Put down that third cup of pudding! We have tons of satisfying soft food ideas for anyone on a post-surgery diet.
20+ Soft Food Ideas That Are Actually Satisfying
Updated on Jun. 03, 2024
At some point or another, you may find yourself needing to follow a soft foods diet. But what does a “soft diet” mean? What foods are allowed? And—most importantly—how can you meet your nutritional needs? We break down the answers to these questions (and more)!
Just got braces? Reach for these nutritious soft foods.
Why would I follow a soft foods diet?
There are lots of reasons you may need to follow a soft diet. Oral surgery, difficulty swallowing or GI tract surgery (which affects your esophagus, stomach or intestines) are just a few examples. And with all of these issues, a temporary soft diet helps your body heal without putting extra strain on the affected area.
What are examples of soft foods?
When trying to figure out which foods are considered “soft,” there are a few good rules to follow. The food should be easily mushed with a fork and broken down without a lot of chewing. You’ll want to avoid foods with seeds and skins as well as raw veggies, fruits (unless they are very soft), nuts and tough cuts of meat.
What are some soft foods to eat after oral surgery (or otherwise)?
Here are some great go-to’s that are actually satisfying:
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Smoothies and shakes
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Yogurt, pudding and ice cream
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Avocado
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Smooth soups, or those with very soft chunks
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Mashed potatoes, or a soft baked potato without the skin
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Cooked fruits, like applesauce
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Ripe fruits, like bananas or peaches without the skin
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Peeled veggies, cooked until soft
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Oatmeal and other hot cereals
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Pasta, cooked until very soft
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Soft bread without whole grains, seeds or nuts
- Gelatin desserts (like this smooth lime gelatin salad)
What soft foods are high in protein?
Given that soft food diets are typically recommended after a surgery, eating enough protein is important for the healing process. But seeing as a lot of high-protein foods aren’t considered “soft,” how can you meet your needs? Here are some great options:
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Tender meats, like pot roast, shredded chicken or pulled pork (Gravy is your friend on a soft diet!)
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Yogurt or kefir
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Nut butters, like peanut, almond or cashew
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Smoothies made with protein powder, yogurt, kefir or nut butters
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Soft scrambled eggs and egg salad
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Tuna and shredded chicken salad
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Flaky fish, like salmon
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Cottage cheese and other soft cheeses, like fresh mozzarella
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Refried beans, soft-cooked beans and bean soup
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Silken tofu
While following a soft diet after surgery or with a medical condition can seem intimidating, it’s very attainable (and can also be super delicious)! With some creativity and planning, you can include all of the major food groups and pack in enough protein for proper healing. Make sure you try these high-protein low-carb snacks.
Try These Soft Food Recipes
Peach SmoothieThe best things in life really can be the simplest. This peach smoothie uses just a few ingredients but tastes complex and delicious.
Bananas Foster OatmealThis oatmeal tastes like bananas Foster, my favorite dessert. If you can’t find rum extract, double the vanilla. —Carol Touchton, Seffner, Florida
Strawberry GelatoOur contest-winning strawberry gelato is an easy and luscious summer dessert, and a perfect way to use ripe berries!
Buttermilk PancakesButtermilk pancakes have earned their reputation as a breakfast classic—especially when they're as golden and fluffy as these! We make our pancakes from scratch for a breakfast treat that's ready in only 15 minutes.
Mushroom StuffingTry this mushroom stuffing recipe when you need a savory side dish that can serve several people. Packaged cornbread stuffing mix helps get this recipe ready in a little over an hour.
Frozen YogurtLooking for a sweet treat that is a bit better for you? Our Test Kitchen shows you how to make frozen yogurt with an ice cream maker right at home.
Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash SoupMake this comforting slow-cooker butternut squash soup recipe with ease. It requires just 20 minutes of prep time and offers leftovers that last the entire week.
Herb & Cheese Scrambled EggsAs a child I grew up on a farm where eggs and herbs were plentiful in summer. My mother made these eggs and I've made them for my own family. Just add toast!—Patricia Nieh, Portola Valley, California
Favorite Banana Split SmoothiesI try to get as many fruits and veggies into our menus as possible. A smoothie is a great way to load up on nutrients. This banana one is a favorite! —Tiffany Van Zee, Pella, Iowa
Ginger ApplesauceWhen it's apple-picking time, it's also time for all the delightful treats you can make with them, including applesauce. This is my favorite way to prepare it. It's simple to do and it makes the whole house smell like fall. —Renee Pajestka, Brunswick, Ohio
Sausage StuffingThe best sausage stuffing recipe evokes nostalgia for time spent with loved ones at the holiday table. Pair it with turkey for Thanksgiving, or eat it as an all-in-one meal any time of the year.
