Meal Ideas For Your Recovery
Fuel your ACL recovery with nutritious meal and snack ideas designed to support healing and strength. Prioritizing whole foods with a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats throughout the day, along with proper hydration, is key! These meals emphasize some of the key nutrients like protein, vitamin C, and omega-3s to help optimize your recovery.
Overnight Oats
A quick and nutritious breakfast you can prep the night before. Perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed start to your day! Packed with protein, healthy fats, and energizing carbs to fuel your recovery.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup water or milk
- ¾ cup rolled oats
Toppings:
- Omega-3 boost: Nuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds
- Other options: Fresh or dried fruit, granola
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a jar, mix well, and cover.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
A quick and nutritious 30-minute meal—perfect for a balanced recovery dinner! Salmon provides protein, leucine, and omega-3s, while broccoli and potatoes deliver vitamin C and energizing carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
- 1 salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ russet potato, cubed (leave the skin on for extra nutrients)
- ½ head broccoli, cut into pieces
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and drizzle with olive oil.
- Toss potatoes and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on the sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix mustard, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper, then drizzle with sauce (save extra for dipping).
- Bake for 20 minutes, then enjoy!
Miso-Glazed Salmon
A quick, flavorful salmon dish packed with protein and omega-3s! Perfect for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
Miso Sauce:
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin-on)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions:
- Rice
- Veggies: Avocado, cabbage, edamame, carrots, peppers, radishes, mushrooms
- Garnishes: Cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly oil.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pat salmon dry, season with salt and pepper, and coat with miso sauce (save extra for serving).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Serve over rice with your favorite veggies and garnishes. Enjoy!
Greek Turkey Bowls
A fresh and flavorful meal prep packed with protein, vitamin C, and Mediterranean-inspired goodness!
Turkey (3-4 servings):
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup shredded cucumber
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Serving Suggestions:
- Israeli couscous
- Chickpeas
- Kale
- Chopped cucumbers
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and cook ground turkey with basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cook couscous in vegetable stock according to package instructions.
- Mix tzatziki ingredients in a bowl.
- Assemble bowls with turkey, couscous, chickpeas, kale, cucumbers, and tzatziki. Enjoy!
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
A hearty, protein-packed meal perfect for meal prep or a comforting dinner!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 leeks, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 chicken breasts
- 6-8 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups wild rice
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup chopped dill
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté carrots, celery, leeks, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add chicken, stock, wild rice, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the soup.
- Enjoy fresh or store for a meal-prep-friendly option throughout the week!
Beef Chili
A hearty, nutrient-dense chili loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamin C-great for muscle recovery and collagen production!
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ red bell peppers, diced
- 1 lb ground beef (or game meat, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup bone broth
- 2 cans kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
Toppings: Avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground meat and spices, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

High Protein Snacks
-
Tuna
-
Edamame
-
Eggs (scrambled, hard boiled, etc)
-
Greek yogurt
-
Cottage cheese
-
Protein shakes

Boosting your Omega-3s
Besides fish, you can get your omega-3s from a variety of nuts and seeds! Toss them into your trail mix, granola, yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, shakes, and more!
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Pumpkin seeds

Vitamin C Snacks
Support your ACL recovery by ensuring your body has enough vitamin C to optimize collagen production to maintain strong ligaments, bones, and tendons!
- Fruit smoothies
- With citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Veggie tray
- Bell peppers and broccoli with your favorite dip

Vitamin D in the Sun
The best way to get your vitamin D is from the sun. Spend time outdoors enjoying your favorite activities, or simply take a walk around the block to soak up some sunshine!
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