12 Easy Food Processor Recipes

A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can make meal prep faster and easier. From chopping vegetables to making dough, a food processor can handle a variety of tasks. In this article, we’ll explore 12 easy recipes that you can make using a food processor, showcasing the appliance’s capabilities and helping you create delicious meals with less effort.

Recipe 1: Homemade Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In the food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
2. Process: Process until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Serve: Serve with pita bread or vegetable sticks.

Recipe 2: Pesto Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend Ingredients: In the food processor, blend the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped.
2. Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Use as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or as a spread on sandwiches.

Recipe 3: Pie Crust

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the food processor, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add Butter: Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, pulsing until the dough comes together.
4. Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
5. Use: Use as directed in your favorite pie recipe.

Recipe 4: Salsa

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In the food processor, combine the tomatoes, onion, jalapeño pepper, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.
2. Pulse: Pulse until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
3. Season: Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve: Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.

Recipe 5: Pizza Dough

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the food processor, combine the flour, olive oil, salt, and yeast mixture. Pulse until a dough forms.
3. Knead: Remove the dough from the processor and knead on a floured surface until smooth.
4. Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Use: Use as directed in your favorite pizza recipe.

Recipe 6: Cauliflower Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

Instructions:

1. Process Cauliflower: In batches, pulse the cauliflower florets in the food processor until they resemble rice.
2. Cook: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Serve as a low-carb alternative to rice.

Recipe 7: Nut Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 cups nuts (such as almonds, peanuts, or cashews)

Instructions:

1. Process Nuts: In the food processor, process the nuts until they form a smooth paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add Flavorings: For flavored nut butter, add a pinch of salt, a drizzle of honey, or a splash of vanilla extract.
3. Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe 8: Pie Crumble Topping

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In the food processor, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add Butter: Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Use: Use as a topping for pies or fruit crisps.

Recipe 9: Pesto Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In the food processor, combine the chicken, pesto sauce, mayonnaise, red bell pepper, and red onion.
2. Pulse: Pulse until the ingredients are well combined and the chicken is finely shredded.
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve: Serve on bread or lettuce leaves for a delicious chicken salad.

Recipe 10: Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, chocolate chips, cranberries, nuts, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Process: Process the mixture until well combined and sticky.
3. Form Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls.
4. Chill: Place the energy bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Serve: Enjoy as a quick and healthy snack on the go!

Recipe 11: Creamy Avocado Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend Ingredients: In the food processor, blend the avocados, Greek yogurt, garlic, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth.
2. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve: Serve with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.

Recipe 12: Carrot and Ginger Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add Carrots: Add the chopped carrots to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes.
3. Cook: Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook until the carrots are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Blend: Transfer the soup to the food processor and blend until smooth.
5. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Serve hot, with a swirl of coconut milk if desired.