The Best 21 Day Fix Recipes of 2017: A Look Back at Delicious & Healthy Favorites

Welcome back, fit foodies! Today, we’re taking a delightful trip down memory lane to celebrate the culinary highlights of 2017. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.

Oh, 2017 – what a truly remarkable year it was! My husband and I often find ourselves reminiscing about those memorable times, filled with wonderful experiences and happy moments. Even though the year seemed to fly by in an instant, the memories created, both personally and professionally, have left a lasting impression.

From the perspective of Confessions of a Fit Foodie, 2017 was nothing short of phenomenal. The growth and success we experienced were almost unbelievable. A huge part of this achievement was my incredible blogging partnership with Becca, Stephanie, and Carrie. Together, we fostered vibrant and supportive communities around healthy eating and the 21 Day Fix program. Our Facebook groups – 21 Day Fix Recipes, Tips, and Support and 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Community – didn’t just grow; they transformed into genuine hubs of encouragement and shared passion. We poured our hearts into them, and the result is a thriving network we are incredibly proud of. And trust me, we had so much more planned for the coming year, too!

The Year of the Instant Pot: A Game Changer for 21 Day Fix Enthusiasts

Speaking of our Instant Pot Community, there’s no doubt that 2017 truly cemented itself as the “Year of the Instant Pot.” It seemed like everyone was either getting one, asking about one, or sharing their latest pressure-cooking triumph. The queries about this magical kitchen appliance flooded my inbox daily, and it’s no coincidence that many of our most popular recipes of the year were designed specifically for the Instant Pot. Its ability to create delicious, healthy, and 21 Day Fix-approved meals in a fraction of the time was a total game-changer for so many dedicated to their fitness journey.

For those unfamiliar with the 21 Day Fix, it’s a popular portion-control and clean eating program that simplifies healthy eating with easy-to-understand color-coded containers. The Instant Pot proved to be an invaluable tool for this program, allowing users to quickly prepare lean proteins, perfectly cooked grains, and tender vegetables, all while adhering to their container counts. If you were still on the fence about embracing the Instant Pot revolution in 2017, or perhaps you’re considering it now, I highly recommend checking out these Five Reasons why you need an Instant Pot in your life. It simplifies healthy cooking, making it accessible even on the busiest days, perfectly aligning with the principles of the 21 Day Fix.

As exciting and fulfilling as 2017 was, the anticipation for 2018 was even greater. We had some pretty awesome and helpful things ready to be rolled out that January! But for now, let’s take a moment to celebrate the culinary journey of 2017 and revisit the most beloved 21 Day Fix recipes that captured your hearts and taste buds.

Happy New Year to the best readers on the internet! Your support and enthusiasm are what make this community so special. I <3 you guys!

Top 21 Day Fix Recipes of 2017: Unforgettable Favorites

Here’s a detailed look at the recipes that truly shined in 2017, earning their spot as fan favorites and staples in countless kitchens adhering to the 21 Day Fix program. Each one offers a blend of deliciousness, ease, and healthy ingredients, making them perfect for maintaining your fitness goals.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe wasn’t just my most popular of the year by a significant margin; it was also the dish I personally made the most! Its comforting flavors, tender chicken, and vibrant toppings make it an absolute winner, especially on chilly evenings. The Instant Pot transforms what would traditionally be a longer simmering process into a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for a busy 21 Day Fix lifestyle. It’s a testament to how satisfying and easy healthy eating can be when you leverage smart kitchen tools.

Instant Pot Chicken Marsala (Stove-Top Option)

Thanks to the rapidly growing Instant Pot communities, this Chicken Marsala soared in popularity. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a gourmet chef without all the fuss. The rich, savory sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms come together beautifully. With an Instant Pot, this elegant dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal or a special occasion while staying perfectly on track with your 21 Day Fix containers.

Krispie Baked Chicken

You guys truly trust me, even when I suggest unconventional ingredients like cereal on your chicken – and I love you for it! This Krispie Baked Chicken was by far my most popular non-Instant Pot recipe of the year. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a satisfying crunch that will become a family favorite. It proves that healthy, 21 Day Fix-approved meals don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture, offering a comforting classic with a healthier twist.

Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken

This is the recipe that truly kicked off the Instant Pot madness on Confessions of a Fit Foodie! Simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, our Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken quickly became a staple for countless kitchens. The tangy balsamic vinegar, savory chicken, and easy preparation make it a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s fantastic served over brown rice, quinoa, or with a side of steamed vegetables, making meal prep for the 21 Day Fix a breeze and keeping your meals exciting.

Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

Despite being a relatively new addition to the blog in 2017, this Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin quickly shot into the top five most popular recipes – an incredible feat! It’s a fantastic remake of a beloved slow cooker recipe, yet it tastes completely different, offering an enhanced depth of flavor when cooked under pressure. I particularly love adding potatoes and carrots directly to the pot for a super easy, wholesome one-pot meal that’s perfectly balanced for the 21 Day Fix, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Oh man, just seeing this recipe listed is the exact reminder I needed to make it again STAT! This Buffalo Chicken Pizza brings all the bold, spicy flavors you love in a healthy, 21 Day Fix-approved package. Using a whole wheat crust and lean chicken, it satisfies those pizza cravings without derailing your goals. It’s a fun, flavorful, and satisfying meal that quickly became a fan favorite for good reason, proving that comfort food can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Pulled Pork with Maple BBQ Sauce {Crock Pot/Instant Pot}

Do other people get as excited about homemade BBQ sauce as I do? Apparently, many of you do, because this Pulled Pork with Maple BBQ Sauce landed squarely in the top ten recipes of the year! This makes me incredibly happy because crafting this sauce was such a personal win. The balance of sweet maple and savory BBQ spices, combined with tender pulled pork (easily made in either a Crock Pot or Instant Pot), makes for an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for sandwiches or served over a sweet potato, fitting perfectly into the 21 Day Fix framework.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese {Gluten-free}

Who says comfort food can’t be healthy and 21 Day Fix-friendly? This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a revelation, especially for those seeking a gluten-free option. It uses a super sneaky ingredient to achieve that incredibly creamy texture without all the extra fat typically found in traditional mac and cheese. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that kids and adults alike will adore, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up your favorite comfort foods, even a classic like mac and cheese.

Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos

These tacos are so incredibly tasty that some readers have even used the leftover cooking juice to create a delicious soup – talk about resourceful! Our Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos are packed with flavor, tender meat, and can be customized with your favorite 21 Day Fix-approved toppings. They make for an exciting and healthy taco night, demonstrating how versatile and enjoyable healthy meal planning can be, bringing vibrant flavors to your table.

Cinnamon Bun French Toast Cups (Dairy-free/Gluten-free)

Originally conceived as a festive holiday breakfast, these Cinnamon Bun French Toast Cups quickly became a year-round staple for many, including my own family! They are incredibly easy to meal prep and make for a convenient, healthy breakfast on busy mornings. Being both dairy-free and gluten-free, they cater to various dietary needs while delivering that irresistible cinnamon bun flavor in a portable, 21 Day Fix-friendly format, perfect for grab-and-go mornings.

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes {Gluten-free}

I absolutely love that you all share my passion for these Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes! They are a sophisticated yet simple meal that feels like a treat, while still adhering to 21 Day Fix guidelines and being completely gluten-free. The focus on high-quality crab meat ensures incredible flavor and a lean protein source. Keep an eye out – I even had a mini version of this recipe in the works, perfect for appetizers or smaller portions, making healthy indulgence accessible.

Turkey Burgers with Goat Cheese and Citrus Maple Dijon

The secret to these sensational Turkey Burgers? It’s all in the sauce! The Citrus Maple Dijon dressing is truly to die for, elevating a simple turkey burger into a gourmet experience. Topped with warm goat cheese, these burgers offer an incredible combination of flavors and textures. They were undoubtedly one of my personal recipe favorites of 2017, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly indulgent and exciting, perfect for a satisfying meal on the 21 Day Fix.

Lazy Zucchini Enchilada Skillet

I remember a particularly happy Saturday afternoon in my house when I perfected a few different versions of this recipe. Let me tell you, this Lazy Zucchini Enchilada Skillet is pure joy in one pan! It’s an incredibly flavorful and surprisingly quick meal that takes the classic enchilada flavors and presents them in a healthy, skillet-friendly format. This dish quickly became a go-to for its ease of preparation and its satisfying taste, making healthy eating effortless and incredibly enjoyable.

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Spinach, and Feta

Do you remember that time in Fall 2017 when everyone, including myself, went absolutely crazy for acorn squash? This Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe was a major reason why! Filled with savory sausage, fresh spinach, and tangy feta, it’s a perfectly balanced and incredibly comforting meal. I’m pretty sure I ate this recipe nearly every day for a month because it was that good and perfectly aligned with 21 Day Fix goals. It highlights the delicious possibilities of seasonal produce in healthy cooking.

Baked Oatmeal Jars

I have an undeniable soft spot for anything mini, and these Baked Oatmeal Jars are no exception! They are absolutely perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to prepare healthy, portion-controlled breakfasts for the entire week. Just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds, and you have a warm, delicious, and 21 Day Fix-approved meal ready to go. They make healthy mornings effortless and enjoyable, proving that quick and nutritious can go hand-in-hand.

Beyond 2017: Continuing the Journey of Healthy Eating

Reflecting on these incredible recipes from 2017 truly shows the diversity and deliciousness possible with the 21 Day Fix program. It was a year where convenience met flavor, and our community embraced new cooking methods like the Instant Pot to make healthy eating more accessible than ever before. These recipes aren’t just relics of the past; many have become timeless favorites that continue to inspire healthy meals today.

Did you discover your favorite recipe from 2017 on this list, or perhaps one from another year? It’s always fun to see which recipes resonate most with our amazing community of fit foodies! These annual roundups are a testament to our shared commitment to healthy living and delicious food.

For those eager to explore more timeless favorites and see how our culinary journey evolved, be sure to check out our most popular recipes from other years:

Top 10 Most Popular Posts from 2015
Most Popular Recipes of 2016
Best 21 Day Fix Recipes of 2018 | Confessions of a Fit Foodie
The Best 21 Day Fix Recipes of 2019

Thank you for being a part of the Confessions of a Fit Foodie journey. Here’s to many more years of delicious, healthy, and fulfilling meals, always finding new ways to make clean eating both easy and exciting!