7 Slow-Cooker Recipes That Are Perfect for Summer

For extra flavor, rub the pork shoulder with the spice rub the day before, and refrigerate it in an airtight container or zip-top bag overnight. 

This simple version of a traditional favorite uses doctored-up storebought green salsa and tortilla chips for a meal that the whole family will love. Set out the toppings in the middle of the table, and then let everyone garnish his own bowl.

What You'll Need: Smoked paprika, light-brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, boneless pork shoulder, honey, red-wine vinegar, sweet onion, large garlic cloves, buns or soft rolls for serving, barbecue sauce for serving, sweet-corn slaw (recipe included)

This summery dessert tastes best the day it’s made, but any leftover blueberries would be delicious on top of yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes the next morning.

What You'll Need: Nonstick cooking spray, fresh blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, unsalted butter, low-fat buttermilk, heavy cream, turbinado or coarse sugar

Shh! Your kids will never know that this luscious lasagna is packed with vegetables. Grate the zucchini and carrots on the large or small holes of a box grater. They’ll virtually disappear into this cheesy crowd-pleaser.

What You'll Need: Ricotta cheese, fresh baby spinach, zucchini, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, egg, large garlic clove, salt, black pepper, marinara sauce, carrots, nonstick cooking spray, whole-grain lasagna noodles, part-skim mozzarella cheese

Serve ratatouille tossed with pasta, spooned over grilled chicken or fish, or as a side dish. It also freezes like a champ. Defrost leftovers to top pasta, grilled chicken, or fish.

What You'll Need: Tomato paste, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, plum tomatoes, medium eggplant, zucchini and/or summer squash, red sweet pepper, yellow sweet pepper, medium onion, cloves of garlic, fresh basil

What You'll Need: Black beans, fresh or frozen yellow corn kernels, yellow squash, green onions, fresh cilantro, chili powder, garlic cloves, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground black pepper, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, nonstick cooking spray, salsa, flour tortillas, sliced radishes for serving (optional)