20 Healthy Ways to Put Your Slow Cooker to Work Every Day This Summer

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 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.

01
Chickpea Coconut Curry With Sweet Potatoes
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Chickpea Coconut Curry With Sweet Potatoes

This vegan chickpea and coconut curry is perfect for when you're seeking a bit of comfort food without the heaviness or high calorie count.

02
Healthy Chicken Chili
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Healthy Chicken Chili

A staple, this chicken chili has all of the flavor with a lighter, healthier touch.

03
Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography

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 at home.

04
Slow-Cooker Vegan Beans and Rice
Sweet Peas and Saffron

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.

05
Healthy Carnitas
Elle Penner

Healthy Carnitas

Try this healthy variation of carnitas the next time you're craving a meal packed with flavor.

06
Slow-Cooker Spicy Ramen With Sweet Potatoes
Half Baked Harvest

Slow-Cooker Spicy Ramen With Sweet Potatoes

Flavorful and packed with good-for-you veggies, this spicy ramen with sweet potatoes recipe is sure to become a favorite.

07
White Beans With Tomatoes and Pancetta
Alexandra's Kitchen

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 is the definition of fresh and filling.

08
Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

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 for a delicious and light alternative.

09
Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa With Scallions, Cheddar, and Hot Sauce
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa With Scallions, Cheddar, and Hot Sauce

This yummy beans-and-quinoa salad combines some of the best things in life: healthy foods, a little bit of cheese, and convenient meal prep.

10
Mexican-Style Crock-Pot Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Mexican-Style Crock-Pot Chicken

With fresh pico de gallo on top and a light, spicy flavor, this Mexican-style chicken is perfect for an outdoor meal.

11
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

It's not just dinners that can be made in a slow cooker; this healthy breakfast casserole includes all your favorite flavors (yes, even bacon) without breaking the calorie bank.

12
Slow-Cooked Vegetarian Chili
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

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
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

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 that you can trust to your slow cooker.

14
Vegetable Paleo Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

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
Alexandra's Kitchen

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
Slow Cooker Gourmet

Turkey Bolognese With Zoodles

Zucchini noodles are your new best friend, and turkey bolognese with zucchini noodles, with a lightened-up version of a classic sauce on top, is full of flavor and good for you too.

17
Turkey Enchilada Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Dean Lipoff

Turkey Enchilada Soup

A bowl of soup is a perfect weeknight meal, and this turkey enchilada soup recipe packs Mexican flavors.

18
Chili-Orange Beef
Kelly Kwok

Chili-Orange Beef

A slow-cooker version of a Chinese favorite, this chili-orange beef avoids the unhealthy method of frying.

19
Chipotle Orange Street Tacos
Half Baked Harvest

Chipotle Orange Street Tacos

This flavor-packed chipotle orange chicken is perfect for dishing up tacos to enjoy at a cookout or family dinner.

20
Slow-Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
America's Test Kitchen

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 a great side.