Top 10 Recipes of 2021: Most Popular Dishes Revealed

These are our most popular, very best easy recipes from 2021 — healthy, delicious, and simple. They were exactly what many of us needed during a challenging year, and they’re recipes you’ll return to again and again. Did your favorite make the list?

Another One for the History Books

2021 surprised us in many ways. Like 2020, it tested our resilience and taught us to be flexible, to adapt our plans quickly, and to value health and time with family more than ever. With dining out limited at times, home cooking became essential again — and we wanted meals that were both healthy and easy to prepare.

That blend of simplicity and good-for-you ingredients is exactly what you find on Two Healthy Kitchens. In 2021 our readers gravitated toward recipes that made weeknights easier, breakfasts more reliable, and celebrations a little lighter and more delicious. Below are the top new recipes from 2021 — the ones you viewed, saved, and cooked the most.

The Best of the Best

Here are the 10 brand-new recipes from 2021 that became your favorites — the most read and most made.

1. 

   This lighter take on classic pasta salad was created with family tastes in mind. It delivers bright, bold flavors without excess fat or too many refined carbs, and it stores well for easy lunches or side dishes throughout the week.

2. 

   Tested and perfected for weeknight gatherings and casual entertaining, this crockpot version keeps the flavors of traditional buffalo chicken dip while trimming calories and fat. It’s easy, creamy, and a true crowd-pleaser.

3. 

   A one-ingredient star with a simple method: high-heat roasting transforms carrots into a sweet, caramelized side that pairs with nearly any main dish. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.

4. 

   This updated bean salad—originally inspired by a long-loved restaurant recipe—has become a family favorite for holidays and everyday meals. No cooking required; just a quick chop and a bright, tangy dressing.

5. 

   Surprisingly indulgent for such a simple dish, this sautéed cabbage uses browned butter and crunchy walnuts to add richness. It’s fast to cook, requires only a few ingredients, and makes a memorable side.

6. 

   These burgers combine ground beef and Italian sausage with bold seasoning. Top them with grilled peppers, onions, tomato, and fresh mozzarella for a burger that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare. Pasta salad is the perfect side.

7. 

   Rich chocolate chia pudding with almonds and coconut flakes—like a healthier Almond Joy. It’s great for make-ahead breakfasts, meal prep, or a guilt-free dessert.

8. 

   Restaurant-quality fajitas that come together on a single sheet pan in just over 20 minutes. The shrimp stay succulent and perfectly cooked, making this an easy repeat dinner for busy nights.

9. 

   A flexible overnight chia pudding with lots of topping and sweetener options—ideal for stress-free mornings and customizable for every taste.

10. 

    Like the roasted carrots, this asparagus relies on high heat for big flavor with very little effort. It’s fast to prepare and goes with a wide variety of mains.

Our Turn to Pick! (Our Family’s Favorite Recipes of 2021)

Only ten recipes can be the year’s most-viewed, so each year our family also selects a few personal favorites that didn’t make the top list but deserve attention. Here are the recipes our family members chose in 2021.

This simple, vibrant salad evokes cherished family memories. It’s fresh, flavorful, and reliably delicious straight from the fridge.

Amy chose this easy, decadent fudge as a feel-good holiday treat that’s still lighter than many traditional fudges.

These mini meatloaves are a go-to weeknight dinner: comforting, easy to portion, and perfect for families.

Scott picked these because they turn Brussels sprouts into a sweet-savory, irresistible side—somewhat of a revelation for sprout skeptics.

This simple, restaurant-style snack is a favorite for its effortless prep and big payoff. It’s a fun starter that always gets attention at gatherings.

Thank You, Our Treasured Readers

Thank you for trusting Two Healthy Kitchens for nearly a decade to deliver healthy, easy recipes your family will enjoy. Your feedback, recipe reviews, and comments inspire us to keep creating new ideas and sharing the dishes our family loves most.

We’re grateful for your support — cheers to a bright 2022 and to many more delicious meals together.

~ by Shelley