Is a slow cooker good for the summer?

When it's too hot to turn on your oven, don't! Your slow cooker can handle everything from weeknight dinners to family barbecues. It might even be the best-kept secret for making fabulous summer desserts .

What is the difference between slow cook high and slow cook low?

Most slow cookers have two slow cooker temperature settings. The 'Low' cook setting reaches temperatures between 164-182°F (reaching a peak of around 205°F after 4 hours) . Wondering what temperature is 'High' on a Crockpot slow cooker? The 'High' cook setting tops off at around 205°F after cooking for 4 hours.

What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker?

Slow Cooker Cons There are fewer functions (though certain late models have a sear function). Though they don't need to be tended to, it might not be the best idea to leave them on all day when no one is home. Meal prep still requires planning. Nov 21, 2018

Is it OK to leave slow cooker on all day?

Yes, it's safe to leave a slow cooker on when you leave the house . The purpose of a slow cooker is to allow you to cook while you aren't home. Slow cookers simmer food slowly, killing bacteria and raising meat to the perfect internal temperature.

Is 8 hours on low the same as 4 hours on high?

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high .

What are the three settings on a slow cooker?

On all CrockPot units you have usually three temperature settings. I for Low, II for High and the last symbol (it may be in the form of "squiggly lines" that look like SS) is the Warm setting.

What cooks faster than a slow cooker?

Slow cookers and pressure cookers are large countertop appliances that can be used in place of pots, pans, and even ovens. The distinction between them is in their names; slow cookers cook food slowly, while pressure cookers cook food fast using pressure.

Does a slow cooker make the house hot?

While slow cookers do emit a little heat , it is nothing like turning on the oven or cooking on the stove top. The heat is kept low and mostly contained, so you can cook without heating up your house even more. Try it with Crockpot Polenta.

Can a slow cooker overheat?

If you think your slow cooker is overheating, it's likely a problem with the cooker . It's not supposed to get much about 209, but 212 is the boiling point so even a few degrees difference can go from simmer to boil. Get a roaster oven you can adjust the temperature to anywhere from 160 to 450 degrees.

When should I use a slow cooker?

Slow cookers are great for cooking cheaper cuts like beef brisket, pork shoulder, lamb shoulder and chicken thighs . You can also use less meat, as slow cooking really extracts a meaty flavour that permeates the whole dish. Bulk up with vegetables instead.

Why is a slow cooker better than an oven?

Slow cookers turn cheap meats tender and tasty, but they're also much cheaper to run than a big oven.

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (2024)

Made with refreshing, hydrating ingredients!

These 21 Weight Watchers summer recipes are perfect for warm weather, because they can be made in your slow cooker! Made with refreshing ingredients like tomatoes, zucchini, and pineapple, these recipes capture the flavors of hot summer months. Using the slow cooker means you don’t have to slave away in a hot kitchen.

Weight Watchers summer recipes are a great way to stay healthy and enjoy delicious, nutritious meals. From light and refreshing salads to tasty main dishes, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. With Weight Watchers’ simple points system, you can easily track your progress and stay on track with your weight loss goals. Try some Weight Watchers summer recipes today!

Ranging from 3 to 13 SmartPoints, there’s a dish in here to fit into everyWeight Watchers plan. The recipes are made with clean and simple ingredients you can find anywhere, and they’re packed with amazing flavor. Dig in!

1. Barbecue Pulled Chicken (8 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (2)

There’s nothing like barbecue to kick off the warm summer months. This pulled chicken is great on a toasted bun, in tacos, or even tossed into a refreshing summer salad.

Get the recipe: Barbecue Pulled Chicken

2. Barbecue Beans (8 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (3)

Speaking of barbecue, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try these yummy barbecue beans. Slow-cook these beans to perfection and use them as a side or as a main dish in vegan sloppy joes or tacos.

Get the recipe: Barbecue Beans

3. Pineapple Chicken (4 Freestyle SmartPoints)

Pineapple is incredibly refreshing and adds a touch of sweetness to this versatile chicken recipe. There’s just something about it that screams tropical vacation.

Get the recipe: Pineapple Chicken

4. Chickpea Stew with Apricots (2 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (5)

This chickpea recipe also incorporates fruit in an interesting way. Blending chickpeas with diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, zesty lemon, and sweet dried apricots, this stew is perfect over rice or crumbled cauliflower. Sweet and savory at its best!

5. Skinny Lemon Chicken (10 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (6)

The lemon in this recipe gives the chicken an amazing, complex flavor. A hint of honey balances the citrus and gives a touch of sweetness.

Get the recipe: Skinny Lemon Chicken

6. Caramelized Chicken (12 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (7)

This sweet and savory chicken is surprisingly easy to prepare. Honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce combine to make a traditional caramel flavor. A little pineapple juice gives this recipe an additional shot of sweetness and a dash of tropical fruity taste.

