with an addictive combination of flavors and textures. And, it's got the brilliant addition of a "secret" ingredient (ahem ... that'd be the tarragon) suggested by a country club waiter who basically changed my life (or, at least, my chicken salad). It just might change yours, too!
22
Crock-Pot Corn Chowder with Chicken and Bacon
Here's another one of those "just toss everything in the slow cooker" recipes. Toss it all in, turn that crock-pot on ... and go enjoy your day. It's creamy and hearty, with the sweetness of corn and a hint of smoky bacon in every delicious spoonful. Even better served up in a bread bowl (hint hint). I'm not the least bit surprised this recipe's been wildly popular!
23
Classic Strawberry Banana Smoothie
So refreshing and so very simple. The directions literally involve (1) putting everything in a blender and (2) blending until smooth. And yet, you end up with a giant glassful of refreshing happiness. And hey hey – it's packed with nutritious fruits and protein-rich Greek yogurt, which is even happier yet!
24
Granola Crunch Apple-Peanut Butter Sandwich Wraps
This recipe has gotten my family through soooooo many on-the-go situations, especially when my kids were in high school with back-to-back-to-back after-school activities and sports. These are surprisingly delicious, and loaded with healthy goodies to power you through whatever your busy day has in store for you. And they're ideal for packing in lunch boxes!
25
Mini Crustless Quiche Cups with Sausage and Cheese
I adore making these quick and easy egg cups for weekend breakfasts, so it's no shock they've become a favorite recipe with all our readers, too. These really are fabulously easy to make! And, because they're in small, individual portions, they bake up lickety-split. Plus, they refrigerate and even freeze beautifully, so they’re a perfect make-ahead breakfast recipe to help you prep for busy weeks.
So Which One Are You Trying Next?
Did your all-time favorite recipe make the list?
And which ones made you think, “How did I miss making THAT one?? That’s going straight onto my grocery list!”?
I hope you discovered at least a few new, must-try recipe ideas!
But I’ve actually still got even more inspiration for ya …
Top Recipe Collections
In addition to sharing individual recipes, we often compile recipe showcase collections to help you find the exact kinds of recipes you’re looking for, whether that’s on our own site or on other great food blogs.
Several of our recipe showcases were actually nestled amongst the Top 25. Here are the three most popular:
55 Best Vegetarian Meals
35 Easy Party Food Appetizers
11 All-Time Best Healthy, Easy Chicken Recipes
Top Educational and Info Posts
And, besides publishing helpful tips along with each recipe, we also have articles on various cooking techniques, nutritional strategies, ingredients and equipment.
Here are the informational articles you guys found most helpful:
Is It Safe to Use Frozen Meat in Your Crock-Pot?
The Secret to Perfect Shish Kabobs
What is Freekeh? (And How Do You Cook It?)
Which Instant Pot to Buy
What Can I Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
How to Make Fruit Kabobs and DIY Fruit Bouquets
How to Cook Quinoa (and Why You Should!)
The Very BEST Recipes for the Very BEST Readers! (That’s You!)
Warning: here’s where it gets a little mushy …
Because, as I look back on the last 10 years, I’m just so filled with gratitude and joy. This website has been a huge part of my life and given me so much more than I ever could have imagined.
But, exhaustively testing and re-testing recipes would be pointless without having all of you to share the results with.
Thank you for being here, every step of the way.
From that first moment when my best friend, Gretchen, and I breathed life into our new creation …
… to helping me say goodbye when she left Two Healthy Kitchens 2½ years later, so she could pursue her dreams of becoming a teacher (she’s an AWESOME one, BTW!) …
… to helping me face the challenge of running this website without her, and welcoming my kids and husband as integral players – each helping with recipe testing and development, photo shoots, videos, social media, and even writing their own recipe posts.
My kiddos grew up right alongside this website, and it became a part of their lives, as well.
To say it’s been a labor of love is such a huge cliché … but also so very true.
What began as essentially a hobby for me became a viable career – and my dream job.
And also, through the years, an inseparable part of our identity as a family.
But none of that would be possible or worthwhile without each of you.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of this journey with us. Thank you for trusting us with your meals and your memories.
I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring, and I hope that you’ll all be along for the ride.
From OUR Healthy Kitchen … to YOURS. Cheers to the first 10 amazing years, and to all the many years to come!
More of Our Very BEST Recipes
For a complete breakdown of the most popular recipes from every single year, check out our annual Best Recipes Collections:
- Best of 2023
- Best of 2022
- Best of 2021
- Best of 2020
- Best of 2019
- Best of 2018
- Best of 2017
- Best of 2016
- Best of 2015
- Best of 2014
- Best of 2013
~ by Shelley
