I hope you’ve all had a lovely year and holiday season. As always, I’m incredibly grateful for you all — the AK community — for coming to this site year after year to cook or bake something nourishing and delicious. 2025 was one for the books (which I say every year), and I can’t wait for what 2026 has in store.
Every year, I have so much fun looking back and putting together this roundup. These were the brand new recipes you cooked, shared photos of, left comments on, and told us you loved the most this past year. You’ll find lots of protein-packed meals and snacks, sheet pan meals, and a few epic desserts in these reader favorite recipes from 2025.
If you haven’t yet, get a few of these recipes on your to-make list! Otherwise, let this be a sign that you might just have to cook them up again. Happy New Year from the team and me!
ABC Muffins (apple, banana, carrot muffins!)
“I made the recipe without modifications and the muffins were delicious. Moist and with just the right touch of sweetness, Perfect for my kids and adults to enjoy too.”
High Protein Coffee Overnight Oats
“Yum!! These are so yummy and unique from any other overnight oat recipes ive tried, they legit taste like coffee ice cream, and i love how high protein it is too :))”
Maple Apple Breakfast Chicken Meatballs
“I am completely obsessed. These are so good and I will never spend money on applegate sausages again. They’re full of flavor, high protein and quality ingredients. Next time I am going to make a double batch and freeze some!”
“I never post reviews but I couldn’t resist. These were delicious and pillowy soft. I’m in shock that they didn’t have to rise to get this texture. And the protein is definitely a plus. Soo good.”
Warm Roasted Vegetable Harvest Couscous Salad
“This was so flavorful and delicious! I swapped butternut squash for sweet potatoes and it turned out great! If you’ve been looking for a winter harvest bowl, this is it!! 👏🏼 ”
Tahini Jalapeño Green Goddess Chicken Salad Wraps
“So So good!!! The jalapeños are just the perfect addition to this. The creamy tahini, sweet and spice from the jalapeños and herbaceous from the dill and cilantro. Such a great twist on chicken salad!”
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip
“This is so delicious! It reminds me of a side dish I would always get at my favorite greek spot in Boston. I’ve made this 3x already, most recently for a party and people demolished it.”
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Spicy Sausage, Butternut Squash & Hot Honey
“This is so good! Better than I expected…Roasting gnocchi, omg crispy and delicious. My family devoured this meal and want it in regular rotation. Also so quick and easy to make and clean up!!”
Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls
“Wow, so flavorful! Very quick too which is amazing. AK always finds new ways to make meal prep crave-able and never boring!”
“My husband and I loved this recipe. My husband is from Turkey and he agreed it tasted like a Turkish dish. I haven’t seen any other variations of this recipe, but as a huge AK fan it hit for us!”
“This was INCREDIBLE!!!!! I have recently discovered the beauty of salads, and this one blew my socks off…Also this is the only recipe I’ve made from Ambitious Kitchen and it was so good I ordered the cookbook immediately. That should tell you everything you need to know!”
Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Veggie Glow Bowls
“My husband and I made this for dinner last night and we were blown away!!! It was the most delicious meal we’ve had in a long time. Thanks for the great recipe!!”
One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake
“So good!! My 8 year old was inhaling it and saying “this is so good!” the entire time he ate. Which is all I need to say for a kid who lives for chicken nuggets. This was enjoyed by all and easy to throw together.”
Sheet Pan Salmon with Potatoes and Chickpeas
“Well, this was amazing! 2 and 4 year olds loved the chickpeas and the green sauce. I made a side salad with some olives and tomatoes — great with the crispy potatoes and onions.”
Mama’s Veggie-Packed Chicken Meatloaf
“This was a win! I’ve had my eye on this recipe for a while…I finally just went for it…It came out so well! My husband said it was the best meatloaf he’s had and my 4 and 2 year old really enjoyed it as well.”
“A beautiful recipe. Wouldn’t change a thing! If you’re nearby a farmers market or growing your own cherry tomatoes, please make the sauce! It’s a 5-star recipe on its own and takes the lasagna to the next level!”
Sheet Pan Honey Sesame Chicken and Asparagus
“I made this last night and the whole family approved…Next time I think I will double the entire recipe since there were no leftovers. Highly recommend!”
Smashed Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Herby Ranch Slaw
“Incredible recipe- the slaw puts it over the top. Both my husband and my child asked when I’ll be making these tacos again-soon!”
Manchego Apple Kale Farro Salad
“Oh my goodness what a delicious salad. I love the fall flavors and nothing overpowers anything else. I’m not typically a salad eater because it feels too hard, and while this salad does take some time to make, it is well worth it.”
“So darn good! Kid approved which makes me wish a 10 star rating was possible. Thanks for making an easily modifiable vegan recipe”
High Protein Cottage Cheese Giardiniera Dip
“Made this, and it was SO satisfying. I actually just used it as part of my salad dressing with some additional EVO. Delish!”
Chocolate Protein Brownie Bites (with a nut-free option!)
“10/10. These were delicious. Used peanut butter and vital proteins collagen. Tasted like a perfect bar bite. Will definitely be making again!”
Marbled Pumpkin Snacking Cake (gluten free!)
“A new tradition for the season! This is kid-approved and already a lunchbox favorite. Love the chocolate frosting on a pumpkin dessert. Moist gluten-free goodness.”
Mixed Berry Cobbler with Lemon-Pistachio Biscuits
“Oh my WOW!! Loved this. My husband and 3 kids devoured their bowl full of goodness, and that speaks volumes! Thank you Monique!”
Lemon Cream Pie with Pecan Gingersnap Crust
“I made this for mother’s day, and everyone was literally in love with it. the combo of the pecans/gingersnaps + the creamy lemon is heavenly.”
