I don’t know about you, but I like having a go-to list of some great recipes to bring over to new moms! Here is that list of postpartum dinner ideas for you!
We have loved eating Clean Simple Eats recipes for 4+ years now as a family. It has been a GAME CHANGER! I LOVE their variety of recipes! They have a whole recipe book dedicated to each season. I was big into seasonal eating! I know that if you eat in season, foods are cheaper to buy and our bodies were made to need certain ingredients during certain months.
Cool facts!
Another cool fact about Clean Simple Eats is how they find great research to go by. They make recipes that you can eat for the rest of your life (Consult with a doctor though to make sure it’s good for you and your individual needs). HERE is a dietary source information from them.
They also put together a great swaps and substitution list. This makes it easier to adapt your recipes if you don’t have certain ingredients in your home right then.
You can download their free app called, “Clean Simple Eats +” and take a look at beautiful pictures of the food. Then after you check out their recipes, you can subscribe to get their recipes for only $15/month. They also have some free resources, HERE. You will fall in LOVE with their recipes!
P.S. I have categorized these ideas below by:
- Non-CSE (Clean Simple Eats) recipe options
- Vegan options
- Freezer-friendly
- Dairy-free (if breastfeeding, these recipes may be easier on the baby’s stomach)
- Takes Longer To Make
Below, are some tasty postpartum dinner meals to bring to a new mom!
Here are some great ingredients to use or incorporate in the postpartum dinner you bring. (For more information, and sources, check out these websites: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE)
Whole Grains:
- fiber
- brown rice
- pastas
- oats
- quinoa
Fruits:
- dates
- avocado
- berries
- mangos
- melon
- apples
Veggies:
- potatoes
- greens
Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes:
- nuts – walnuts, almonds, cashews
- seeds – hemp, sunflower, chia, flax
- beans – black, navy, chickpeas
Protein:
- salmon
- grass-fed Beef
- ground turkey
- dark meat chicken
- sardines or anchovies
Dairy:
- yogurt
- cottage cheese
Superfoods
- bone broth
- liver
- seaweed
- blackstrap molasses
Non-CSE Recipe Options:
Black Bean Sweet Potato Burrito Bowls
- The sweet potatoes in this recipe tastes amazing with all of the seasonings that are packed into this! So much flavor and sweetness.
- 25 min.
Turmeric Coconut Chicken Soup
- This recipe is amazing! I brought it over to a family after their baby was born and they loved it too! The only thing I would really caution people on is the fact that the yellow curry powder you use may leave stains on plastic ware if you are using a plastic container to transport it. (With this meal, I also brought over a fruit jar because I know after birth sometimes you just crave fiber and fruits.)
- +1 hr.
White Chicken Chili
- Easy and so delicious, this best-ever white chicken chili has been a family favorite for years (with no signs of stopping!). With directions for a stovetop or slow cooker, it’s versatile, simple, and tasty!
- 45 min.
Chicken Noodle Soup
- This is a quick and easy recipe. That’s what it’s literally called in its title.
- 40 min.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Filled with savory Spanish rice, black beans, and tender chicken these make-ahead and freezer chicken burrito bowls are healthy, filling, and oh-so-delicious.
- 45 min.
Greek Quinoa Buddha Bowl
- Full of greens and beans, this Greek Quinoa Bowl is the ultimate healthy lunch or dinner. This vegan power bowl is ready quickly!
- 20 min.
CSE Options – What My Go-Tos Would Be:
*P.S. I have not found the best-tasting vegan recipes. If any of you know a good source for tasty, vegan recipes, please let me know!
Vegan Options:
Creamy Chickpea and Corn Chowder
- My advice is to not use the instant pot for this recipe. You have to heat it uncovered and simmer it on low. I thought this recipe was good but more okay. Maybe needed more veggies.
Creamy Tomato Soup
- I put three stars on this recipe because it was good, just took a lot of time to make! I feel like it made a lot and my children didn’t really eat a lot of this recipe. So wasn’t 100% worth it.
Curried Lentil Soup
- Okay, this is my favorite consistent, go-to recipe all.of.the.time.! So when I made this recipe, the look is more yellow instead of red like in their picture. It probably depends on the curry powder you use. I also use curry paste instead of powder and it’s great too! Also, do not double the recipe if you are making it in the instant pot because it will not fit. I usually make this recipe in the instant pot and set it to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Otherwise, you have to let it simmer for 60 minutes.
Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- One of my favorite recipes! It could be spicy based on what enchilada sauce you use. Might need to check for gluten-free enchilada sauce if that’s a concern. P.S. In my notes, I wrote: Eat cooked spaghetti squash within 3-5 days of putting it in the refrigerator. The whole, raw spaghetti squash can be stored for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator, it keeps for 1-2 months in the pantry or another cool, dry location. (Not sure of the source of it, but I did a quick search engine look and found the information.)
Salsa Verde Bean Burritos
- Great recipe! It’s a crunchy recipe and creamy on the inside. Great recipe with lots of fiber. You probably need to check for vegan cheese though.
Southwest Bean & Salsa Pile-Up
- The cashew sour cream recipe they have is amazing. I would definitely make this a go-to recipe! The nutritional yeast flakes give it a sort of cheesy flavor.
Stacked Enchiladas
- Once again, the cashew sour cream is so great! The variety of beans in this recipe and veggies is delicious.
Supreme Pizza Pasta Bowl
- This recipe does have artichokes in it which may sway some people because I know it’s not a common ingredient to use for most people. Filled with lots of great ingredients!
Sweet Pear & Cranberry Salad
- Super fast recipe to pull together! The tofu in this recipe would make it filling so it’s not just a salad with leaves and dressing.
White Bean Chili
- I feel like so many people love white bean chilis. This is a basic recipe and it’s great that it’s vegan!
Freezer Friendly:
Aloha Chicken Kabobs (Dairy-free)
- We would make these on a sheet pan instead of using kabob sticks, which works well. To get a more crispy, grilled look and taste, I would use kabob sticks. But when in a rush, we get it done quickly by popping in the oven on a sheet pan and drizzling over the sauce on top of the pineapple, bell peppers, and chicken.
BBQ-Lime Glazed Salmon Kabobs (Dairy-free)
- Now, this just looks delicious! Having someone come over and bring this would be a delightful surprise! Salmon has good oils in it and is perfect for helping produce more breastmilk if they are breastfeeding.
Boss Baked Mac & Cheese
- When making this, I’d just be careful of allergen ingredients. Some noodles are harder for some people to digest and may need to be gluten-free. Also, the pancake mix used for sauce creaminess and added protein may need to be gluten-free and plain flavor as well. (I use the Keto brand)
Cashew Kung Pao Chicken
- One of our favorites to make as a family!
Cheddar Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
- I feel like you could make a big serving of this.
Chicken & Rice Enchiladas
- This was an interesting recipe with zucchini in it. I’ll have to make it again to see if I like to give more tips to you. The last time I made it, I gave it 4.5 stars out of 5.
Chicken Stir-Fry (Dairy-free)
- Tip, use fresh broccoli and not frozen. Super good recipe!
Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
- This is also one of our family’s go-to recipes! Especially for comfort food in the middle of winter! May also need to watch for gluten-free pancake mix in this recipe too!
Cream Chicken Noodle Soup
- This is the most classic recipe for helping someone out when they are sick or need an extra boost to the immune system. Chicken Noodle Soup for the win! The best part is that it is packed with protein! It is a chicken noodle soup with creaminess coming from a small white sauce that you make with a pancake mix. May also need to watch if someone is gluten-free.
Crispy Chicken Nuggets
- We have bulk-made this recipe before! It was quite a success! It definitely freezes well! Children would love this recipe too!
Fire Roasted Chicken Enchiladas
- YESSSS…!! You may need to make sure the enchilada sauce you use is good and gluten-free and tasty!! It’s basically the main ingredient and what makes this recipe have that fire-roasted enchilada taste!
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Basil Soup
- Easy. Also, it is a great on-the-go recipe if you are running late to make something to drop off!
Hearty Tuna Casserole
- AHHH. So good!! This is one of our family’s easiest go-to recipes. It is a little time-consuming to make the white sauce – which yet again you will need to watch out for the pancake mix. However, it’s a great way to do shelf-cooking with ingredients from home! Fairly cheap and DELICIOUS to make! Especially during the winter, colder months.
