My Favorite Healthy Recipes of 2018 (2024)

Time for the second half of our annual reflection on a year of deliciousness! Yesterday, I shared YOUR Favorite Recipes of 2018. Today, I’m sharing mine!

I know you have thousands of recipes to choose from on any given day. The fact that you choose to make one of mine means the world to me. It’s an honor, and I take the time and resources you invest in making my recipes very seriously. I am excited about and stand behind every recipe I post here, and I want you to be excited about them too.

Sometimes, however, I’m not only excited about a recipe—I’mgiddy. YES, I think. This is the recipe that will make people dance in their kitchens, overtake Pinterest, and generally break the internet. I hit “publish” and…

Nada.

The recipe, for one unknown reason or another, never takes off and sits quietly in my recipe archives. I publish a new one, and we move on. It’s a part of food blogging life that I’ve learned to take in stride over the years.

But, but, but! These recipes are still SO GOOD. I like to think of this list as their second chance to shine. I also enjoy the moment of reminiscing about who I made them for and how much we enjoyed eating them together.

Is there a promising recipe on this list that you might have missed? Looking for some fresh inspiration for the new year? Start here!

In no particular order, here are my personal picks from 2018.

Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Gnocchi. This gem cooks in a single skillet, tastes of pure cold-weather comfort, and lights up every face at the table. No matter your level of experience in the kitchen, this recipe will make you feel like a professional chef. It really is that good.

Vegan Queso. Yes, you read that correctly. This indulgent, creamy, and cheesy-tasting dip is made with (wait for it) roasted cauliflower and cashews. My friends were eating it with a spoon, and you will be too!

Paleo Chili. I am going to be honest: when I put an entire head of cauliflower and can of pumpkin in here, I didn’t think it was going to work. Turns out it is AMAZING. Whether or not you are following a Paleo diet, this chili is worth making. It’s loaded with veggies and lean protein and makes tasty leftovers too.

Bostock with Lemon and Almonds. Like an almond croissant and slice of French toast had a baby, but even more delicious and 1,000% easier to make. This tastes even better the second day, so it’s perfect if you have guests coming into town and want to prep breakfast in advance.

Strawberry Chicken with Avocado Salsa. A triumph of vibrant, healthy, fresh flavor. Every bite is better than the one before it.

Penne Alla Vodka with Chicken. Lightened-up comfort food at its finest. The sauce tastes like a classic vodka sauce made with heavy cream, but it’s actually thickened with ground almonds. One of Ben’s favorites!

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos. You need a go-to, killer recipe for juicy, super-flavored Mexican shredded chicken and this one is TOPS. In addition to tacos, you can use the chicken for enchiladas, quesadillas, and even salads.

Pumpkin Banana Bread. I have made dozens and dozens of loaves of both pumpkin bread and banana bread. The combo of the two turned out to be my best yet! Supremely moist, spectacularly flavored, and surprisingly healthy, this one doesn’t disappoint.

Vegan Enchiladas. The filling’s secret ingredient sounds a bit odd at first but tastes dynamite. Bonus points for making your own homemade red enchilada sauce!

Sheet Pan Italian Chicken and Vegetables. Bright balsamic and garlic make this anything but ho-hum, and the entire meal cooks on a single pan. Dinner, done.

Brussels Sprouts Mac ’n Cheese with Bacon. Ben’s other favorite. I’d say this makes a great side (because it does), but we devoured the entire shebang for dinner!

OK, I know we are at 11, buuuuuut I couldn’t leave you without a little dessert, so here’s a bonus recipe!

Carrot Cookies. Nothing makes me happy like treats that nourish my heart and my body too. These yummy cookies taste like carrot cake but are wholesome enough to be breakfast-acceptable should you feel as inclined, as I suspect you will.

Once again, thank you for another wonderful year here! I hope this list inspires some fresh ideas for your kitchen.

My Favorite Recipes from Other Years

• 2019
• 2017
• 2016