If you actually want to take advantage of all those Summer relaxation vibes, don't put your slow cooker away. You can use it to get healthier [1] by cooking meals without spending hot and humid days over a stove or grill.
Slow cookers aren't just great for Winter comfort foods like stews and soups. They can be great at helping you get a light meal on your table for dinner. We suggest a refreshing chili-orange beef . . . but also barbacoa to put on tacos. Oh, yes, and spaghetti squash! What we're saying is you should try one of these delicious slow-cooker recipes packed with good-for-you ingredients STAT.
Chickpea Coconut Curry With Sweet Potatoes
This vegan chickpea and coconut curry [2] is perfect for when you're seeking a bit of comfort food without the heaviness or high calorie count.
Healthy Chicken Chili
A staple, this chicken chili [3] has all of the flavor with a lighter, healthier touch.
Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Chicken
When you have a craving for Chinese takeout but don't want to break your diet, try this delicious low-cal sweet-and-sour chicken [4] at home.
Slow-Cooker Vegan Beans and Rice
If you're missing the comfort of Winter foods but want something with more of a Summer flavor, look no further than this vegan chickpea curry recipe [5].
Healthy Carnitas
Try this healthy variation of carnitas [6] the next time you're craving a meal packed with flavor.
Slow-Cooker Spicy Ramen With Sweet Potatoes
Flavorful and packed with good-for-you veggies, this spicy ramen with sweet potatoes recipe [7] is sure to become a favorite.
White Beans With Tomatoes and Pancetta
Mediterranean cuisine is full of white-bean-based dishes to be eaten in the warmer months, and this slow-cooker white beans with tomatoes and pancetta [8] is the definition of fresh and filling.
Spaghetti Squash
If you're craving pasta but the idea of heavy noodles is just too much for the middle of a heatwave (or for your diet goals), use a slow cooker to cook up some spaghetti squash [9] for a delicious and light alternative.
Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa With Scallions, Cheddar, and Hot Sauce
This yummy beans-and-quinoa salad [10] combines some of the best things in life: healthy foods, a little bit of cheese, and convenient meal prep.
Mexican-Style Crock-Pot Chicken
With fresh pico de gallo on top and a light, spicy flavor, this Mexican-style chicken [11] is perfect for an outdoor meal.
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
It's not just dinners that can be made in a slow cooker; this healthy breakfast casserole [12] includes all your favorite flavors (yes, even bacon) without breaking the calorie bank.
Slow-Cooked Vegetarian Chili
For a bowl of chili with all the summery spice and none of the meat, everyone will love this hearty vegetarian alternative [13].
Slow-Cooker Chicken Fajitas
There are few things as perfect for dinner during the hot months as fajitas, and we've got a fresh, delicious chicken recipe [14] that you can trust to your slow cooker.
Vegetable Paleo Soup
Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean you have to avoid warm foods — just go for lighter flavors, like this healthy Paleo soup [15].
White Bean Gratin
Yes, yes — beans and cheese may not sound like Summer foods, but when you're longing for something cheesy without the richness of a Winter stew, you'll definitely look to this lighter broth and beans recipe [16].
Turkey Bolognese With Zoodles
Zucchini noodles are your new best friend, and turkey bolognese with zucchini noodles [17], with a lightened-up version of a classic sauce on top, is full of flavor and good for you too.
Turkey Enchilada Soup
A bowl of soup is a perfect weeknight meal, and this turkey enchilada soup recipe [18] packs Mexican flavors.
Chili-Orange Beef
A slow-cooker version of a Chinese favorite, this chili-orange beef [19] avoids the unhealthy method of frying.
Chipotle Orange Street Tacos
This flavor-packed chipotle orange chicken [20] is perfect for dishing up tacos to enjoy at a cookout or family dinner.
Slow-Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Hot vegetables and 90-degree weather can be a tricky combination, but the brightness of the balsamic vinegar and pine nuts makes these brussels sprouts [21] a great side.