Honey Stung Chicken
- So good. It would be a lot of chicken to give a family, but super easy. And you can never go wrong with a good BBQ sauce for the chicken dip!
Honey-Lime Chicken Enchiladas
- Again with the amazing enchiladas! Thank goodness for easy, powerfully punched-flavored recipes! Super easy to make! Grab a rotisserie chicken and don’t go to the extra work of marinating the chicken, and you’re set to make this up quickly!
Loaded Potato & Bacon Chowder
- Now doesn’t this just SOUND good?! “Hey, I’m bringing over a loaded potato and bacon chowder dinner for you tonight. Enjoy!” Oh yes. I will enjoy that! It just sounds filling!
Sesame Chicken Bowl
- Apparently, this is freezer friendly! I have not tried that yet, but now I want to! Seeds are so great to add to your diet – especially if you’ve just given birth. Another fantastic recipe by CSE!
Shepherd’s Pie
- Great recipe that is filling and tastes unique! I haven’t ever tasted anything like the flavors that come in this recipe! I was shocked when I first made it and still am shocked every time we make it. Another great comfort-food choice!
Spaghetti Pizza Pie
- Fast, easy, go-to recipe. The whole family will love it! I wonder how it would be best to freeze this recipe and then transport it so that it looks beautiful. I will have to look into that at another time. For now, we love this recipe as a family!
Taco Soup
- I feel like my mom took this recipe out to others a lot! It was easy for her to make and easy double for families in need of dinner.
Dairy Free:
Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
Chinese Sesame Chicken
Coconut Curry with Sweet Potato Noodles
- !!! This one! That’s all I can say. It’s amazing. So many flavorful “punches”! The sauce that goes on top is just so tasty. This is one of those meals where I feel like it is restaurant-worthy. Bringing this over to someone or having someone bring this over to me would be heavenly. Fairly easy to make too!
Cranberry, Pear & Turkey Salad
- Sweet and zesty. Bringing this over in a wooden bowl as it shows in the picture would be mouth-watering if someone is craving something sweet yet healthy. It can almost be too sweet with the cranberries, but it’s so fancy looking that you would forget about the possible toothaches – haha.
Deconstructed Sushi
- This. Enough said. Watch this video HERE and you’ll see why this would be a top choice! If your mouth isn’t watering afterward and you do not want to eat sushi… you probably don’t like sushi…
Grilled Coconut-Lime Curry Chicken
- Now, this is a fast and easy one to make. You just need a grill and you are set to make this!
Homemade Honey-Wheat Bread
Honey Garlic Salmon
Honey Wheat Pizza Crust Dough
- Pop it in the fridge or freezer to make pizza later!
Island Mahi Mahi & Coconut Rice
Takes Longer To Make:
Chili-Lime Junkyard Fries (Gluten-Free Recipes)
- This recipe is packed with herbs and flavors. This recipe only uses sweet potatoes and jalapenos (optional) as the veggies in this recipe. So it’s not my favorite option; however, if the pregnant woman is looking for flavor, this has it.
Grilled Tin Foil Dinner
- This may be more of a unique choice when you first think about it. I’m not sure how good it tastes to have ground beef after giving birth, but it may be something different. If anything, if the family has children maybe it would be a fun choice for them. I bet you could make it in bulk somehow. It wouldn’t be my top go-to option though because it might be tedious.
Herb Crusted Salmon
- What screams unique other than an herb-crusted salmon? Probably nothing. Talk about fancy. Obviously, this one would cost a bit more money so it would be the top choice I’d recommend. Unless maybe a close friend or family makes it up.
Orange Peel Chicken
- Make take a while to make. Looks delicious though!
Spaghetti & Lentil Meatballs
- Somewhat a little bit tasteless. But it was amazing in the fact the “meatballs” are actually made out of lentils! (Almost vegan except for the egg, so probably can replace the egg with something else that can make the meatballs stick.)
Teriyaki Salad Bowl
- Lots of ingredients… Soo good!!
Stacked Enchiladas (Freezer-Friendly)
- Would take too long to make. Super tasty though! Similar to this recipe HERE.
This post was filled with postpartum dinner ideas to bring to a new mom!
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This post was updated on April 18, 2023.