Aggie’s Kitchen’s Best of 2015: Unveiling Your Top 15 Favorite Recipes

As the magical week between Christmas and New Year’s unfolds, I always find myself in a delightful state of reflection and anticipation. This period offers a precious opportunity to unwind, recharge, and mentally prepare for the exciting possibilities that a new year brings. It’s a cherished tradition of mine to look back through the Aggie’s Kitchen archives, reviewing the culinary journey of the past twelve months. Despite those occasional moments of wondering “what’s for dinner?”, seeing the array of delicious dishes I’ve had the pleasure of creating and sharing reminds me that it’s been quite a productive and fulfilling year in the kitchen.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for each and every one of you who visits Aggie’s Kitchen for inspiration and recipes. This blog is more than just a collection of dishes; it’s a passion project that brings immense joy and purpose to my life. Your continued support, whether you’re a long-time reader, a dear friend, or a family member, means the world to me. It’s your engagement, your comments, and your shared love for good food that truly makes this space thrive. I sincerely hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season, filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious food. As we stand on the cusp of a new year, I extend my very best wishes to everyone. Here’s to an amazing 2016, packed with new flavors, culinary adventures, and shared meals!

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the dishes that resonated most with you. These are the recipes that topped the charts, garnered the most clicks, and sparked the most interest on Aggie’s Kitchen throughout 2015. It’s a true testament to the power of delicious, approachable food.

Here are the Top 15 Most Popular Recipes on Aggie’s Kitchen from 2015:

1. Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing

Kicking off our list at number one is the incredibly popular Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing. This vibrant dressing truly captured hearts in 2015, proving that a fresh, homemade dressing can transform any meal. Its luscious, smooth texture, combined with the bright tang of lime and the rich creaminess of ripe avocados, makes it an irresistible addition to salads, taco bowls, or even as a dip for vegetables. Readers raved about its versatility and how easily it elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s not just a dressing; it’s a flavor enhancer that brings a burst of freshness to your plate. Whether you’re aiming for a healthy lunch or a zesty topping for your weeknight dinner, this avocado lime dressing is a must-try that promises to become a staple in your kitchen.

2. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Next up, warming souls across the board, is the Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. This hearty and comforting soup found its way into many kitchens, especially during colder months. The beauty of a slow cooker recipe lies in its simplicity – just set it and forget it! This split pea soup is packed with savory flavors, often featuring tender ham or bacon, and becomes wonderfully thick and wholesome over hours of slow cooking. It’s the perfect recipe for a nourishing meal that requires minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy weekdays. Its satisfying depth of flavor and easy preparation made it a clear favorite among our readers looking for comforting, fuss-free dinners.

3. Mexican Slaw Salad with Black Beans

The vibrant and flavorful Mexican Slaw Salad with Black Beans secured its spot as a top recipe in 2015, and for good reason. This salad is a celebration of textures and tastes, combining crisp slaw with the earthy goodness of black beans, often complemented by a zesty dressing and fresh cilantro. It’s an ideal dish for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal, or a fantastic side dish for any Mexican-themed dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables and protein-rich black beans makes it both healthy and incredibly delicious, proving that salads can be exciting and substantial. Its bright flavors and easy assembly made it a popular choice for quick lunches and vibrant dinner additions.

4. Slow Cooker Asian Citrus Pork Tenderloin

Taking fourth place is the incredibly tender and aromatic Slow Cooker Asian Citrus Pork Tenderloin. This recipe showcases the magic of slow cooking, transforming a lean cut of pork into a succulent, fall-apart main course infused with bright citrus notes and savory Asian flavors. The combination of ingredients typically includes soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and citrus (like orange or lime), creating a marinade that deeply penetrates the meat. It’s perfect served over rice or with steamed vegetables, offering a sophisticated meal with minimal hands-on effort. This recipe’s ability to deliver gourmet taste from a simple slow cooker setup made it a favorite for busy home cooks wanting an impressive, yet easy, dinner.

5. Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Even the skeptics were converted by our Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, which became a runaway hit in 2015. This recipe proves that Brussels sprouts can be not just palatable, but utterly delicious, especially when roasted to perfection with a sticky-sweet and tangy glaze. The high heat of roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates wonderfully caramelized edges, while the honey balsamic glaze adds an irresistible depth of flavor. This side dish is simple to prepare and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled salmon. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a truly delightful manner, appealing to both seasoned sprout lovers and newcomers alike.

6. Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Melts

The sixth most popular recipe brought Italian-inspired comfort to our tables with Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Melts. This ingenious recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the vibrant flavors of pesto and gooey melted cheese, typically mozzarella or provolone. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with herbaceous pesto, making it perfect for shredding and serving on toasted buns or ciabatta. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special, offering all the satisfying qualities of a hearty sandwich. The simplicity of preparation paired with the robust flavor profile made this a standout, and a delicious way to enjoy chicken.

