I know I sound like a total cliche, but can you even believe this year is over? It started out feeling like worst year ever (with lots of dramatic flare and plenty of exclamation points) being injured and having to give up on a few goal races, but looking back the year was pretty amazing. I ran my first marathon, completed my first century (I swear I will actually finish that recap someday), started a new job, recovered from my injury, and ended up the happiest I have been in my adult life. Oh, and I also made a ton of delicious food. 😉
But enough about me, this post is about you and what your 10 favorite recipes were from 2013.
10. Curried Chicken Salad {gluten-free}
I’m not surprised. This was one of my favorites too. The bold curry, sweet grapes and crunchy almonds are the perfect combination and take a plain ol’ chicken salad into something I was excited to eat for lunch for the entire week.
9. Sun Dried Tomato & Basil White Bean Burgers {vegan + gluten-free}
I had a friend request a homemade version of a veggie burger she had at the store that she claimed tasted like pizza in a burger. This happened, and you guys loved it as much as I did! When I was making these, they looked so dry at first that I was terrified I’d made a horrible mistake by testing them out on guests, but after one bite, they were anything but dry, and everyone went back for seconds!
8. Caprese Pasta {gluten-free}
This meal is so simple and delicious, and who doesn’t love caprese? The big chunks of mozzarella cheese really take it to the next level, plus it doesn’t hurt that it’s packed with veggies and pretty light as far as pasta goes!
7. Guacamole Chicken Salad {gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo}
This was an other bulk lunch that I looked forward to eating until it was gone, and it disappeared super quickly. These were also some of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken.
6. Noodleless Chicken “Pad” Thai {gluten-free, dairy-free, easily paleo-able}
This is one I’ve been making forever. It’s a favorite around here, and with good reason–chicken pad thai is so bold, flavorful, and comforting, and you don’t miss any of that by swapping in the spaghetti squash!
5. Chipotle Black Bean Burgers {vegan + gluten-free}
This is one of the recipes people tell me they make the most. I’ve had a lot of friends and readers make them to rave reviews. Super flavorful, and a much cheaper option than the frozen ones I used to buy. Now I make these and freeze the leftovers instead!
4. Healthy Crockpot Orange Chicken {gluten-free + dairy-free}
Oh man, I LOVED this chicken. I would seriously choose it over the nastiness at Panda Express any day of the week. It actually tastes like real orange, and isn’t overly sweet. Super easy, and a great make-ahead meal.
3. French Onion Meatloaf {gluten-free}
OMG I’m SO glad you guys love this one too! I was seriously obsessed with it. It had a little bit of a slow start as far as traffic goes, but it picked up and became pretty popular on pinterest. This would definitely be in my top 10 for the year as well. In fact, my mom says she only makes meatloaf this way now!
2. Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash {gluten-free}
Oh man, I was sure this one would come in first place. It came so close. Without a doubt my favorite recipe of 2013 (and in actuality the most popular–the #1 spot has months on this one, and not too many more views). Sometimes you just get a really great idea and everything ends up exactly how you wanted. That was this recipe.
1. Spaghetti Squash Boats {gluten-free}
Okay, so technically I posted these in 2012, but it was December 27th, so I’m counting it. Up until I posted the lasagna spaghetti squash, this baby got all the attention, and it is GOOD. Really good. This recipe kind of inspired my spaghetti squash obsession, and it looks like you guys love it (and chicken salad) as much as I do.
Did anyone else notice there were no desserts?? That’s just crazy to me, but maybe that’s because my sweet tooth is the size of Texas. 😉 Just for fun, here’s 2 from 2012 that still made my top 10 traffic this year (and beat out a couple of the ones listed above).
Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad {gluten-free}
Spaghetti squash and chicken salad. Maybe I should just stick to those things? But for real, this is what inspired my chicken salad obsession (yes, apparently we all have the same obsessions), and it is so surprisingly delicious. Simple perfection in my book.
and (my favorite of all time)
Vanilla Bean Cookie Butter Cup Cupcakes
I mean, I think the picture and title say it all here. My favorite cupcakes I’ve ever eaten.
