10+ 2nd Trimester Pregnancy Recipes for Healthy Cravings

During the second trimester of pregnancy, you should focus on nutrition as your body and baby continue to grow. Finding delicious and healthy recipes can make this journey enjoyable and beneficial for both you and your little one.

Meal planning becomes essential, as it ensures you get the right balance of nutrients needed during this crucial stage.

This article will guide you through various recipes tailored for the second trimester. You’ll discover meals that are not only easy to prepare but also packed with the essential vitamins and minerals that support your pregnancy health. Embrace this exciting time by exploring new dishes that can keep you feeling satisfied and nourished.

1) Avocado and Black Bean Tacos

Avocado and black bean tacos are a tasty and nutritious option for your second trimester. They are easy to make and packed with essential nutrients.

Start by warming soft taco shells in a pan. Then, mash a ripe avocado and season it with lime juice, salt, and pepper. This adds great flavor and healthy fats.

Next, rinse and drain canned black beans. Spread the mashed avocado on each taco, then top with black beans and your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes or fresh cilantro.

These tacos not only taste great but are also rich in fiber and folate, making them perfect for your pregnancy diet.

Ingredients:

• 4 soft taco shells
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 x 400g can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 lime, squeezed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Diced tomatoes or cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Warm the taco shells in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mashed avocado on the taco shells.
4. Top with black beans and any additional toppings you like.

2) Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a tasty option for your second trimester. They combine protein and vitamins, making them a great choice for you and your growing baby.

To make this dish, you will need jumbo pasta shells, ricotta, spinach, marinara sauce, and a mix of cheeses. This meal is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Cooking these stuffed shells involves filling the pasta with your spinach and cheese mixture, placing them in a baking dish, and covering them with marinara sauce. Bake until bubbly for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill each shell with the mixture.
5. Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Place filled shells on top of sauce.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is golden.

3) Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad

Grilled salmon with quinoa salad is a great choice for the second trimester. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you and your baby. Quinoa adds protein and fiber, making this dish nutritious and filling.

To prepare this meal, first cook your quinoa. While that’s cooking, grill your salmon. You can season it lightly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Once the salmon is ready, combine it with the quinoa and add some fresh veggies like cucumber and tomatoes. This dish is refreshing and simple to make.

Ingredients

• 1 salmon fillet (about 1/2 pound or 225 grams)
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice
• Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
3. While quinoa cooks, preheat your grill to medium-high (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Season salmon with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Grill salmon skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Fluff quinoa with a fork and mix in fresh vegetables.
7. Serve salmon on top of quinoa salad. Enjoy!

4) Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry

Chickpea and sweet potato curry is a warm and comforting dish. It is perfect for your second trimester as it’s full of nutrients. This recipe combines the goodness of chickpeas and sweet potatoes, making it both filling and delicious.

You will love how easy this meal is to prepare. The spices add flavor without being too strong. Plus, it can be served with rice or bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced sweet potato and sauté for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chickpeas, tomatoes, and coconut milk.
4. Add curry powder and salt, then bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for 20 minutes, adding spinach in the last few minutes until wilted.

5) Turkey and Kale Stuffed Peppers

Turkey and kale stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy choice during your second trimester. They offer a good mix of protein and vegetables, perfect for your growing baby.

Start by cooking lean ground turkey. You can add diced onions and jalapeños for extra flavor. Then mix in fresh kale, which is packed with vitamins, and cook until soft.

Next, fill halved bell peppers with your turkey and kale mixture. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) until the peppers are tender. This dish is quick and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ¼ cup jalapeños, diced
• 16 oz fresh kale, chopped
• 2 large bell peppers, halved

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook ground turkey with onion and jalapeños until browned.
3. Stir in chopped kale and cook until soft.
4. Fill bell pepper halves with the turkey mixture.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!

6) Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Lentil and vegetable soup is a healthy choice during your second trimester. It’s packed with nutrients that can support you and your growing baby. Lentils are rich in protein and fiber, promoting a healthy diet.

You can add a variety of vegetables, like carrots, tomatoes, and spinach, for added flavor and nutrients. This soup is comforting, easy to make, and will warm you right up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: spinach or kale

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in chopped carrots and tomatoes, cooking for 5 minutes.
4. Add lentils and broth, bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Stir in spinach or kale before serving.

7) Zucchini and Corn Fritters

These zucchini and corn fritters are a tasty treat you can enjoy during your second trimester. They are not only simple to make, but they are also healthy and filling.

You will need grated zucchini, corn, and some light seasoning. These ingredients combine to give you a flavorful dish packed with nutrients. You can eat them as snacks or pair them with a light salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the grated zucchini and corn.
3. Add the flour, egg, salt, and pepper, then stir until combined.
4. Form the mixture into small patties.
5. Place them on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes until golden. Enjoy!

8) Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche

Broccoli and cheddar quiche is a delicious and nutritious option for your second trimester. It combines the goodness of fresh broccoli with the rich flavor of cheddar cheese. This meal is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

To make it, you will need a pie crust, eggs, milk, and spices. You can also add cooked bacon or onion for extra flavor. It’s a great way to incorporate veggies into your diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared pie crust
• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pie crust in a pie dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
4. Add chopped broccoli, cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set and golden.

9) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice

Stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and colorful dish that’s perfect for your second trimester. They are packed with nutrients that help support you and your growing baby.

To make this dish, you’ll need bell peppers, cooked brown rice, and some veggies or protein of your choice. This meal is easy to customize based on your preferences.

You can bake these stuffed peppers at 375°F (190°C) until they are tender. This dish is not only delicious but also a fun way to enjoy healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

• 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, combine the brown rice, tomatoes, black beans, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the mixture into each bell pepper.
5. Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes.

10) Berry and Yogurt Parfait

A berry and yogurt parfait is a simple and delicious snack for your second trimester. It combines creamy yogurt with fresh fruits, providing essential nutrients for you and your baby.

Start by layering your favorite berries with yogurt in a glass or bowl. Strawberries and blueberries work great together.

You can add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.

It’s a great source of calcium and vitamins. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy it anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek)
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Granola (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

1. Add a layer of yogurt to a glass.
2. On top of the yogurt, add a layer of strawberries.
3. Then, follow with a layer of blueberries.
4. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
5. If desired, drizzle honey on top.
6. Enjoy!