7. Strawberry Grapefruit Ginger Smoothie

For those seeking a refreshing and invigorating start to their day, the Strawberry Grapefruit Ginger Smoothie was a clear winner. This smoothie offers a delightful balance of sweet strawberries, tangy grapefruit, and a spicy kick from fresh ginger. It’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast or an energizing snack. The combination of flavors is unique and incredibly refreshing, a perfect pick-me-up any time of year. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, healthful benefits, and the exciting flavor combination that awakens the senses, providing a burst of vitality in every sip.

8. Apple, Celery, Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette

Our readers clearly appreciate a well-crafted salad, as evidenced by the popularity of the Apple, Celery, Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette. This salad offers a delightful symphony of textures and flavors: crisp apples, crunchy celery, earthy walnuts, all brought together by a bright and tangy honey Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a fantastic side dish for any meal, providing a refreshing counterpoint to richer flavors, or a light lunch on its own. This recipe proves that simple ingredients can combine to create something truly special and satisfying, making it a beloved choice for those seeking both health and flavor in their salads.

9. Roasted Red Peppers with Pesto and Goat Cheese

Simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor, the Roasted Red Peppers with Pesto and Goat Cheese captivated many in 2015. This appetizer or side dish highlights the natural sweetness of roasted red peppers, beautifully complemented by the herbaceous notes of pesto and the creamy tang of goat cheese. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly easy dish to prepare, perfect for entertaining or adding a gourmet touch to a weeknight meal. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser, demonstrating that a few high-quality ingredients can create a memorable culinary experience. This recipe is a testament to the power of simple combinations that deliver big on taste.

10. Greek Village Salad

Transporting taste buds to the Mediterranean, the Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki) earned its place among the top recipes. This classic salad celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients: ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and generous chunks of feta cheese, all drizzled with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. It’s a staple in Greek cuisine for its refreshing qualities and robust flavors, and it clearly resonated with our readers seeking authentic, healthy options. Perfect as a light meal or an accompaniment to grilled meats, this salad exemplifies the beauty of fresh, uncomplicated food that satisfies both body and soul.

11. Almond Peach Kefir Smoothie

Another popular smoothie on our list, the Almond Peach Kefir Smoothie, combines creamy goodness with delightful fruit flavors. Kefir, known for its probiotic benefits, provides a tangy base that perfectly complements the sweetness of peaches and the nutty notes of almond. This smoothie is not just delicious but also incredibly nourishing, making it an ideal choice for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or a healthy snack. Its smooth texture and delightful flavor profile made it a favorite for those looking for an easy way to boost their gut health and enjoy a satisfying, fruity treat. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create a powerful and tasty health drink.

12. Taco Turkey Black Bean Rice Bowls

Embracing the popular bowl food trend, the Taco Turkey Black Bean Rice Bowls were a major hit. This recipe offers a healthier, customizable take on traditional tacos, featuring lean ground turkey seasoned with taco spices, wholesome black beans, and fluffy rice, often topped with fresh salsa, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for meal prep, allowing for endless variations to suit individual preferences. The combination of protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors makes it a satisfying and well-balanced meal. Its ease of assembly and hearty nature solidified its popularity among readers looking for flavorful and customizable weeknight dinners.

13. Spring Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts

Celebrating the bounty of the season, the Spring Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts charmed its way into our top recipes. This visually stunning and deliciously complex salad combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, often dressed with a light vinaigrette. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a vibrant side. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes it a truly memorable salad, showcasing how beautiful and delicious simple seasonal ingredients can be. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of spring.

14. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

As we near the end of our list, another irresistible vegetable dish makes an appearance: Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts with Pecans. This recipe is a celebration of autumn flavors, combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the slightly bitter, caramelized notes of Brussels sprouts, all enhanced by the buttery crunch of pecans. Often finished with a simple glaze, this side dish is both wholesome and incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect accompaniment to any fall or winter meal. It’s a hearty and satisfying way to enjoy vegetables, proving that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and comforting.

15. Kale, Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata

Rounding out our top 15 list is the versatile and nutritious Kale, Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata. This open-faced omelet is a fantastic option for any meal of the day – breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. It combines nutrient-dense kale, sweet red peppers, and the creamy tang of goat cheese, baked into a fluffy egg base. It’s incredibly easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand and serves as a delicious way to incorporate more greens and protein into your diet. Its simplicity, adaptability, and healthful appeal made it a firm favorite, proving that wholesome cooking can be both effortless and incredibly satisfying.

Looking back at these top recipes, it’s clear that you, my wonderful readers, have a penchant for fresh, wholesome ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and dishes that offer both flavor and comfort. From vibrant salads and energizing smoothies to hearty slow cooker meals and delectable roasted vegetables, the variety in this list truly reflects the diverse culinary interests within the Aggie’s Kitchen community. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share these creations with you throughout 2015.

I hope this retrospective has inspired you to revisit some old favorites or discover new dishes to try in the coming year. Thank you once again for your incredible support and for being such an integral part of Aggie’s Kitchen. I can’t wait to see what delicious adventures 2016 will bring! Let’s continue to cook, share, and enjoy good food together.

From the past:

Best of 2014 – My Favorites and Yours

Best of 2013 – My Favorites and Yours

My 12 Favorite Meals of 2012

Bye Bye 2011

Top 5 Favorites of 2009