I’m dying to know, what was your favorite?? I love hearing from you guys about what you like, and what you’d like to see more of, so if you have any requests, shout ’em out! Also, if you made anything and loved it (or even if you didn’t love it–feedback is always good!), please tell me!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman says
I can’t wait to hear about your Century!! You’ve had a wonderful year, Ari! And I love pretty much everything that you come up with!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted…2013 Goals in Review
Ari says
Jamie you are seriously the best. I love that you actually want to read my century recap, and just how positive and supportive you are all the time. I know I’ve said that before, but I just really appreciate you. 🙂
Katie says
Somehow I missed some of these, I’m especially going to try that black bean burger 🙂
Ari says
I always end up missing some of the good stuff out there–that’s why I love reading the end of the year roundups. It’s so hard to keep up year round, but a little recap I can definitely catch! 🙂 Let me know how you like that burger! 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Oh goodness… so much amazing food. I’m definitely not surprised those spaghetti squash recipes were the most popular, though — I have them pinned myself and I’m pretty sure that’s the way I’m going to try my very first spaghetti squash. Can you believe I’ve never had one? I know, I know… I’ll change that soon!
Ari says
I would be so honored to be the recipe for your first spaghetti squash. You know how much I love it. In fact, I made a new one for dinner tonight. 😉
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
#7 & #6 – OOOOOO YESSS!!! I would love it if you could come make them for me. I could TRY but I know that I wouldn’t make them nearly as well as you would!!!!
xoxo – Merry XMAS!
Ari says
You’re so sweet! The guacamole chicken salad is suuuuper easy. Like, I feel silly even calling it a recipe easy–you could totally make it! The pad thai has a lot of steps, but you could totally pull it off! Hope you had a great holiday GiGi!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
I think I have pinned every single one of your recipes. You keep my family eating well! 🙂
My favorite (and most surprising) was the crock pot curry chicken. So easy and delicious. Keep the goodness coming!
Ari says
I’m so glad you ended up liking that one! I just made it again the other day. Thanks for all your support and positivity this year my friend! xoxo
lindsay says
i want to sample them all please.
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness says
Your recipes make me [almost] wish I wasn’t a vegetarian 😉 Forever searching for the ultimate black bean burger. Checking out your recipe!
Ari says
You know, I bet a lot of them could be easily modified! I know Laura made the lasagna spaghetti squash with lentils and said it came out great. The chicken salad ones might be worth trying with chickpeas. If you happen to try any that way, let me know how they turn out! Otherwise, those black bean burgers are a good way to go! 🙂
Becki @ Fighting for Wellness says
Oh hello, amazing looking recipes all in one fabulous place! Can’t wait to try these! 🙂
Kierston @candyfit says
The squash boat! oh my goodnest!
Liana@RunToMunch says
There’s a spaghetti squash sitting in my fridge that could use that exact recipe!
Ari says
Yesssss! Do it! And let me know how it turns out! 🙂
Stacey @ Pugmamastace says
I have made spaghetti squash boats so so so any times this year!! It’s crazy how filing one side of a SS can be, right? I love it. There are still a few that I really want to try on that list. I want to make the cranberry apple chicken salad again before honeycrisps go out of season!! Thx for the creative inspiration girl!! Can’t wait to collab with you on something 🙂
Ari says
Thanks friend!! xoxo
Katy says
I’m not surprised to see that curried chicken salad up there, I remember when you posted that and I was super in awe of those flavour combinations. Curry + grape = the bomb.com! One of my favs of yours this year was the iced coffee!
Ari says
Hehe, I have some iced coffee setting up right now! That curry one was kind of a surprise to me because until this year I didn’t think I liked curry, but that was kind of what changed my mind and began a total obsession! Thanks for all the support this year, Katy!
Jennifer F says
I don’t know where to start! Maybe with the cupcakes . . . !
Ari says
Those cupcakes… They are a lot of work, but worth every single second. I’ve yet to make a dessert that compares!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I vote for the burgers! Both of them! Can’t wait to see what you come up with in 2014.
Ari says
Thanks friend!! And DITTO! Your recipes just keep getting better and better!
Emily @ More Than Just Dessert says
Love this recap because I definitely missed some of these before meeting you at HLS 13! Keep those delicious recipes comin’ friend, you make me want to cook more!
Ari says
Awww YAY!! That is one of my favorite things to hear! Happy New Year Emily!