30+ Dump & Go Spring Slow Cooker Recipes
An absolute breeze to throw together, these dump & go spring slow cooker recipes are just the thing to make for dinner this week! Chop & drop recipes totally take the stress out of dinner prep. Bonus points: they’ll help you make the most of all that beautiful spring produce while it’s in season (and the whole family will love them).
about these spring slow cooker recipes
As far as I’m concerned, every season is crockpot season!
No matter the temperature outside, the less prep & less stress part is one of the biggest perks of crockpot cooking (well, that and less cleanup).
They’re an especially great option if your weeknights feel very busy and you want a little more time for yourself.
Since you can set a timer & walk away, embracing a slow cooker dinner strategy frees you up to spend your time however you want to (and still be able to come home to healthy, home cooked meal).
Just like my summer, winter and fall crockpot collections, these simple spring crock pot recipes are all a breeze to throw together.
They’re designed to help you make the most of fresh spring produce – like asparagus, peas, carrots, potatoes and more – while it’s in season (and when you can get it at its most affordable price).
The best part is that they make lots of leftovers, so this is a great recipe collection to save for busy weeks or anytime you need to feed a crowd quickly & easily!
table of contents
Click on each category below to go straight to that section:
what makes these recipes dump and go?
A dump and go slow cooker recipe is one that doesn’t require browning, sautéing, or cooking ingredients prior to adding them to the crockpot. Less prep steps, less stress (and less dishes to contend with at the end of the day).
what makes these recipes healthy
The truth is, there isn’t a universally agreed upon definition of what makes a recipe healthy.
As an expert on healthy habits, I should know — I’ve interviewed over 200 health and wellness experts on the question of what it really means to be healthy, and have yet to uncover a definition of healthy eating that all experts agree on.
However, I did write the book on what it really means to be healthy, and when it comes to recipes I take a whole, real foods, research-based approach.
With that in mind, all of these recipes are made with whole food ingredients, without any added refined sugar, and do not include processed ingredients or oils.
They are also plant-forward, include whole grains, as well as plenty of colorful, health-filled veggies.
Finally, as a healthy habits expert, I know that a big part of eating healthy is making the process easy.
That’s why all these recipes are not only filled with good-for-you ingredients, but also incredibly simple to prepare.
As always, if you’re following a specific diet for health reasons, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian for specific health advice and check out our nutrition disclaimer for more information.
how to freeze and store leftovers
All of these slow cooker recipes will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, in a sealed container.
Many of these recipes also freeze well, store in a sealed freezer friendly container for up to 2-3 months.
these recipes are all…
more seasonal slow cooker recipe collections
chicken slow cooker recipes for spring
Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup
Cozy and delicious Thai Inspired Chicken Meatball Soup can be made on the stovetop or slow cooker resulting in a super flavorful coconut curry broth. Includes easy swaps to make this whole30, paleo, nut-free, vegetarian and vegan friendly!
Ingredients: ground chicken, rice noodles, chicken stock, almond flour (or oat flour), lemongrass, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, fish sauce, coconut aminos, water, coconut milk, baby spinach, lime juice and salt (includes swaps for vegetarian, vegan, whole30, paleo)
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Slow Cooker Tropical Pulled Chicken
Naturally sweet, tangy and oh-so delicious, Slow Cooker Tropical Pulled Chicken is a breeze to throw together and makes for a healthy dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken breasts or chicken thighs, gluten-free tamari, honey, grated ginger, canned crushed pineapple, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder and salt.
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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken
Bright, tangy, and wildly simple to make, Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a no-fuss weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients: chicken, lemon juice, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic
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6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken
This easy recipe for shredded chicken for enchiladas is totally simple, completely delicious and the perfect weeknight crockpot recipe. Plus this chicken recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, Paleo and Whole30 compliant too!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), onion, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, tomato sauce, chili powder and salt.
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Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil
Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil combines juicy peaches, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil for an easy, flavorful dinner anytime. Easy enough to throw together on a weeknight, this one’s bound to become a new family-favorite recipe!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), onion, balsamic vinegar, peaches, basil, garlic powder and salt.
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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken
The perfect recipe for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, real food dinner, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken is a snap to prep and requires just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients: chicken, onion, bell pepper, salsa, lime juice and salt
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Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Basil
This healthy slow cooker balsamic chicken with tomatoes and basil is a fresh, easy meal that draws on the flavors of bruschetta for a simple, flavorful meal everyone will love. It’s one of those recipes that we find ourselves making on repeat week after week!
