8 Healthy Recipes You Can Make With a Food Processor

Updated on 11/25/2019 at 6:20 AM

The food processor is a wonderful thing if you're looking to eat healthy. Who doesn't love a machine that chops, purees, mixes, and makes cooking prep easy? You don't? If you're sitting there rolling your eyes and thinking "I never even use that thing," dust it off and take it out of that high-up cabinet you probably have it hiding in. There are a lot of healthy things you can prep with that nifty tool, from salads to homemade granola.

These recipes will inspire you to give that bulky tool a prominent spot on your kitchen counter with their promise of tasty meals that basically make you look like a Top Chef contestant. Name someone else you know who is shredding Brussel sprouts like a pro or whipping up falafel for dinner on a Tuesday? That can be you: just keep reading to see how.

Cozy Banana Bread Granola

Making homemade granola is surprisingly easy when you use a food processor. Prep it for breakfast or put it in little bags and gift it to your neighbors or friends — it'll make you look super impressive.

Get the recipe: cozy banana bread granola

Spicy Red Pepper and Feta Dip

A tangy vegetarian dip to dunk in fresh pita triangles or veggies? Yes, please. This flavorful recipe is too easy to pass up — dump the ingredients in the food processor, blend, and enjoy — and offers a nice homemade alternative if you're always reaching for a store-bought hummus or salsa.

Get the recipe: spicy red pepper and feta dip

Pumpkin Pesto Spaghetti Squash Bowls

These low-carb, keto-friendly, and vegan squash bowls are sure to please you: It's an easy four-step recipe (which uses a food processor to make the sauce) that packs a punch when it comes to healthy ingredients loaded with nutritional benefits.

Get the recipe: pumpkin pesto spaghetti squash bowls

Air Fryer Falafel

If you are as into making everything your air fryer as the rest of the world seems to be, you will love this recipe. Falafel are traditionally fried in oil to a golden brown before served, but dropping them in an air fryer (after grinding the ingredients in a food processor) creates a healthier alternative.

Get the recipe: air fryer falafel

Apples and Brussels Sprouts Slaw

If you haven't tasted the flavors of apples and Brussel sprouts together, you're missing out. A food processor makes shredding the sprouts for this 100-calorie salad so easy.

Get the recipe: apples and Brussels sprouts slaw <

Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing

You may already have the ingredients for this one laying around in your fridge and pantry. It uses staples (honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes) and other seasonings (sesame oil, rice vinegar) to create an amazing dressing that can be used for salads, marinades, and dipping. Since this recipe only has about 35 calories per serving, it is too delish and healthy to pass up.

Get the recipe: Asian sesame ginger dressing

Pumpkin Bean Muffins

Muffins are a great make-ahead snack or on-the-go breakfast, but sometimes they can be loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars. The secret ingredient in these muffins is beans, which add a boost of antioxidants and fiber. Using a food processor allows the beans to be perfectly blended into the rest of the ingredients.

Get the recipe: pumpkin bean muffins

Black Bean Brownies

These brownies have a secret ingredient in the mix. OK, we already spilled it; it's black beans. They are so sweet and delicious, if we hadn't told you, you wouldn't even be able to tell.

Get the recipe: black bean brownies