White Cheddar Mac and CheeseHere's a recipe for white cheddar mac and cheese that's better than any box. The secret: Add a dash each of garlic powder and chipotle powder for a savory kick.
Pumpkin WhipEven though this dessert is quick to fix, it has a creamy pumpkin taste and golden harvest look...just like traditional pumpkin pie. It's a great dessert for both everyday dinners and special-occasion suppers. —Linda Clapp, Stow, Ohio
Mashed Potatoes with Garlic-Olive OilGarlic mashed potatoes are high on our love list. To intensify the flavor, I combine garlic and olive oil in the food processor and drizzle it on top of the potatoes. — Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Ginger Honey Marinated SalmonGinger, garlic powder and green onion blend nicely for this marinated salmon. We've found it tastes even better when marinated in the fridge overnight. We also like to use this versatile mixture when grilling chicken! —Dan Strumberger, Farmington, Minnesota
The Best Ever PancakesI'm not joking when I say I make pancakes every weekend. I love them in any form and variation. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Strawberry MilkshakeGrab your spoon: this strawberry milkshake is thick, bright with strawberry flavor and infinitely customizable.
Beer Cheese SoupOur easy and delicious beer cheese soup combines rich cheddar cheese and robust beer for a comforting and flavorful meal. This creamy delight is perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.
Cherry Fruit SmoothiesYou need just four ingredients to blend together these super-fast smoothies for breakfast. Try whipping them up on a hot summer day for a cool and refreshing treat. —Macy Plummer, Avon, Indiana
Homemade Strawberry Ice CreamThis creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin
Greens and Beans Turkey SoupOn winter evenings, we like nothing better than a piping hot bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup. —Susan Albert, Jonesburg, Missouri
Cod and Asparagus BakeThe lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Dark Chocolate PuddingLife is too short to pass on dessert. This old-fashioned treat is so creamy and comforting! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Four-Cheese Baked EggsWhen I created this dish I was thrilled that my husband enjoyed it so much. He normally prefers omelets for brunch, but devoured his first helping of these eggs, then asked for more. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Dill Sauce for SalmonDill sauce for salmon is a classic pairing. The easy baked salmon is full of lemon flavor, and the tangy, creamy sauce brings the whole dish together.
Old-Fashioned ApplesauceOur applesauce recipe comes together quickly without fancy equipment or extra stir-ins. With only three ingredients, it's perfect just the way it is—or you can customize it with spices, sweeteners and more.
Apple Pancakes with Cider SyrupTender pancakes are filled with minced apple and raisin, and drizzled with apple cider syrup. They're wonderful in the summer or on a cool fall morning. —April Harmon, Greeneville, Tennessee
Strawberry Lime SmoothiesPeak-of-freshness strawberries make this thinner, easy drink a summer staple. —Elizabeth Johnson, Greenville, South Carolina
Creamy Cauliflower Pakora SoupMy husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin
Baked Mac and CheeseWith its rich cheese sauce and crunchy crumb topping, this has to be the best baked mac and cheese recipe out there. Serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner or a holiday side dish.
Parmesan Mashed PotatoesFluffy and flavorful Parmesan mashed potatoes are a perfect mix of spuds, butter and sour cream with a bold cheesy finish.
Tomato-Orange SoupWho knew orange and tomato were such a good pair? Whenever I serve this, I keep the recipe handy for requests. —Barbara Wood, St. John’s, Newfoundland
Pineapple-Coconut SmoothieUse fresh or frozen fruits in this coconutty recipe. It's like a pina colada, but better for you and more versatile. —Gunjan Dudani, Bellevue, Washington
Brown Sugar-Glazed SalmonA fantastic quick and easy weeknight meal that won’t seem as though it was quick and easy, this brown sugar-glazed salmon will always be welcome on the table.
Creamy Skillet Noodles with PeasI’ve made this creamy noodle side for years. Since kids and adults go for it, I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. —Anita Groff, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania
Dill Chicken SoupI could eat soup for every meal of the day, all year long. I particularly like dill and spinach—they add a brightness to this light and healthy soup. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Strawberry-Carrot SmoothiesMy children resist veggies, but they love this carrot smoothie. It packs in lots of good-for-you fruits and veggies—but to my kids, it's just a super delicious breakfast. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Skillet Mac and CheeseThis skillet mac and cheese takes a few more minutes than the boxed stuff, but we promise the final result is worth it. A thick and creamy cheese sauce is stirred together with perfectly cooked pasta, then topped with whatever you like.
