Welcome back to Unbound Wellness, where we celebrate nourishing food that truly delights! As we reflect on the incredible journey of 2019, it’s clear that year held a special significance, not just for me personally, but for our thriving community of health-conscious food lovers. It was a year filled with exciting milestones, from expecting our little one in April 2020 and releasing my very first print cookbook, to the exponential growth of this little corner of the internet. Unbound Wellness proudly welcomed over 2 million visitors in 2019, marking my first full year as a self-employed entrepreneur dedicated to bringing you delicious, health-focused recipes. This growth also allowed me to expand my dedicated team and introduce new offerings, all thanks to your unwavering support.

Your engagement – through pins, shares, comments, and heartfelt messages – is what truly fuels this platform. Every click and every kind word inspires us to continue creating recipes that make healthy eating both accessible and enjoyable. This past year, ten particular recipes captured your hearts and taste buds more than any others. These are the dishes you made, shared, and enthusiastically recommended, making them the undeniable stars of Unbound Wellness in 2019.

It’s important to note that this curated list exclusively features recipes that were newly introduced in 2019. While timeless classics from previous years, such as our beloved Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers and Spinach Avocado Chicken Burgers, continue to receive immense love and traffic, this compilation is a special tribute to the fresh culinary creations that debuted and quickly soared to popularity within that single year. Prepare to dive into the most cherished and frequently visited new recipes that defined the year for Unbound Wellness readers!

Discover the Top 10 Most Beloved Recipes of 2019 on Unbound Wellness

Journey with us as we count down the reader-favorite dishes that made 2019 an exceptional year for healthy and delicious eating. Each recipe on this list embodies the spirit of Unbound Wellness: easy-to-follow, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly suited for those embracing Paleo, AIP, or Whole30 lifestyles. Get ready to rediscover these culinary gems and perhaps find your next go-to meal!

10. Hearty Beef Stroganoff: A Paleo, Whole30, and AIP Delight

Securing the tenth spot is our incredibly popular Beef Stroganoff, a classic comfort food reimagined for modern dietary needs. This recipe takes everything you love about the creamy, savory dish and transforms it into a Paleo, Whole30, and AIP-compliant masterpiece. It’s rich, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgence. Readers raved about its authentic taste and luxurious texture.

As Julie Morin beautifully shared, “Thank you Michelle for another amazing recipe! It was easy to make, texture was thick and it turned out exactly as shown in your picture. Taste is excellent and satisfy my craving for stroganoff.” This feedback perfectly encapsulates why this stroganoff quickly became a staple. It’s a hearty meal perfect for a cozy evening, serving up deliciousness without the dairy or gluten typically found in traditional versions. Pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete, nourishing meal that will leave you feeling comforted and content.

9. Sweet & Savory Pineapple Chicken Poppers

Coming in at number nine, our Pineapple Chicken Poppers are a burst of tropical flavor that captured the hearts of families everywhere. These delightful poppers offer a fantastic balance of sweet and savory notes, making them incredibly appealing to both adults and children. They are not only easy to prepare but also fit perfectly into Paleo, Whole30, and AIP guidelines, making them a versatile option for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or even lunchboxes.

Erin perfectly summed up their appeal: “These ones are my family’s favorite. So good!” The simple joy these poppers bring to the dinner table is undeniable. They are a fun, bite-sized way to enjoy chicken, with the natural sweetness of pineapple providing a delightful contrast to savory seasonings. Serve them with a simple dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and wholesome ingredients.

8. Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad: A Fresh & Healthy Twist

Our Avocado Tuna Salad landed at number eight, proving that healthy and quick meals can be utterly delicious. This recipe offers a vibrant, mayo-free alternative to traditional tuna salad, relying on the rich creaminess of fresh avocado to bind everything together. It’s packed with healthy fats, protein, and refreshing flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a quick snack, or even a filling component of a larger meal. Its simplicity and nutrient density made it an instant hit.

