By Michelle Edelbaum, EatingWell Digital Editor
I'm loving this early spring weather! Since it's still light when I get home from work, I want to go outside-not spend my evening in the kitchen making dinner. So I haven't put away my slow cooker, since crock pot recipes that practically cook dinner themselves are my answer to having it all.
Here are 5 of my favorite healthy crock pot recipes from the EatingWell Test Kitchen:
Greek Chicken & Vegetable Ragout: This recipe is filled with so many tastes of spring: new potatoes, artichokes, dill. Plus it uses one of my favorite cuts-chicken thighs-which stay moist and succulent during slow cooking.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken & Vegetable Ragout & More Crock Pot Recipes Packed with Produce
Pulled Pork with Caramelized Onions: This recipe is a keeper in my house-it's REALLY easy. While traditional pulled pork is barbecued, which gives it a smoky flavor, the slow cooker happens to be the absolute easiest way to cook pulled pork-and you can get a hint of smoke by adding chipotle chile. You can serve the pulled pork with potato salad, collard greens and grits. Or make it into a sandwich and serve it on a bun with coleslaw.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork with Caramelized Onions & More Spring Crock Pot Recipes
Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna: Sure, the slow cooker's great for stews and soups, but it also happens to make a mean lasagna! In this ingenious slow-cooker recipe, all you have to do is chop your veggies, then layer the ingredients (raw) into the crock pot. Serve with: Garlic bread and a green salad.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna & More Crock Pot Recipes Packed with Produce
Wine & Tomato Braised Chicken: Here chicken thighs cook in a simple herb-infused tomato-and-wine sauce. The bone-in thighs give it plenty of hearty flavor, and since you cook them without the skin, it keeps the dish healthy. There's plenty of sauce, so serve it over pappardelle or brown rice. Steamed broccoli or sautéed broccoli rabe tossed with olive oil and a splash of lemon juice complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Wine & Tomato Braised Chicken & More Skinny Spring Crock Pot Recipes
Nonna's Spaghetti & Meatballs: The meatballs and sauce are cooked in the slow cooker for this traditional Italian spaghetti and meatballs recipe. For a lighter spring dinner I like to serve the meatballs as a sandwich with melted provolone on top, but you could also serve the meatballs over creamy polenta.
Get the Recipe: Nonna's Spaghetti & Meatballs & More Healthy Spring Crock Pot Recipes
What's your favorite spring crock pot recipe?
By Michelle Edelbaum
Michelle is the digital editor for EatingWell Media Group. She puts her background in journalism to work online at EatingWell.com and in each issue of EatingWell Magazine, authoring The Fresh Interview with interesting people in the world of food and health.
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