10+ Healthy Meals After Surgery Recipes for Quick Recovery

After surgery, your body needs good nutrition to heal effectively. Eating healthy meals can support your recovery and boost your energy levels. Choosing the right foods is essential, as they can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

This article will provide you with a variety of delicious recipes that are perfect for post-surgery nutrition. You’ll find easy options that are both nutritious and satisfying, making your recovery journey a bit easier and more enjoyable.

1) Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a delicious and comforting meal. It’s packed with tender chicken, black beans, and fresh veggies. You can top it with crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.

This soup is not only tasty but also healthy. You can make it in a pot or use a slow cooker for an easy option.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large chicken breasts (1 – 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Tortilla strips for topping

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
3. Add chicken, broth, black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder.
4. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until chicken is cooked.
5. Shred chicken, return it to the soup.
6. Serve with tortilla strips on top.

2) Salmon Salad Sandwich

A Salmon Salad Sandwich is a tasty and healthy choice after surgery. It is light yet filling, which makes it easy for your body to digest. With fresh ingredients, this sandwich is full of protein and healthy fats.

You can use canned salmon or cooked fresh salmon for this recipe. Mixing it with some light mayo or yogurt adds creaminess without too much fat. Add in some lemon juice for a burst of flavor.

This sandwich can be served on whole grain bread or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Pair it with a side of fresh veggies for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can of salmon (or one cooked salmon fillet)
• 2 tablespoons light mayo (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Whole grain bread or lettuce leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain the canned salmon and place it in a bowl.
2. Add the light mayo and lemon juice.
3. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture on bread or serve it in lettuce wraps.

3) Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a delicious and healthy option after surgery. It combines tender chicken and orzo pasta in a bright lemon broth. This soup is also loaded with veggies, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

To make it, you can use leftover chicken or prepare it fresh. The lemon adds a refreshing taste that can help lift your spirits. It’s easy to digest and comforting, perfect for recovery.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat chicken broth over medium heat.
2. Add carrots and celery; cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions.
4. Add shredded chicken and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley. Enjoy!

4) Healthy Turkey Chili

Healthy turkey chili is a great meal for you after surgery. It’s full of protein and fiber, making it both filling and nutritious. You can easily customize it to fit your taste.

Using lean ground turkey instead of beef helps keep it lower in fat. You’ll also add beans, tomatoes, and spices for flavor. This dish is perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until soft.
2. Add ground turkey, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn.
4. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20-30 minutes on low heat.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Grilled Portobello mushroom burgers are a tasty and healthy option for your meals after surgery. They are filling, easy to make, and packed with flavor.

To prepare, start by marinating the mushroom caps. Use balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and your favorite herbs for a savory kick. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side at 400°F (200°C) until they’re tender.

Serve your burgers on whole grain buns, topped with fresh veggies like lettuce and tomato. You can also add dairy-free cheese for extra flavor. These burgers are delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
• Whole grain burger buns
• Lettuce and tomato for toppings

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and rosemary in a bowl.
2. Marinade the mushroom caps for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
4. Grill the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes on each side.
5. Assemble burgers with toppings and serve.

6) Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bar

These Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bars are a tasty and healthy snack. They are great for after surgery because they are easy to make and packed with nutrients.

You will need old-fashioned oats, ripe bananas, and natural peanut butter. These ingredients offer fiber and protein to help with recovery.

Just mix them together, bake, and you have a delicious treat ready to go. They can be enjoyed any time you need a quick pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup plain protein powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
3. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
5. Let cool and cut into bars. Enjoy!

7) Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Avocado toast with poached egg is a nutritious and simple meal to enjoy after surgery. It combines healthy fats from avocados with protein from eggs, making it perfect for recovery.

To make this dish, start by mashing a ripe avocado on whole grain toast. This adds fiber and essential nutrients. Then, poach an egg until the white is set, but the yolk remains runny.

Place the poached egg on top of the avocado toast. You can sprinkle a little salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 slices of whole grain bread
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the slices of bread until golden brown.
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring water to a gentle simmer in a pot.
4. Crack each egg into a small bowl and gently slide into the simmering water.
5. Poach for about 3-4 minutes until the egg white is set.
6. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon.
7. Spread the mashed avocado on toast and top with the poached egg.

8) Chilled Mixed Berry Oatmeal

Chilled mixed berry oatmeal is a refreshing meal that’s easy to prepare. It combines oats, yogurt, and fresh berries for a nutritious option after surgery. This dish provides fiber and protein, helping you feel satisfied.

To make this oatmeal, soak rolled oats in milk overnight. In the morning, mix in Greek yogurt and your favorite mixed berries. You can add chia seeds for an extra nutrient boost.

This meal is not only good for your body but also tastes great. Enjoy it cold for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (100 g) rolled oats
• 1 cup (145 g) mixed berries (like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
• 1/4 cup (60 g) Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine oats and milk.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, stir in Greek yogurt.
4. Add mixed berries and chia seeds.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy.

9) Puréed Vegetable Soup

Puréed vegetable soup is a great option for meals after surgery. It’s easy to digest and packed with nutrients. You can use any vegetables you like, such as carrots, broccoli, or spinach.

Start by cooking the vegetables until they are soft. Then, blend them until smooth. This soup can be flavored with herbs for extra taste.

You can store this soup in the fridge and heat it up when needed. It’s a comforting choice that you can enjoy while recovering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, spinach)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add vegetables and cook until soft, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Blend the soup until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

10) Split Pea & Sausage Soup

Split pea and sausage soup is a hearty, nutritious meal perfect for recovery after surgery. The blend of split peas, smoked sausage, and vegetables provides protein and essential nutrients.

To make this soup, you will need dried split peas, smoked sausage, carrots, potatoes, and seasonings. It’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried split peas
• 1 smoked sausage (like andouille), sliced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water.
2. In a slow cooker, add the split peas, sausage, carrots, and potatoes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth. Then, add the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the peas are tender.