Winter is the perfect time for a cozy, convenient, and delicious soup or slow cooker recipe. Soups and slow cooker recipes are often easy to both prepare and clean up, making them a win for busy people. Plus, they offer a wide range of protein sources and micronutrients - packing a punch for your nutrition goals.
Our expert Registered Dietitians have rounded up some of their favorite slow cooker and soup recipes for you to enjoy all winter long! Check out their favorite recipes in our round up.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is both hearty and nutritious, packing a punch with vegetables, beans, and spices. It provides protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals - all of which contribute to a healthy diet.
Alissa Mick, MS, RD, LD notes, “Soup season is easily my favorite time of year, and chicken tortilla soup tops my list! It’s super flavorful and so versatile. I like to swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to increase the protein content and add probiotics. I also add an extra can of beans (black, kidney, or pinto) to enhance the nutrition profile and make it even heartier!”
Check out Alissa’s favorite chicken tortilla soup recipe!
Hawaiian Meatballs
Hawaiian meatballs are a unique blend of sweet and savory. They provide protein from the meatballs and key vitamins from the pineapple, making them a great blend. This recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser for any guest.
Marjorie Nolan Cohn, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-S, Clinical Director of Berry Street says, “This recipe can can altered to any sort of protein, I’ve made with beef meatballs, turkey and/or veggie, and shredded chicken and pork work too! I also jazz up the flavor by using fresh pineapple (if I have it) and switch up the BBQ sauce for different flavors.”
Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pork carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish that features slow-cooked pork shoulder combined with delicious spices. Pork carnitas are often served alongside tortillas, sautéed vegetables, and fresh garnishes – all of which can support your health.
Sophia Jones, RDN, LD explains, “This is the BEST! The most delicious and versatile meat, super budget-friendly, and freezes well. I love to put it in corn tortillas with cilantro lime crema, bell peppers, salsa and guacamole!”
Take a look at her favorite recipe!
Healthy Chicken Soup
Chicken soup isn’t just delicious when you’re sick. It can be a go-to soup for bitter cold or busy days, too. This recipe combines chicken with vegetables and spices that can support your immune system and overall health.
Emily Hulse, MS, RD notes, “I used to think chicken soup was so complicated, but then I found this recipe! I do add cooked pasta or rice to this recipe for carbohydrates, which can help give us quick energy. This makes making chicken noodle soup a breeze.”
Try Emily's go-to healthy chicken soup!
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili combines chicken, white beans, and green chiles among other ingredients. It’s rich in protein and fiber, and packs a subtle but spicy flavor. This is a convenient recipe that busy professionals and families will enjoy time and time again.
Jessica M. Kelly chimes in, "This slow cooker white chicken chili is as filling as it is delicious! This meal provides complex carbs, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants from all the tasty ingredients."
Conclusion
Slow cooker and soup recipes can be both delicious and nutritious. These recipes are a unique way to combine proteins with vegetables, and even fruits. On busy days, slow cooker and soup recipes can support your nutrition goals without taking too much time or energy.
Interested in more recipes that are personalized for your nutritional needs? Find a Berry Street Registered Dietitian today for access to one-on-one nutrition therapy, meal plans, and more support.
