Summer Slow Cooker Recipes? Si, se puede!

It's time dig out your slow cooker, bring it back from the cupboard of "things we never use." Slow cookers have gotten a heavy rap, busted out for the fall and winter dishes and then discarded as the temperature starts to rise.

Related: Slow Cooker Recipes You Haven't Tried Yet But Should

But slow cookers are all-weather kitchen tools: they cook when you're gone so you have plenty of time to enjoy being outdoors, clean up involves all of one pot, and you can make light and healthy dishes you'll want to eat even on the warmest days. Don't believe us? Click on for proof. 

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Salad

Summer is all about clean eating (it's beach season after all). So use your slow cooker to help you whip up some salads. Just throw in some chicken seasoned as spicy as you like it, head to the park, and when you're back: fork tender chicken ready for quick an easy salads, like this taco version. 

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Corn on the Cob

You don't need a grill to make delicious Mexican-style street corn. Instead, use your slow cooker, really! Just throw in corn on the cob and a few hours later you'll have perfectly steamed and crisp kernels. Slather on a lime spiked butter and you're ready to eat. 

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Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Tacos

In the mood for tacos? No problem. Season chicken breasts with garlic, onion, paprika, and chipotle then set your slow cooker and forget it. A few hours later simply shred chicken with a fork then pile it high on a warm tortilla. 

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Slow Cooker Seafood Stew 

Summer is all about seafood and you can easily make it in a slow cooker. The temperature is so low that it's gentle enough on the fish! Here, we're stewing up a mix of calamari, clams, and cod in a tomato sauce. Bread and white wine are mandatory. 

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