If you’re looking for ridiculously easy summer instant pot recipes, you’re in the right place! These recipes are all super simple to throw together and my family loves them. Use your instant pot during the warm months to keep your kitchen cool and spend more time enjoying the sunshine while dinner cooks away at home.
Don’t put away that instant pot just yet! Put it to use this summer to keep your kitchen cool and to create hands-off instant pot meals that will allow you to play all day and still come home to a delicious, healthy, easy dinner.
To get you inspired, I’ve rounded up my favorite fresh, healthy real food summer instant pot recipes!
summer is the perfect season for pressure cooking
There’s no reason to miss out on the convenience & ease that comes with just throwing a bunch of real food ingredients into your instant pot and having more time to spend enjoying the sunshine. All you need to do is switch up the flavors a little bit!
These are simple, vibrant recipes that are inspired by farmer’s market produce & classic barbecue flavors.
Use these recipes on hot nights when you can’t stand to turn on the oven, busy weekends when you’re enjoying time outdoors, or for gatherings like barbecues & potlucks.
These recipes are great for weekly meal prep or whenever you need to feed a crowd simply & easily.
simple recipes that are quick & easy to make
All of these recipes have easy to find ingredients and simplified prep steps. They’re designed to help you make the most of fresh summer produce – like corn, basil, tomatoes, and fresh fruits – while it’s in season (and at it’s most affordable price).
I know how intimidating it can feel to use a new appliance for the first time.
If you’ve been thinking about getting an instant pot (or already have one and are scared to take it out of the box) – start with just one easy recipe. It’s the best way to learn how to use your pressure cooker, get over your fears, and (most importantly) get cooking!
There’s so many things my family & I love to cook in our instant pot, but here’s a few of our favorites we look forward to enjoying every summer:
The Instant Pot I Use
Here’s the instant pot (affiliate) I use for all my recipes, this size works great for our family and I love how easy it is to use!
these recipes are all…
dairy free , gluten free , soy free
I’ve included some paleo friendly, whole 30 friendly, and vegetarian options too. Each recipe has simple adaptations and tips waiting for you, like ingredient swaps and ways to make these meals kid-friendly.
I hope you’ll make these delicious summer instant pot recipes soon! If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!
soups
This vegetarian version is another favorite! This slow cooker creamy potato corn chowder recipe is so easy to make & a meal everyone can enjoy.
Love the simplicity of a one-pot dinner! And this 6-ingredient slow cooker chicken taco chili is just the thing to make on busy weeks.
Craving another chicken soup recipe? Try this easy, nourishing instant pot turmeric chicken no-noodle soup!
Rather make this in your slow cooker? This crockpot creamy tomato soup recipe will help you make it happen.
sides & snacks
Looking for more easy, healthy appetizer ideas? This real food 7-layer dip recipe is always a hit at our house!
Egg Salad is such a quick & easy lunch! Make sure to save this roundup of the best egg salad recipes (they're perfect for meal prep).
main dishes
Want to use sweet potatoes instead? These 5-ingredient slow cooker black bean stuffed sweet potatoes make such a satisfying vegetarian meal!
Wanna fire up the grill? Use these same flavors (and ingredients!) to create these delicious peach chicken basil glow bowls.
Love Mexican-inspired dishes? Make sure this 5-ingredient slow cooker fajita salsa chicken is on your list of recipes to try next!
Spinach Artichoke Dip fan? You'll love this slow cooker spinach artichoke dip recipe (it's vegetarian & dairy free too!)
You can also cook a whole chicken in your slow cooker! This garlic balsamic chicken recipe is just as easy & super flavorful.
11 Easy Summer Instant Pot Recipes, plus Enchilada Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 28- oz can no-sugar added tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Juice of 1 lime optional
- Hot sauce optional
Instructions
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Set the saute function in a 6-quart electric pressure cooker for 8 minutes.
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Add the olive oil, onions, ¼ teaspoon salt, and saute for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the tomato sauce, water, cumin, garlic powder, and chicken, stirring to combine.
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Secure the lid, select the manual setting, and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes for fresh chicken, or 20 min for frozen. If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s spread in an even layer, without sticking together. Your instant pot may take anywhere from 25-35+ minutes to come to pressure before the cook time starts.
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When the pressure cooker timer is done, quick release the pressure.
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Remove the chicken, and shred or chop into bite sized pieces. Add back to the pressure cooker, stirring to combine. Taste, adding lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and additional salt or pepper if desired.
Notes
Rather make this one in a slow cooker? Check out this recipe!
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