The Top 12 Clean Eating Recipes of 2017 — a truly mouthwatering collection. If you haven’t tried these yet, now is the time. Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy New Year!
#1: Gluten Free Date Bars
These gluten-free date bars have been a longtime favorite on Vitamin Sunshine. Sweetened only with dates, they offer natural caramel-like flavor without added sugar. Packed with oats and walnuts, they make a satisfying snack or a wholesome dessert that’s easy to enjoy on the go.
#2: Breakfast Chia Pudding
This simple chia pudding is perfect to prepare the night before and yields several servings. Store in mason jars and top with fresh fruit and nut butter for a quick, portable breakfast. It’s an easy, nutritious option for busy mornings that stays delicious throughout the week.
#3: Dreamy Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothie
Updated multiple times due to reader demand, this chocolate chip mint smoothie remains a top pick. It combines nutritious ingredients but delivers a creamy, milkshake-like experience. A decadent-feeling breakfast that’s still wholesome.
#4: Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl
Dragon fruit has become popular for its antioxidants and low sugar content — and it’s stunning to look at. This recipe blends frozen dragon fruit with banana and mango into a soft-serve consistency for a thick smoothie bowl that won’t get watery. It’s fruity, creamy, and visually delightful.
#5: Chocolate Quinoa Cake
Inspired by gluten-free bakery treats, this chocolate quinoa cake swaps refined sugar and starch for wholesome ingredients. Made with quinoa and naturally sweetened with fruit, it’s a moist, chocolatey snack cake that provides fiber and flavor without added sugar.
#6: Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken and Brown Rice
This favorite slow cooker meal combines tender chicken, brown rice, and a bounty of vegetables — including cauliflower rice for extra nutrients. It requires about 30 minutes of prep, then the slow cooker does the rest, yielding a comforting, family-friendly dinner with leftovers.
#7: Asian Orange Zoodle Salad
If you’re over lettuce, spiralized vegetables offer a fresh alternative. This zoodle salad mixes oranges, peppers, and arugula with a creamy tahini dressing for a bright, crunchy dish that resembles an Asian noodle bowl but stays light and low in carbs.
#8: Healthy Chocolate Frosting
This creamy chocolate frosting uses sweet potatoes as its base for a smooth, fudgy texture that holds up on cakes and sandwich cookies. Naturally sweetened with date syrup, it’s a lighter alternative to traditional sugar-heavy frostings while still delivering rich chocolate flavor.
#9: Baked Eggplant Parmesan Pasta
This lighter take on classic eggplant Parmesan layers crispy baked eggplant with cheese and gluten-free pasta. Using homemade breadcrumbs and baking instead of frying keeps the dish healthier while preserving the comforting flavors of a favorite Italian meal.
#10: Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Skip rice paper and use crisp lettuce for fresh, Whole30-friendly wraps. These Thai-inspired fillings combine ginger, chili, and Thai basil for bold flavor. They’re family-friendly, portable, and full of health-supporting ingredients.
#11: 5 Ingredient Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies
These five-ingredient cookies are simple to prepare and satisfy sweet cravings without a sugar crash. Made with almond flour and lightly sweetened with honey, they’re easy to portion and make a great occasional treat that supports healthy eating goals.
#12: Paleo Turkey and Butternut Chili
This hearty chili features ground turkey and roasted butternut squash for a cozy, vegetable-forward meal. By skipping beans, the recipe emphasizes extra protein and vegetables while delivering comforting chili flavors the whole family will enjoy.
I’d love to connect on social media! Find me on Facebook or Instagram where I share daily healthy eating and lifestyle inspiration.
