16 Refreshing Summer Dinners You Can Make In Your Slow Cooker

    Because when it's 100°F outside, the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven.

    Jesse Szewczyk
    by Jesse Szewczyk

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Most people associate slow cookers with hearty winter cooking — but they can also come in handy during the warmer summer months, too!

    Unlike ovens, slow cookers don't generate a ton of heat, making them the perfect thing to keep your house cool. We rounded up 16 of our favorite slow cooker recipes that are light, flavorful, and perfect for summer.

    1. Pulled Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    lexiscleankitchen.com

    A blend of warming spices —from cloves to allspice — gives the chicken a subtle Caribbean flavor that pairs perfectly with the mango salsa.

    Get the recipe: Pulled Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    thefoodcharlatan.com

    This recipe cooks boneless chuck with soy sauce, honey, and garlic until tender and serves it over a simple salad that's perfect for hot summer nights.

    Get the recipe: Thai Steak Salad With Peanut-Hoisin Sauce

    3. Adobo Chicken

    lecremedelacrumb.com

    Serve this chicken over rice, fresh greens, or roasted veggies along with lemon wedges for a refreshing summer dinner.

    Get the recipe: Adobo Chicken

    4. Slow Cooker Jambalaya

    lecremedelacrumb.com

    This flavorful jambalaya is the perfect recipe to make for summer cookouts and can be served right out of the slow cooker for easy entertaining.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Jambalaya

    5. Slow Cooker Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    thecomfortofcooking.com

    Make sure to use ground chicken instead of ground chicken breasts to make this recipe. The latter will turn out dry and flavorless.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    6. Honey BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

    chelseasmessyapron.com

    Pile this pulled pork onto soft burger buns and top with homemade slaw for the ultimate fuss-free dinner.

    Get the recipe: Honey BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

    7. Slow Cooker Poached Salmon With Lemons and Fresh Herbs

    thekitchn.com

    Just place your fish in the slow cooker along with water, white wine, and aromatics, and walk away. No need to worry about the salmon overcooking.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Poached Salmon With Lemons and Fresh Herbs

    8. Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    damndelicious.net

    Feel free to use ground chicken or turkey in place of ground beef if red meat isn't your favorite.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    9. Barbacoa Tacos

    gimmesomeoven.com

    Make this simple barbacoa beef and serve it with warm tortillas, diced onions, fresh limes wedges, and a generous amount of chopped cilantro.

    Get the recipe: Barbacoa Tacos

    10. Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    thekitchn.com

    Feel free to blend this soup until it's completely smooth, or leave it a bit chunky for more texture.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    11. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Sriracha Wings

    therecipecritic.com

    These wings are sweet, spicy, and tender. Garnish them with sliced scallions and sesame seeds and dinner is done.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Sriracha Wings

    12. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders

    simplystacie.net

    Five ingredients is all you need to make these spicy buffalo chicken sliders that are perfect for summer entertaining.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders

    13. Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

    damndelicious.net

    Serve this shrimp boil over newspaper with tons of melted butter, hot sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and beer.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

    14. Mexican Quinoa Casserole

    foodfaithfitness.com

    Quinoa loaded with corn, chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes, and peppers — what could be better?

    Get the recipe: Mexican Quinoa Casserole

    15. Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

    dinnerthendessert.com

    This recipe uses fresh jalapeño to give the chicken a kick, but feel free to omit it if spicy food isn't your thing.

    Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

    16. Vegan Slow Cooker Tofu

    healthyslowcooking.com

    Serve this tofu over cooked rice or quinoa, or load it into tender leaves of bibb lettuce for quick vegan lettuce wraps.

    Get the recipe: Vegan Slow Cooker Tofu