The top 10 recipes on Downshiftology this year highlight simple, quick, and approachable meals. One-pan dinners and air-fryer meals remain favorites, and the year also marked the launch of my first cookbook, which became a national bestseller.
Top 10 Recipes of 2022
Although I published fewer new recipes in 2022, it was an eventful year for Downshiftology—mainly because I released my first cookbook. After three years of work, seeing the cookbook in your homes and hearing from readers around the world was incredibly humbling. The response was emotional and deeply meaningful, and when the Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook became a national bestseller, I was overwhelmed with gratitude.
Even with fewer new posts, the site remained strong. One of the most rewarding parts of running this site is watching steady growth over the years: the community keeps expanding as you share recipes with friends and family. In 2022 the site recorded more than 80 million views and my YouTube channel gained over 400,000 subscribers, finishing the year at 2.42 million subscribers.
Meal prep was a central theme in 2022. Between the cookbook launch and popular content like the Budget Meal Prep video (which surpassed a million views) and the roundup of 40+ best meal prep recipes, readers embraced recipes that save time and make weekday dinners easier. Classic posts such as guacamole, hollandaise sauce, overnight oats, and deviled eggs also remained top performers.
Which new recipes stood out this year? Not surprisingly, the most-viewed new recipe focused on meal prep: simple chicken marinades. Easy, straightforward recipes are what readers sought after—one-pan meals, air-fryer dinners, and make-ahead options all proved popular. Holiday favorites such as beef tenderloin paired with homemade horseradish sauce were also big hits.
What’s ahead for 2023? I plan to slow down a little and take more breaks—some vacations are on the horizon. I also have new projects in mind for Downshiftology, including subscription boxes and branded products, and I’m considering retreats or small trips to find more balance. Thank you for your support in 2022—here’s to a healthy, happy 2023.
Top 10 Most Viewed New Recipes in 2022
1. 6 Simple Chicken Marinades
These simple chicken marinades brought bold flavor to weeknight dinners. From Greek lemon to honey mustard and cilantro lime, the marinades are easy to prep and perfect for meal planning.
2. Air Fryer Salmon
This air fryer salmon stays moist and gets a flavorful Dijon mustard spice topping. Best of all, it’s a healthy dinner on the table in under 15 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
3. Beef Tenderloin Roast
Posted late in 2021 but rising in traffic through 2022, this beef tenderloin became a go-to holiday main. The garlic-herb sear and tender roast pair beautifully with a creamy horseradish sauce.
4. Shrimp Salad
This chilled shrimp salad was a summer favorite, combining crisp celery and red onion with a bright, herby dressing for a refreshing meal.
5. Tuscan Chicken
This Mediterranean-inspired dish features juicy chicken simmered in a rich cream sauce with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and spinach—comforting and simple to make.
6. Horseradish Sauce
This homemade horseradish sauce, posted alongside the beef tenderloin, quickly became a favorite for serving with roast beef, prime rib, and other steaks.
7. Shrimp Fried Rice
A quick, homemade take on a Chinese takeout classic. This shrimp fried rice combines rice, shrimp, vegetables, and egg with savory Asian flavors for an easy stir-fry dinner.
8. Butter Chicken
This butter chicken features marinated thighs in a creamy, curry-spiced yogurt sauce. Serve with basmati rice for a comforting, flavorful meal.
9. Chia Seed Water
Chia seed water saw renewed interest in 2022 as people explored the seeds’ health benefits. It’s a simple, hydrating option I often use to support digestion while traveling.
10. How to Make an Omelette
My no-fuss omelette method makes a perfect omelette every time. Fill it with your favorite ingredients for a quick, impressive, and healthy breakfast.
Beyond this year’s list, here are a few all-time favorites that continue to resonate with readers:
- All-time most popular recipe: How to Cook Bacon in the Oven
- All-time most popular post: 50+ Best Easy Dinner Ideas
- All-time most popular video: Poached Eggs: How to Poach an Egg Perfectly
It will be interesting to watch how these rankings evolve as the blog and the Downshiftology community continue to grow. Wishing you all a healthy, happy, and safe New Year.
xo, Lisa