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 flavour 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.
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 [5] for a delicious and light alternative.
Slow-Cooker Beans and Quinoa With Scallions, Cheddar, and Hot Sauce
This yummy beans-and-quinoa salad [6] 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 flavour, this Mexican-style chicken [7] 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 [8] includes all your favourite flavours (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 [9].
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 [10] 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 flavours, like this healthy Paleo soup [11].
Turkey Enchilada Soup
A bowl of soup is a perfect weeknight meal, and this turkey enchilada soup recipe [12] packs Mexican flavours.