Creative Soft Food Recipes for Post-Surgery Recovery

When you're on a soft food diet after surgery, it's easy to feel like you're missing out on your favorite meals. But fear not! With a little creativity, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying dishes that are easy to swallow without compromising on flavor.

Here are some unique soft food ideas that go beyond the typical fare:

 

Butternut, Quinoa and Avocado Bowl

Instead of sweet breakfast smoothies, try a savory version with roasted squash, broth, and soft-cooked grain. Top with pureed avocado for a creamy finish.

• 1 cup roasted butternut squash
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 avocado
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Blend the roasted squash, quinoa, and broth until smooth. Heat if desired. Pour into a bowl and top with mashed avocado. Season to taste.

 

Deconstructed Sushi Roll

Combine soft-cooked sushi rice with flaked, poached salmon and mashed avocado. Drizzle with a thin soy sauce for that umami kick.

• 1 cup soft-cooked sushi rice
• 2 oz poached salmon, flaked (or smoked salmon)
• 1/4 avocado, mashed
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce

Instructions: Mix rice vinegar into the rice. Layer rice, salmon, and avocado in a bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce.

 

Pizza Soup

Blend your favorite pizza toppings into a smooth tomato soup base. Think pureed bell peppers, Italian herbs, and melted mozzarella swirled in.

• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/4 cup cooked, pureed bell peppers (or jarred roasted red peppers)
• 1/4 cup soft cooked onions, pureed
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (use a pestle and mortar to grind to a dust)
• 2 tbsp grated mozzarella
• Salt to taste

Instructions: Blend all ingredients except cheese until smooth. Heat gently in a pot, then stir in mozzarella until melted.

 

Shepherd's Pie Parfait

Layer mashed potatoes, pureed cooked ground meat, and blended vegetables in a glass for a visually appealing and easy-to-eat meal.

• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup cooked ground meat, pureed with gravy or broth
• 1/4 cup mixed frozen vegetables, cooked and pureed
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions: Layer mashed potatoes, meat puree, and vegetable puree in a glass. Top with a small pat of butter.

 

Soft Taco Dip

Blend refried beans, soft-cooked ground meat, and mild salsa. Serve with small pieces of soft tortilla for dipping.

• 1/2 cup refried beans
• 1/4 cup cooked ground beef, pureed (add broth when pureeing, but slowly add for desired thickness)
• 2 tbsp mild salsa, pureed
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• Soft tortilla pieces (omit if not able to tolerate or check our pureed bread post here!)

Instructions: Mix beans, pureed beef, and pureed salsa. Or layer to keep the colors more accurate. Top with sour cream. Serve with small, soft tortilla pieces for dipping.

 

Risotto Bites

Cool and shape creamy risotto into small balls, then gently reheat before serving. These are perfect for those missing the texture of solid foods.

• 1 cup cooked risotto
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

Instructions: Mix all ingredients. Form into small balls. Refrigerate until firm, then gently reheat before serving.

 

Curry Cloud

Whip coconut milk with mild curry paste and serve over super-soft rice for a light, flavorful dish.

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp mild curry paste
• 1 cup very soft  overcooked rice
• Salt to taste

Instructions: Whip coconut milk with curry paste until frothy. Serve over rice.

 

Breakfast Lasagna

Layer thin crepes with scrambled eggs, pureed spinach, and ricotta cheese for a morning twist on a classic.

• 4 thin crepes
• 2 scrambled eggs, very soft
• 1/4 cup pureed spinach (add water or olive oil as needed)
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

Instructions: Layer crepes with scrambled eggs, spinach, and ricotta. Repeat layers, ending with a crepe on top.

 

Soft Pretzel Pudding

Soak soft pretzels in milk, blend until smooth, then bake with eggs and sugar for a unique dessert that captures that beloved pretzel flavor.

• 2 cups soft pretzels, torn into pieces
• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions: Soak pretzels in milk, then blend until smooth. Mix with other ingredients. Bake in a greased dish at 350°F for about 30 minutes.

 

Cheesecake Mousse

Blend room-temperature cheesecake with a little milk for a luxurious dessert that's easy to swallow.

• 1 slice room-temperature cheesecake
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• Optional: fruit puree for topping like our strawberry puree!

Instructions: Blend cheesecake with milk until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed. Top with fruit puree if desired.

Remember, always consult with your healthcare provider about which foods are appropriate for your specific recovery needs. With these ideas, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and textures while sticking to your soft food diet. Happy soft eating!