Popular Conditions & Diets
2025 was a year of big flavour, clever cooking, and recipes that made healthy eating feel joyful—not restrictive. Across seasons, our community kept returning to the dishes that struck the perfect balance between ease and nourishment: vibrant bowls, cozy bakes, smart meal-prep staples, and twists on classics that made everyday cooking more fun. Some went viral (looking at you, chickpea cookies), others quietly became weeknight heroes, and a few earned permanent spots in freezers, lunchboxes, and family traditions.
This collection brings together the 10 recipes that defined the year—not just because they performed well, but because they truly connected with home cooks. Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or revisiting a favourite, these dishes capture everything we love about the Rily kitchen: accessible ingredients, bold flavour, and nutrition that supports how you actually live.
Let’s take a look back at the meals that shaped 2025—one delicious bite at a time.
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
These cookies became our runaway hit of the year—proof that healthy baking doesn’t need to taste “healthy.” Made with chickpeas for a naturally creamy texture and a hit of plant-based protein, they deliver the soft, fudgy bite people crave from a classic chocolate cookie. The dough blends quickly in a food processor, making it a fast, kid-friendly treat that comes together with pantry staples. No one can guess the secret ingredient unless you tell them, and our community loved the novelty of turning chickpeas into a dessert that actually tastes incredible. A viral win that earned its hype.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This grilled pork shoulder is peak summer cooking—simple, juicy, and deeply flavourful. The cut stays tender on the grill, developing a smoky char that pairs beautifully with a bright olive salsa made from briny olives, herbs, garlic, and a squeeze of citrus. It’s a dish built for gatherings because it scales easily, looks impressive, and tastes like something you’d order at a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Yet it’s surprisingly low effort: marinate, grill, slice, and spoon on the salsa. It became a community favourite for its balance of richness and freshness and its ability to anchor any summer dinner spread.
Recipe by Fran Allen
These tostadas prove that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. Crisp tortillas form the perfect base for saucy, seasoned shrimp, fresh toppings, and a creamy spread that ties everything together. They take minutes to cook, making them ideal for weeknights when you want something flavourful without hovering over a stove. The texture contrast—crunchy, juicy, creamy—is what kept people coming back, along with the flexibility to customize with whatever vegetables or salsa you have on hand. It’s a fun, fast, nutritious meal that feels restaurant-level but requires minimal effort and zero special equipment.
Recipe by Fran Allen
These colourful noodle bowls became a go-to for beating the heat without turning on the stove for long. Built on chilled noodles and loaded with crisp vegetables, herbs, and protein, they hit the sweet spot between refreshing and nourishing. A bright, tangy dressing pulls everything together while keeping the bowl light enough for hot days and satisfying enough for lunch or dinner. The formula is endlessly adaptable—swap in tofu, shrimp, chicken, or edamame—and encourages you to use whatever seasonal produce you have. Our audience loved how easy they were to prep ahead and how vibrant and energizing they tasted.
Recipe by Fran Allen
This salad is proof that zucchini shines when it gets a little char. Grilling brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the drizzle of hot honey. Tossed with fresh greens, bright herbs, and a simple dressing, it’s the kind of dish that turns humble ingredients into something special. It works as a side dish or a light main and became a summer favourite for its balance of sweet heat, crisp texture, and bold flavour. It’s also an excellent way to use up an abundance of garden zucchini—something many readers appreciated.
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Designed for those navigating low-histamine eating, this pasta doesn’t compromise on comfort or flavour. Roasted red peppers and garlic blend into a silky, vibrant sauce that feels creamy without dairy, making it gentle on sensitive stomachs while still delivering deep, satisfying richness. It’s quick to prepare and uses straightforward ingredients—ideal for nights when you want something warm, soothing, and uncomplicated. This recipe resonated because it offers inclusion: a pasta dish that’s accessible to more people while tasting good enough for anyone at the table. It’s comfort food reimagined with care.
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This pumpkin loaf became an all-season favourite thanks to its incredibly moist crumb, warm spices, and reliable gluten-free structure. It’s the kind of bake that makes your home smell like a cozy café and tastes even better the next day. Made with nourishing ingredients and just sweet enough, it works for breakfast, snacks, or gifting. Many readers reported making it long after fall ended because it freezes beautifully and never dries out. Whether enjoyed plain, with a smear of nut butter, or toasted, this loaf embodies what people love about Rily baking: simple ingredients, great texture, and feel-good flavour.
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
This clever flatbread showed our community that you can transform humble quinoa into a high-protein, high-fibre staple without gluten, kneading, or rising time. With a blender and a sheet pan, you can make a flexible flatbread that works as a wrap, pizza base, snack, or side dish. The texture lands somewhere between a soft tortilla and a thin focaccia—chewy, tender, and sturdy enough to hold toppings. It’s a great option for meal prep because it stores well and adapts to countless flavour combinations. This recipe became a staple for anyone wanting a nutrient-dense bread alternative.
Recipe by Fran Allen
A nostalgia hit with a healthier twist, these DIY Uncrustables became a favourite for families and busy schedules. By customizing fillings—from classic nut butter and jam to savoury or allergen-friendly variations—you control the ingredients while keeping the fun, sealed-sandwich appeal kids love. The method is simple, cost-effective, and designed for batch prep, which is why the recipe resonated with meal planners. They’re ideal for lunchboxes, quick snacks, or road trips. This recipe turned a childhood classic into a practical, parent-approved staple.
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This dish delivers holiday comfort without requiring a full turkey or an entire afternoon. Roasting both the breast and thigh ensures juicy, tender meat with plenty of flavour, while a generous mix of herbs creates that unmistakable festive aroma. It’s perfect for smaller gatherings, Sunday dinners, or anyone wanting a special meal without the fuss of a whole bird. The recipe earned praise for its reliability—crispy skin, moist meat, and minimal prep—and for being a great solution when you want the essence of a holiday roast any time of year. It quickly became a new tradition for many.
Share this article