Get the recipe: Caramelized Chicken

7. Simple Italian Chicken (8 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (8)

Made with tomatoes and parmesan, this chicken is reminiscent of classic Italian dishes but without all the carbs. It’s light, flavorful, and family-friendly. Not to mention, it’s a breeze to make!

Get the recipe: Simple Italian Chicken

8. Cheesy Spinach Lasagna (9 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (9)

During the warm summer months, our bodies call for refreshing veggies instead of heavy meats. This cheesy lasagna is meat-free! There’s nothing but layers of fresh baby spinach and cheesy goodness.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Spinach Lasagna

9. Crockpot Cauliflower Fried Rice (3 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (10)

Delivery food is convenient, but it might feel too heavy on hot days. Our cauliflower fried rice is made with low-calorie cauliflower crumbled into rice consistency. With tons of veggies and optional turkey, it’s a great option for summer. It has the flavor of delivery, but doesn’t leave you feeling slow and groggy.

Get the recipe: Crockpot Cauliflower Fried Rice

10. Chicken Tacos (13 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (11)

Tacos are great for summer because you can load them with hydrating vegetables such as tomatoes and leafy greens. Our chicken taco keeps things clean with lean protein, guacamole, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

11. Skinny Chicken Enchilada Soup (8 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (12)

If you’re up for hot soup, this recipe is a great summer option. Diced tomato, salsa, onion, and cilantro combine for an authentic enchilada taste. Top with diced avocado for an extra dose of healthy fats.

Get the recipe: Skinny Enchilada Soup

12. Clean Eating Pork Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw (12 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (13)

Pork tacos layered with your favorite veggies and refreshing salsa are perfect for barbecue parties, game day, or fun family dinners. Slow cookers are great for making tender, juicy pork with rich flavor.

Get the recipe: Clean Eating Pork Tacos with Cilantro-lime Slaw

13. Jambalaya with Chicken and Shrimp (12 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (14)

Jambalaya is a traditional Creole dish made with rice, veggies, and seafood. It’s similar to paella in its ingredient profile, but the spicy seasoning is all Creole. In this recipe, brown rice is mixed in with green pepper, onion, tomatoes, and seasoning.

Get the recipe: Jambalaya with Chicken and Shrimp

14. Pinto Beans, Tomatoes, and Onion Salad (9 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (15)

This minimalist bean salad is surprisingly filling. The beans provide 12 grams of gut-friendly fiber, which helps stop your stomach from rumbling later in the night. The pinto beans are mixed with sliced red onions and tomatoes and topped with fresh parsley.

Get the recipe: Pinto Beans, Tomatoes and Onion Salad

15. Chicken Gyros (7 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (16)

This classic Greek dish has been gaining popularity because of how fun and versatile it is. For our skinny chicken gyros, prep the ground chicken beforehand using your slow cooker, then layer on bread with chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and low-fat plain Greek yogurt.

Get the recipe: Chicken Gyros

16. Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Chicken (5 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (17)

If you love spinach and artichoke dip, this is the recipe for you! Tender chicken is served with garlic, onion, cream cheese, tomatoes, and, of course, spinach and artichoke.

Get the recipe: Slow cooker Spinach and Artichoke Chicken

17. Skinny Spaghetti (5 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (18)

Spaghetti is great year-round, but did you know you can also make it in your slow cooker? This easy 4-ingredient recipe will give you perfect al dente pasta every time.

Get the recipe: Skinny Spaghetti

18. Slow Cooker Zucchini Ziti (8 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (19)

Zucchini is a great summer vegetable. Light, hydrating, and versatile, you can use it in many summer recipes, including this delicious ziti pasta dish. This recipe is a cheese lover’s dream.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Zucchini Ziti

19. Italian Style Penne (6 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (20)

This pasta dish is a little more traditional. Incorporating tomatoes, beans, garlic, onions, and parmesan cheese, this recipe is a great option for family dinners.

Get the recipe: Italian Style Penne

20. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese (8 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (21)

The perfect meal for kids, this recipe is cheesy, cheesy, cheesy! Made with cheddar cheese and thickened with egg whites, this creamy recipe only takes 1-2 hours in the slow cooker, and you’ll get perfect al dente pasta.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

21. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (5 Freestyle SmartPoints)

21 Weight Watchers Summer Recipes You Can Make in Your Slow Cooker (22)

These stuffed cabbage rolls are a great way to sneak more vegetables into your day. Ground turkey adds essential lean protein.

Get the recipe: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Did you make any of these Weight Watchers summer recipes? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you think about this article or anything else you’d like to see on the site. Leave a comment in the section below.

Enjoyed this post? Read more:

15 Weight Watchers Dinners in 15 Minutes or Fewer
The Ultimate Grocery List for Weight Watchers – 50 Foods
50 Low Point Weight Watchers Dinners with 7 SmartPoints or Less
21 Breakfasts, Lunches, and WW Dinners Under 10 Points

Get the low-down on healthy recipes and heart-pumping workouts on our Facebook page, Instagram and our Pinterest. Sign up for our newsletter to get even more Weight Watchers recipes!