Best Healthy Recipes of 2019: Reader Favorites

This is one of my favorite posts of the year to write - your favorites recipes of 2019!

With everything from super crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts to an easy 15 Minute Honey Garlic Salmon and the best Zero Point Taco soup - your favorites this year came from all different categories of recipes. The main theme - easy! It was clear in looking at the recipes you loved the most, that we are all looking for more easy and healthy recipes in our lives, me included! As we head into 2019, that is defintiely a theme that will continue. Have an idea for an easy, healthy recipe? Please don't hesitate to contact me! I love working on reader ideas.

One more thing before we dive into the list. I feel truly blessed to get to call this my career and I can't thank you enough for being a part of our little corner of the internet. This community has become my home and I feel incredibly lucky to get to do this every day. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love reading your comments, interacting with you through email and social media, and getting to share my kitchen creations. And my absolute favorite thing ever? Seeing pictures of Slender Kitchen meals you make at home. It warms my heart to see you cooking meals from the site in your home and sharing them with your families. It's the best part of my day. 

So without further adieu, here goes! Your reader favorites of 2019.

1. Garlic Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan Cheese (150 calories, 2 Freestyle Smartpoints)

Reader Mary Beth, shared this review and we couldn't agree more - "One word: Yum!" These savory and crispy sprouts taste indulgent and decadent but are actually lightened up with center cut bacon, just enough olive oil to ensure they get crispy, and a thin layer of Parmesan cheese. 

2. Baked Roasted Vegetable Ziti (365 calories, 10 Freestyle Smartpoints)

This hearty baked pasta dish is packed with veggies but still has all the flavor of the classic comfort food dish. Reader Megan shared, "One of my favorite recipes from Slender Kitchen! So yummy and satisfying!"

3. Healthy Kung Pao Chicken (303 calories, 3 Freestyle Smartpoints)

Reader Amy shared this and it says it all - "This has become a regular in our meal rotation. This recipe is absolutely delicious! I add a green bell pepper and some chopped onion in addition to the red bell and celery. I made it for the first time and made the 4 servings the recipe makes. It was so good I made it again the very next night and doubled the recipe!! I portioned it out into containers for lunches this week! Thank you for this recipe! It satisfies Chinese food cravings and still fits into my weight watcher points!! (In all honestly- I think it's better than our local Chinese restaurant!!)"

4. Southwestern Grilled Pork Chops (213 calories, 6 Freestyle Smartpoints)

This simple pork chop dish with a homemade sweet and spicy spice rub couldn't be easier to make and is full of flavor. Reader Connie shared, "Excellent, I made it this evening and it was amazing, my son also loved it! Thanks for a great recipe."

5. Honey Garlic Chicken and Asparagus (253 calories, 3 Freestyle Smartpoints)

Reader Deanna shared, "This was SO good! My husband and 22 year old son were crazy about it! Thank you so much for an easy, healthy dinner meal!" and Robin shared a great idea for adding more veggies, "This was really yummy! I included some sliced cauliflower as well. It was all a big hit with the family and very easy to make."

6. Black Bean Hummus (88 calories, 1 Freestyle Smartpoints)

There are so many ways to make this dish and it is a great alternative to traditional hummus. Reader Leslie shared, "We absolutely loved this! A nice switch from the normal hummus I buy. I made the chipotle version since we love spice." and Laurie made a cilatro free option - "I made this and we love it! Not big fans of cilantro so I left that out, but it was terrific just the same. We will definitely make this again...and again!"

7. Healthy Turkey Ranch Burgers (170 calories, 1 Weight Watchers Freestyle Smartpoints)

These 3 ingredient burgers were a huge hit this year! Reader Jeffrey shared, "Yummy! Quick & easy. Great flavor. I added zucchini & onion 1/4 cup each. Juicy and held together while cooking. Side dish of skinny fries made a perfect meal."

8. Zero Point Weight Watchers Taco Soup (0 Freestyle Smartpoints)

This soup is a freezer staple in our house and great to have for quick meals. Glenys shared, "My husband and I have this soup for dinner almost every night. I'll often add spinach or another leafy green, but we never tire of this recipe and we are both gradually losing weight. Thank you Slender Kitchen!"

9. Three Ingredient Banana and Egg Pancakes (213 calories, 1 Freestyle Smartpoints)

These pancakes are a healthy favorite for kids and adults alike. They can be made with any flour to suit any flour. Sally shared, "We just started making these banana egg pancakes and I am obsessed. My kids love them and I feel like it is a really health and filling option. Usually I use oat flour or whole wheat flour since it is healthier. "

10. Chicken Shawarma (216 calories, 1 Freestyle Smartpoints)

This Middle Eastern dish is full of flavor and can be made in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the grill. Molly shared, "One of my favorites! I always have these spices on hand so it’s a really easy marinade to throw together. Tastes great in a pita or wrap with tzatziki and some lettuce and veggies!"

11. Creamy Coconut and Tomato Shrimp (297 calories, 4 Freestyle Smartpoints)

This recipe went crazy on Facebook and was super popular with low carb and Whole30 folks. Kim shared, "This recipe is so TASTY! My husband loves spice so we kicked it up a notch with some green chili peppers and added some broccoli for extra veggies. The flavors worked so perfectly together. I made this the first time over basmati rice but am making it again tonight with the zuchinni noodles and my mouth is watering."

12. Honey Garlic Salmon (388 calories, 3 Freestyle Smartpoints)

This fifteen-minute salmon dish is packed with flavor from a simple sauce of honey, garlic, butter, and lemon juice. It cooks in the oven on broil for a quick, easy, and perfectly cooked salmon dinner.

What was your favorite healthy recipe this year?

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