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When you think of a slow cooker, you may think of hearty braises and meat-and-bean chilis. That’s fair enough—the slow cooker is definitely great for those things. But what often gets overlooked is the fact that there are tons of slow-cooker soups out there that are packed with greens and other veggies—not to mention, packed with flavor, too. Sure, you don’t cook the greens for the entire cooking time, but they’re a great add-in to flavorful soups that have been stewing for hours, and they cook down to so little volume that even the most greens-averse people will probably be fine with it. I mean, when life gives you an opportunity to eat nutrient-packed meals without torturing your tastebuds, you take it—right?
If you’re wondering what to do with your slow cooker in warmer months, slow-cooker soups filled with greens and veggies are a great solution. The soups below range from creamy and hearty, to broth-based and super light. Best of all, soups are great freezer meals to stow away and thaw whenever you don’t feel like cooking but also don’t want to spring for takeout. Make one or two of these soups this week, then freeze leftovers in individual servings and don’t sweat weeknight dinner for months to come.
Damn Delicious.
1. Sausage, Spinach and White Bean Soup
Thanks to hearts sausage and white beans, this slow-cooker soup is great any time of year.
Kara Lydon.
2. Cream of Asparagus Soup
Need to use up the bounty of asparagus on your counter? Slow-cooker soup is the answer.
Little Spice Jar.
3. Winter Moroccan Lentil Soup
Contrary to the name, this hearty slow-cooker lentil soup is also great in the summer.
365 Days of Crockpot.
4. Tortellini Spinach Soup
Why yes, you can have your pasta and eat your soup, too.
Little Spice Jar.
5. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone is a classic vegetarian soup that tastes even better coming out of a slow cooker.
Tabs and Tidbits.
6. Lentil Spinach Soup
Serve this lentil spinach soup over rice, and with a healthy dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
Cafe Delites.
7. Sausage Tortellini Soup
A little bit of sausage goes a long way in adding depth to this creamy slow-cooker soup recipe.
Tabs and Tidbits.
8. Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
There’s no ham in this split pea soup, but there are more than enough plant foods to make up for it.
The Chunky Chef.
9. Italian Meatball Soup
Up the greens factor of this slow-cooker meatball soup by throwing in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes.
Choosing Chia.
10. Weeknight Lentil Soup
Use whatever greens and root veggies you have on-hand for this easy lentil soup.
Skinny Ms.
11. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This broccoli cheddar soup is less heavy than traditional versions, but doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Well Plated.
12. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
In warmer weather, trade classic chicken soup for this zesty, greens-filled version.
Foodie and Wine.
13. Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
This doesn’t come with unlimited salad and breadsticks, but it’s a great summer soup nonetheless.
A Wicked Whisk.
14. Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Take a trip down south with these soupy slow-cooker black-eyed peas and collards.
Vicky Pham.
15. Vietnamese Mustard Green Soup
Pho real, this soup is delicious.