6 Slow Cooker Recipes to Try This Summer

I just cleaned out and organized my kitchen cabinets. I typically keep my slow cooker tucked out of the way during the summer and then pull it back out in the fall. Well, now I think I need to bring it out! I love the idea of doing a fun barbecue dish in the slow cooker for a dinner party with friends this summer too.

6 Slow Cooker Recipes to Try This Summer

Guest post by Louisa from Living Lou

When you think summer, do you think slow cooker? Wel, you should! Other than a barbecue, I think the slow cooker is the ultimate summer cooking appliance because it doesn’t heat up your kitchen. Also, you can literally dump food in the slow cooker, be out and about all day at the park or the beach and come home to a fully cooked meal. There is more to slow cooker recipes than just soups and stews, I promise! Here are my favorite summery slow cooker recipes.

1. Slow cooker pork ribs

You guys, there is no better way to cook ribs than in the slow cooker. This recipe will change your life! With a simple dry rub and a quick homemade, smoky barbecue sauce, I guarantee everyone will love these ribs. I like to serve these with my blue cheese salad.

2. Slow cooker pulled pork

Pulled pork was one of the last recipes I developed when I was working in the test kitchen of a magazine, and it made me realize that I didn’t have a pulled pork recipe on my site. This is a lighter version sweetened with pineapple juice—no sugar-loaded barbecue sauce here.

3. Slow cooker turkey breast

This is the perfect meal-prep recipe because you can have sliced turkey ready for the week—and you don’t need to turn on your oven. I like to make this on a Sunday and have slices of turkey for lunch at work, either in a salad or a sandwich.

4. Slow cooker balsamic jalapeno chicken legs

You might be thinking, chicken legs in the slow cooker? Trust me, this is one of my most-popular recipes, and it is A+! Serve alongside rice or a salad, and you’re good to go.

5. Slow cooker chicken caesar salad sandwiches

Chicken + caesar dressing + parsley + celery is basically all you need for this recipe. It’s a winner; everyone loves chicken Caesar salad, don’t they?

6. Slow cooker shredded Puttanesca chicken

All the flavors of puttanesca pasta in a simple shredded chicken! You could toss this into pasta, serve as a sandwich or in a wrap, or serve on top of rice. The options are endless!