Ingredients: chicken, roma or cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt.
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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables
Tender, juicy, and incredibly simple to prepare, Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables is a satisfying one-pot meal made with whole chicken, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and a hit of flavor from a simple balsamic sauce.
Ingredients: whole chicken, baby potatoes, carrots, paprika, garlic, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary and salt.
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Slow Cooker Citrus Chicken (Pollo Asado)
Slow Cooker Citrus Chicken (Pollo Asado) yields bright citrus flavors and tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken. A super easy recipe with delicious results!
Ingredients: bone-in chicken thighs and legs, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, honey (optional) and salt.
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Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Packed with chicken and vegetables, Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) is made with real food ingredients and tastes amazing!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, frozen peas, coconut milk, bay leaf and other seasonings
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Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce is a crave-worthy dinner that can be prepped in minutes!
Ingredients: chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, vinegar and other spices.
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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Crave-worthy Buffalo chicken gets a dairy-free makeover! Stuffed inside a tender sweet potato, and done completely in the slow cooker, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken & Sweet Potatoes is your answer to dinner tonight.
Ingredients: chicken breasts, sweet potatoes, hot sauce, mayo, lime juice, coconut oil and salt
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Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies
A versatile, filling, one-pot meal, slow cooker ranch chicken and veggies is made with a simple homemade ranch seasoning blend, chicken, carrots, and potatoes; making for an easy dinner recipe everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken breasts, chicken stock, potatoes, carrots, yogurt (traditional or plant-based), mayo, apple cider vinegar, homemade ranch seasoning.
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3-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
This Crockpot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes recipe is the easiest, most delicious, wildly simple recipe you’ll find anywhere. What’s more, everything cooks together in the slow cooker, so prep is super fast and cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients: chicken breasts or chicken thighs, salsa, and russet potatoes.
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healthy spring slow cooker recipes
Slow Cooker Veggie Coconut Curry
Bursting with vibrant vegetables, Slow Cooker Veggie Coconut Curry is easy to pull together and is the perfect dinner, any night of the week.
Ingredients: baby potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, stock, asparagus, peas, coconut milk, red Thai curry paste, lime juice and cilantro.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
These easy and healthy slow cooker turkey meatballs use ground turkey for an easy-prep meal that requires not pre-browning!
Ingredients: ground turkey, marinara sauce, basil, spinach, onion, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and salt.
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Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs are a quick 30 minute or easy make-ahead crockpot dinner with ground chicken, crushed pineapple, and a homemade naturally sweetened teriyaki sauce. Includes simple swaps to easily make this recipe nut-free!
Ingredients: ground chicken (or pork or turkey), green onion, garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, honey, arrowroot powder (or corn starch), almond flour (or oat flour) and water.
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Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with the good stuff. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe your family will love.
Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground beef), onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, stock, spinach, Italian seasoning and other spices
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Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup
Simple to make and bursting with fresh summer flavors, Crockpot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup is perfect any time of year. A great recipe for all your farmer’s market finds, and paleo and Whole30 friendly, too!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, zucchini, tomato sauce, leafy greens, onion, chili powder, cumin and other seasonings
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Instant Pot + Crockpot Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder
Light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, Instant Pot + Crockpot Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder makes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), baby potatoes, celery, cauliflower, onion, chicken stock, coconut milk, lemon juice, turmeric and other seasonings
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Slow Cooker Chicken, Veggie, and Quinoa Stew
This simple recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken, Veggie, and Quinoa Stew is healthy, hearty and so delicious!
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), stock, quinoa, zucchini, corn, garlic, onion, carrots, chickpeas, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and other spices
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Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Stew
Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Stew is a hearty meal in a bowl, full of chicken, chickpeas, veggies, and subtle Moroccan flavors.
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), chickpeas, stock, onion, carrot, garlic, diced tomatoes, spinach, dried apricots, lemon juice and other spices.
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vegetarian spring slow cooker recipes
Easy Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup (Dump and Go!)
This easy, hearty slow cooker vegetable soup is made with a mix of cut veggies that stand up well to a longer cook time, such as carrots, potatoes, and celery (no mush veggies here!) Best of all, you can make it without sautéing the vegetables first, which is a nice time-saver, too!
