9 Healthy Summer Slow Cooker Recipes

By Andrea Cohen
Published 8/1/2025
In This Article
9 Healthy Summer Slow Cooker Recipes
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

When the weather gets hot, the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven or stove. That’s where summer slow cooker recipes come in. They’re a lifesaver when it’s too warm to cook and you still want a healthy, home-cooked meal.

Slow cookers, also known as crockpots, let you make delicious meals with almost no effort. Just toss in your ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you enjoy your day. And because this method of cooking doesn’t heat up your kitchen like an oven does, it’s a smart choice for staying cool while enjoying flavorful meals.

Why Use a Slow Cooker in Summer?

Many people think of using slow cookers for winter stews and soups, but they’re just as handy in the warmer months. Slow cooker summer recipes include meals that use shredded chicken and pork, which are super easy to make in a crockpot or slow cooker. They also feature chilis, dips, and sides that are delicious to eat all year round.

Another benefit of summer slow cooker meals is that they come together without much prep, and cleanup is easy too. That leaves more time for relaxing, playing outside, or working from home without having to spend a lot of time preparing food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning healthy meals for the week, using a slow cooker is a breeze. Many easy summer slow cooker recipes also freeze well, so you can make a double batch and save time later.

Tips for Making Healthy Summer Slow Cooker Meals

Want to make your slow cooker meals healthier? Here are a few simple tips:

  • Go lean. Choose lean proteins like chicken breast, turkey, beans, or fish. Trim visible fat if using beef or pork.
  • Add veggies. Toss in fresh summer produce like zucchini, bell peppers, corn, or tomatoes. They add flavor, fiber, and color.
  • Watch the salt. Many canned ingredients and seasoning mixes are high in sodium. Use low-sodium broths and rinse canned beans before adding. Also, skip salty sauces and instead use fresh herbs, citrus juice, and vinegar to add flavor.

Healthy Summer Slow Cooker Recipes Everyone Will Love

The best summer slow cooker recipes are flavorful and nutritious. Here are some healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make recipes that are perfect for warm-weather eating, busy days, backyard gatherings, or when you just don’t feel like standing over the stove.

  1. 01

    Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

    Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
    Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing
    150 mins

    This recipe is the definition of set-it-and-forget-it, making it ideal for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove. The slow cooker keeps the pork juicy and flavorful while leaving you with time to enjoy summer activities. Serve with seasonal veggies or a simple salad for a no-fuss dinner.

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  2. 02

    Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

    Heart Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    200 mins

    Chili isn’t just for winter. This lighter, leaner version is a great summer meal, especially when made in the slow cooker. The hands-off cooking keeps your kitchen cool while the rich spices and hearty beans make it satisfying enough for a main dish.

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  3. 03

    Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

    Heart Healthy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    120 mins

    This lighter mac and cheese recipe uses the slow cooker to deliver that classic creamy texture you crave without needing constant stirring or stovetop babysitting. It’s a welcome addition to summer cookouts or potlucks and is easy to make any time you’re craving comfort food.

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  4. 04

    Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing
    45 mins

    This spicy, creamy dip is a crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering. It can easily be made in a slow cooker so there’s no need to heat up the kitchen and it travels well to potlucks and outdoor parties. You can even serve it right out of the crockpot, saving you valuable time on clean-up.

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  5. 05

    White Chicken Chili

    Crockpot White Chicken Chili
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    375 mins

    This white chili is light, zesty, and full of flavor. After making the tomatillo mixture in a food processor, all you need to do is to toss everything into a slow cooker. Then set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy this filling and delicious meal.

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  6. 06

    Pork Tostadas

    Heart Healthy Pork Tostadas
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    60 mins

    Perfect for summer meals, these are quick to assemble and full of fresh toppings. Batch-cook the pork in your slow cooker with some spices, and you’ll have a flavorful protein ready to pile high on crunchy tostadas without heating up your whole kitchen.

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  7. 07

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

    Heart Healthy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    Nothing says summer like BBQ, and these pulled pork sliders are made for warm-weather get-togethers. The slow cooker keeps the meat tender and juicy, and makes it easy to prep this dish ahead of barbecues, picnics, or backyard parties.

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  8. 08

    Chicken Mole

    Heart Healthy Chicken Mole
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    45 mins

    This dish delivers bold, complex flavor for a tasty summer meal. Although the recipe doesn’t specifically call for using a slow cooker, it’s a great way to batch cook chicken that’s easily shredded to add to the dish. The mole sauce can be made ahead so you can pull together a quick meal even when it’s too hot to cook.

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  9. 09

    Ginger Chicken

    Heart Healthy Ginger Chicken
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    15 mins

    Fresh, gingery, and packed with flavor, this chicken dish is a tasty addition to your summer meal lineup. You can simplify prep by slow-cooking the chicken ahead of time. Then just shred and add the flavorful sauce when you're ready to eat. It’s an easy meal that comes together in just minutes.

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These are some of our best summer slow cooker meals, but we also have other slow cooker recipes that are perfect for making all year long. Also be sure to check out our blog on heart healthy slow cooker meals for easy and healthy ideas of what to make when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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