Top Healthy Recipes of 2012

Find out which healthy recipes were the most popular in 2012.
By: Healthy Eats

Related To:

chicken

Chcken Saltimbocca

Food Network's Chicken Saltimbocca

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2012, Television Food Network, GP. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2012, Television Food Network, GP. All Rights Reserved.

The numbers are in for the top recipes of 2012 and the results reveal that chicken continues to be a winning lean protein choice -- with fish not far behind -- plus a few comfort food favorites made the list, like macaroni and cheese and breakfast burritos. What will the new year bring? Can we expect to see more kale and chard on our plates alongside the chicken?

10. Apple Muffins: Ellie Krieger replaces butter with applesauce in these muffins which doesn't just make them more nutritious, it also makes them extra moist.

9. Fish Tacos With Chipotle Cream: Pile marinated fish, cabbage, corn and chipotle-spiked yogurt sauce into corn tortillas for an instant fiesta.

8. Herbed Quinoa: Giada DeLaurentiis dresses this quick-cooking, protein-packed grain with a simple herb-and-lemon vinaigrette for a super simple, pairs-with-anything side dish.

7. Three-Cheese Macaroni: This comfort food classic is made with muenster, cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, plus steamed cauliflower for an extra serving of veggies.

6. Chicken Saltimbocca (above): Giada's stuffed chicken sounds decadent, but the calories in this classic Italian chicken dish are kept low by using small amounts of boldly-flavored ingredients like prosciutto and Parmesan cheese.

5. Breakfast Burrito: Start your day with a veggie-packed, hand-held breakfast: whole-wheat tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs, peppers and onions, beans and cheese.

4. Chicken Parmesan: Baking chicken cutlets instead of frying them helps keep the calories down in this Italian favorite -- and it still gets covered in sauce and mozzarella cheese like the original.

3. Chicken Piccata: A normally decadent wine and butter-based meal gets a healthy makeover.

2. Crispy Baked 'Fried' Chicken: The secret to an extra-crispy coating on un-fried chicken: coat the chicken pieces in buttermilk and crushed cornflakes before baking.

1 . Salmon Baked in Foil: The #1 healthy recipe of 2012 also happens to be the easiest -- baking salmon in foil with herbs and tomatoes ensures that it will come out moist and flavorful, and with zero mess to clean up after cooking.

Have you made any of these recipes? Let us know about your favorites!

Next Up

Are Short Intense Workouts Better Than Long Moderate Ones?

Whether you love a quick HIIT workout or prefer a long walk, here's how each benefits your health.

The Mediterranean Diet Can Be Beneficial During Pregnancy, Study Finds

For those who are or may become pregnant, the Mediterranean diet offers a food philosophy that brings unique benefits during this special time, according to research.

Is Air Frying Healthy?

The biggest myth about air fryer chicken nuggets, busted.

What’s the Deal with Vitamin Patches?

Known as "transdermal patches," these supplements are administered through a patch on your skin rather than orally. But do they work?

We Tried 3 Fitness Trackers of the Future

Metabolic wearables do way more than track your steps, but are they really worth it? We put three to the test.

What to Know About Mixing Caffeine and Alcohol

Here's why you may feel a boost of energy after an espresso martini.

What's the Difference Between Probiotics and Prebiotics?

A healthy gut requires both probiotics and prebiotics. Here's what you need to know about each.

12 Expert-Approved Tips to Make Meal Prep Easier

We asked four meal prep professionals for their secrets to successful meal planning.

Everything You Want to Know About Alcohol and Weight Loss

If I quit drinking will I lose weight? This dietitian is six months sober and digging into the research.

Related Pages