Ingredients: potatoes, celery, carrot, onion, fire roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, peas, corn, green beans, stock, garlic powder, smoked paprika, bay leaves and salt.
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Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry
Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry combines sweet potato, chickpeas, cauliflower, spinach, coconut milk, and curry powder for a hearty vegetarian and vegan meal.
Ingredients: chickpeas, sweet potato, cauliflower, onion, vegetable broth, peas, spinach, coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, tomato paste, lime juice, and salt
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Slow Cooker Corn Chowder (Dump and Go!)
This easy slow cooker corn chowder is a breeze to prep, and is a hearty vegetarian and vegan recipe that’s luxuriously creamy without a drop of cream. A surprisingly simple yet delicious dairy free meal to enjoy all year round!
Ingredients: russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, broth, coconut milk, onion, garlic, white wine vinegar and other spices
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Slow Cooker Vegetable and Quinoa Stew
Slow Cooker Vegetable and Quinoa Soup is a hearty, vegetarian meal that's easy to make and completely satisfying. Warm, nourishing, and so simple, you'll want to make this soup for dinner tonight!
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, white beans, chickpeas, carrots, diced tomatoes, quinoa, kale, onion, stock.
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Slow Cooker Refried Bean Tacos
With just 2 ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of homemade refried beans. Fold into a warm tortilla, pile on the toppings, and you’ll have yourself quick and delicious Slow Cooker Refried Bean Tacos for dinner in no time!
Ingredients: dry pinto beans, water, salt and any taco toppings you like.
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Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)
A simple drop, stir, cover, and go recipe; Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) is so easy to prepare, tastes amazing, and packs well for lunch the next day.
Ingredients: quinoa, canned black beans, bell pepper, onion, cumin, garlic powder, mild chili powder, tomato sauce, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilis, lime juice and salt
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Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Fire Roasted Marinara
Make your own pasta sauce at home the easy way with this simple recipe for Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Fire Roasted Marinara. You’ll love the homemade flavor, how easy it is to prepare, and that there’s none of the processed stuff!
Ingredients: fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, onion, smoked paprika.
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Slow Cooker Turmeric Lentil Chili
Made with pantry staples, Slow Cooker Turmeric Lentil Chili is incredibly simple to prepare and is packed with good-for-you ingredients. A vegetarian crockpot meal perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients: kidney beans, lentils, stock, onion, tomato paste, coconut milk, cumin, turmeric and other spices
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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are easy to prepare in the slow cooker and make for a filling, festive and delicious meal.
Ingredients: black beans, sweet potatoes, salsa, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
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30+ Dump and Go Spring Slow Cooker Recipes: Veggie Coconut Curry
Bursting with vibrant vegetables, Slow Cooker Veggie Coconut Curry is easy to pull together and is the perfect dinner any night of the week. Plus 30+ more dump and go spring slow cooker recipes the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 pound carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 pound asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen, defrosted
For the Coconut Curry Sauce
- 1 15-oz can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce, (or vegan fish sauce for vegan diet)
- 2 teaspoons honey, (or maple syrup for vegan diet)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided
- Chopped cilantro for serving, optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Make the Coconut Curry Sauce by whisking the coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce, honey or maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons lime juice until smooth.
- Add the potatoes, carrots and chickpeas to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the stock and ⅓ cup of the Coconut Curry Sauce, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 ½-3 hours, or low for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes and carrots are just cooked through.
- Add the asparagus, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10 minutes, or until the asparagus reaches desired doneness. Add the peas, the remaining Coconut Curry Sauce, and an additional 1 tablespoon lime juice, stirring to combine.
- Taste and add additional fish sauce or lime juice if desired. Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or on its own, with sprinkle of cilantro if desired.
Notes
Use vegan fish sauce in place of traditional fish sauce and maple syrup in place of honey for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Look for Thai red curry paste on the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store. If you things spicy, add 2 tablespoons. If you’re very spice-adverse, add less.
All slow cookers are different, so you may need to adjust the time up or down depending on your particular model.
All veggies are shown together in the photo to give you a sense of the ingredients. Please read and follow recipe instructions for amounts and details on the order in which to add them.
If you have them, fresh peas can be used in place of frozen.
Feed someone particularly sensitive to spice? Serve the curry after stirring in the asparagus and peas but prior to adding the remaining curry sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 141kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 535mg, Potassium: 811mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 13786IU, Vitamin C: 36mg, Calcium: 66mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition disclaimer
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