Denise’s reaction speaks volumes: “OMG, this was amazingly delicious! I chopped everything up and added chopped arugula. This may end up being a weekly thing!” The beauty of this avocado tuna salad lies in its versatility and ease. It comes together in minutes, perfect for busy schedules, and can be customized with your favorite herbs or greens. Enjoy it in lettuce cups, alongside gluten-free crackers, or stuffed into bell peppers for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

7. Comforting Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie

Securing the seventh spot, our Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie quickly became a beloved comfort food, especially during the colder months. This ingenious recipe takes the hearty, soul-warming essence of a classic shepherd’s pie and makes it incredibly nutrient-dense and grain-free by replacing the potato topping with a luscious cauliflower mash. It’s a perfect family dinner, offering a rich, savory filling topped with a light yet creamy vegetable purée, all compliant with Paleo, Whole30, and AIP protocols.

Heidi perfectly captured its appeal: “SO delicious! Perfect for a winter comfort food!” This dish truly delivers on flavor and coziness. The savory ground meat (or plant-based alternative) filling, often packed with hidden vegetables, pairs beautifully with the fluffy, subtly sweet cauliflower topping. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional dish with a healthy, modern twist, making it a satisfying and guilt-free choice for any occasion.

6. Delicious Paleo Cauliflower Gnocchi

At number six, our Paleo Cauliflower Gnocchi transformed a beloved Italian classic into a grain-free, vegetable-packed sensation. This recipe offers a surprisingly light yet satisfying alternative to traditional potato gnocchi, allowing those following Paleo or AIP diets to indulge in this delightful pasta dish. The delicate texture and mild flavor of the cauliflower gnocchi make them incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide array of sauces and accompaniments.

Amanda’s testimonial highlights its elegance: “This is just delicious!! Thank you so much for creating this wonderful dish. I’m eating it with smoked trout and a green salad – divine xx.” This gnocchi is a testament to how creative adaptations can elevate healthy eating. Whether tossed with a simple pesto, a rich tomato sauce, or served, as Amanda suggests, with smoked fish and a fresh salad, it offers a sophisticated and nourishing meal option that’s both comforting and gourmet.

5. Quick & Flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef

Breaking into the top five, our Mongolian Ground Beef quickly became a weeknight favorite for its incredible flavor and lightning-fast preparation. This recipe brings the beloved sweet and savory notes of Mongolian beef to your table in a fraction of the time, utilizing versatile ground beef. It’s a perfect solution for busy evenings when you need a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s packed with taste but requires minimal effort. This dish is also perfectly suited for Paleo, Whole30, and AIP lifestyles, making it a truly inclusive option.

Lindsay enthusiastically shared: “Our new weeknight favourite!! Soooo delicious, and easy to make!!” This feedback perfectly encapsulates why this dish soared in popularity. It’s an ideal choice for meal prepping or simply whipping up a quick dinner. Serve it over cauliflower rice, zoodles, or your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced, and incredibly flavorful meal that the whole family will adore. The rich, sticky sauce coated on tender ground beef makes every bite a delight.

4. The Ultimate Dairy-Free Queso: Creamy & Flavorful

Claiming the fourth spot, our Dairy-Free Queso proved to be an absolute game-changer for anyone avoiding dairy, but still craving that rich, cheesy dip experience. This recipe defies expectations, delivering an unbelievably creamy, flavorful, and satisfying queso without a single trace of dairy. It’s a testament to how innovative ingredients and smart cooking can recreate beloved textures and tastes, perfectly fitting into Paleo, Whole30, and AIP dietary frameworks.

Katie’s experience perfectly illustrates its impact: “I haven’t eaten any dairy in over 2 years and this recipe was everything I could have ever hoped for! So delicious. I like to serve with taco meat, red onions, and cilantro with Siete grain-free chips or plantain chips!” This dairy-free queso isn’t just a substitute; it’s a star in its own right. Perfect for dipping grain-free chips, drizzling over tacos, or topping a vibrant bowl of chili, it’s a crowd-plepleaser that truly delivers on flavor and texture, bringing back a cherished culinary experience for many.

