This summer, keep your commitment to eating healthy. Set up your slow cooker before heading outside, then come home to a cool kitchen and a ready-to-eat dish.
32 Skinny Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love This Summer
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Slow-Cooked Summer Squash
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love squash, but I got tired of fixing just plain squash and cheese. I decided to jazz up the dish a bit. This was a huge hit with my family. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 111 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
2/32
Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this is my most treasured. If you enjoy your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 179 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
3/32
Lamb Pitas with Yogurt Sauce
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The spiced lamb in these stuffed pita pockets goes perfectly with cool cucumber and yogurt. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 383 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
4/32
Chipotle Carnitas
Total Time
10 hours 28 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 269 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
5/32
Red Clam Sauce
Total Time
3 hours 25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 3/4 cup cooked linguine: 305 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
6/32
Chicken Taco Salad
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
7/32
Slow-Cooker Honey Nut Granola
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I lightened up a friend's recipe and changed the add-ins to our tastes. This honey nut granola is now a family favorite! You can vary the recipe as you like, changing the nuts, seeds or dried fruits. —Tari Ambler, Shorewood, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 267 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
8/32
Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Use up leftovers and clean out the fridge by making these super simple and tasty stuffed peppers! This is an ideal weekend meal that you can put together quickly and let cook while you run errands. —Katie Jasiewicz, Belle Isle, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 267 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
9/32
Chicken Spring Rolls
Total Time
4 hours
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is just like any other Asian wrap but with more flavor, a healthy twist and the convenience of a slow cooker. Instead of ordering Chinese, try making these yourself. —Melissa Hansen, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap with 1 teaspoon sauce: 195 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/32
Chorizo and Chickpea Soup
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chorizo sausage adds its own spice to the broth of this soup, creating delicious flavor with no need for more seasonings. And while it's cooking, the whole house smells divine! —Jaclyn McKewan, Lancaster, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 180 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 high-fat meat.
11/32
Caribbean Curried Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 6 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
12/32
Cilantro & Lime Chicken with Scoops
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
16 servings (4 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and I wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken to serve in tortilla cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla chip cups or any other savory crispy cup you like. Enjoy leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. — Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois. If you’re looking for more, you must check out our healthy slow-cooker chicken recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup chicken mixture: 97 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
13/32
Baja Pork Tacos
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 320 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
14/32
Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our three children love the spicy flavors found in this Crock-Pot chicken curry. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 353 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
15/32
Tender Salsa Beef
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice : 259 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
16/32
Fabulous Fajitas
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
17/32
Ham and Beans
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I had never made or eaten this dish before meeting my husband here in Kentucky. Now I make it at least once a week. I serve it with some homemade sweet cornbread. Delicious! —Christine Duffy, Sturgis, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 195 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 10g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
18/32
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 279 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
19/32
Slow-Cooked Turkey with Berry Compote
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings (3-1/4 cups compote)
From the Recipe Creator:
We love to eat turkey, and on hot summer days, here's how we get our fix. For golden-brown turkey, broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked turkey with 1/4 cup compote: 215 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
20/32
Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potatoes are among our favorite side dishes. This version take sa little effort, but you can save time by boiling the spuds ahead of time. The night you want them for dinner, just crisp them up with garlic and Parmesan cheese. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3 smashed potatoes: 354 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
21/32
Shredded Chicken Gyros
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family always has such a wonderful time at the annual Salt Lake City Greek Festival. One of my favorite parts is all the awesome food. This meal is a good way to mix up our menu, and my kids are big fans. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 gyro (calculated without toppings): 337 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 418mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
22/32
Slow-Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
3 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 317 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
23/32
Red Bean Vegetable Soup
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 158 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
24/32
Sloppy Joe Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
25/32
Pulled Chicken Sandwich
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was raised as a southern girl, with the love of barbecue built into my DNA. This slow-cooker recipe allows me to enjoy the flavors I grew up eating, while still following a healthy diet. —Heidi Mulholland, Cumming, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 296 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
26/32
Slow-Cooker Salmon
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this slow-cooker salmon recipe because it's healthy and almost effortless. The salmon always cooks to perfection! —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet: 272 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
27/32
Party Time Beans
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 166 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein.
28/32
Slow-Cooked Pork Burritos
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been making these slow-cooker burritos for as long as I can remember, changing the recipe now and then to add variety. This is the version we serve for casual get-togethers with friends. —Sharon Belmont, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 320 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
29/32
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & Peas
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Some amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 3/4 cup vegetable mixture: 292 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 41g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
30/32
Apple Pie Oatmeal Dessert
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Warm and comforting oatmeal desserts bring back memories of times spent with my family around the kitchen table. I serve this dish with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topper. —Carol Greer, Earlville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without ice cream): 238 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
31/32
Black-Eyed Peas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 14g fiber), 20g protein.
32/32
Steak San Marino
Total Time
7 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a busy pastor's wife and mother of three, and this delicious, inexpensive and easy main dish helps my day run smoother! The steak is so tender and flavorful, my kids gobble it up and my husband asks for seconds. —Lael Griess, Hull, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup rice and 1/3 cup sauce: 286 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