3. Aromatic Turmeric Chicken Curry: Healthy & Hearty

The bronze medal goes to our Turmeric Chicken Curry, a vibrantly colored and incredibly flavorful dish that captured the hearts and palates of our readers. This curry is not only a delight to the senses but also packed with the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric and other warming spices. It’s a comforting, aromatic meal that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfectly aligned with Paleo, Whole30, and AIP dietary principles, making it a wholesome choice for any day of the week.

Katy’s sweet review highlights its universal appeal: “This curry was amazing! My 1-year old clapped at the end of dinner. Thanks for a great recipe!” This kind of endorsement truly speaks volumes. The rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant spices combine to create a deeply satisfying experience. Serve this turmeric chicken curry over cauliflower rice or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s both exotic and incredibly nourishing, bringing a burst of flavor and health benefits to your table.

2. Crowd-Pleasing Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

Our runner-up for 2019 is the delectable Mongolian Beef Stir Fry, a recipe that quickly became a go-to for many seeking a quick, delicious, and compliant meal. This stir fry features tender slices of beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce, mirroring the beloved takeout classic without any of the undesirable ingredients. It’s an incredibly satisfying dish that comes together swiftly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever a craving for flavorful Asian-inspired cuisine strikes. This recipe also proudly adheres to Paleo, Whole30, and AIP guidelines.

Jess simply stated: “Made this tonight, and it was absolutely delicious! Thank you!!” This resounding endorsement reflects the widespread appreciation for its incredible taste and straightforward preparation. The Mongolian Beef Stir Fry is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, with perfectly cooked beef, a rich, glossy sauce, and the option to add your favorite crisp-tender vegetables. Serve it over cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini, or a bed of greens for a complete, nourishing, and utterly enjoyable meal that brings the restaurant experience right into your home, but with a healthy twist.

1. Exquisite Chicken Marsala: The #1 Recipe of 2019

And the most beloved new recipe of 2019, as chosen by you, our incredible readers, is none other than our exquisite Chicken Marsala! This dish truly embodies gourmet dining from the comfort of your home, transforming a classic Italian-American favorite into a Paleo and Whole30 compliant masterpiece. It features tender chicken breasts pan-seared to perfection and bathed in a rich, savory mushroom and marsala wine sauce, free from dairy and gluten. Its sophisticated flavors and satisfying depth made it an instant sensation, proving that healthy eating can indeed be elegant and incredibly delicious.

Jackie’s heartfelt review captures the essence of its triumph: “So delicious! My 18month old and husband loved it too! Thank you for a great recipe! So excited to try more of your recipes!” This feedback is the highest compliment, signifying that this Chicken Marsala is a triumph for even the most discerning palates. It’s a versatile dish that’s equally suited for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight dinner, offering a taste of restaurant-quality cooking with wholesome ingredients. The deep, umami-rich sauce and tender chicken make this recipe a truly unforgettable culinary experience and a deserving winner of the top spot for 2019. If you haven’t tried it yet, prepare to be amazed by its incredible flavor and comforting appeal.

As we close the chapter on this remarkable culinary journey through 2019, it’s evident that the year was defined by incredible flavor, creative adaptation, and the unwavering support of our Unbound Wellness community. These top 10 recipes represent more than just meals; they are a testament to the fact that healthy eating, whether Paleo, AIP, or Whole30, can be profoundly satisfying, endlessly exciting, and truly delicious. Each dish, from comforting stews to vibrant stir-fries and innovative twists on classics, was crafted with love and designed to nourish both body and soul.

We are immensely grateful for every pin, share, comment, and homemade creation you’ve shared with us. Your enthusiasm is the driving force behind Unbound Wellness, inspiring us to continue pushing the boundaries of what healthy food can be. As we look ahead, we’re excited to bring you even more delicious recipes and insightful content. We encourage you to revisit these beloved 2019 favorites and perhaps discover a new staple for your kitchen. Thank you for being an integral part of the Unbound Wellness family; here’s to many more years of joyful, healthy cooking and eating!