These healthy vegan food processor recipes are the reason I can’t live without my favorite appliance.
If you’re a longtime friend of TNB, you may have caught on that I’m obsessed with my food processor. It has permanent real estate on my kitchen counter, right next to my water pitcher – that’s how essential it is.
A food processor is particularly transformative for a plant-based, health-conscious kitchen. It turns cashews into “ricotta”, dates into sugar-free brownies, and cauliflower into rice, for Christ’s sake. If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is!
If you’re wondering whether you should invest in this trusty appliance, or curious about how to get more use out of the one currently collecting dust, keep reading.
What Does a Food Processor Do
In a nutshell: All. The. Things.
A standard food processor will usually come with several attachments. The most commonly used is the S-shaped blade, which is best for puréeing and chopping.
There’s also typically the slicing disk, which makes tasks like shredding cabbage for slaw an absolute breeze, as well as a grating disk, which will help you forget all about your prior struggles with the box grater, for tasks like grating carrots, potatoes for latkes, etc.
Food Processor vs. Blender
A common misconception is that these appliances are interchangeable, but for most recipes, they are certainly not. Food processors are great for pur̩eing/mixing solids Рi.e. items with minimal moisture. Think chickpeas for falafel, beet hummus, etc.
Blenders, on the other hand, are excellent for situations with large amounts of liquid involved. Sauces, soups, smoothies – you get the idea.
Which Food Processor I Recommend
I’m a proud owner of this classic Cuisinart model. It’s roomy enough for everything I make, but not so giant that it takes up too much counter space (of which, in NYC, I have very little). It’s also pretty lightweight, should you need to store it in a cabinet and pull it out as needed.
Vegan Food Processor Recipes
Dips + Spreads
Muhammara (Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)
This traditional Middle Eastern appetizer is a perfect party dip.
Dill Edamame Spread
A high-protein spread perfect for meal prep.
Easy Beet Hummus
A simple homemade version made with canned chickpeas.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
A creamy 4-ingredient dip.
Mexican-ish Black Bean Dip
An easy no-cook dip with cumin, cilantro, and lime.
The Best Vegan Pesto
The secret to the best pesto without cheese? A combo of raw cashews and miso.
Main Dishes
Crispy Baked Falafel Patties
Great in pita sandwiches, on salads, and as part of a mezze platter.
Lentil Patties
Inspired by Eastern European flavors.
Pea Pesto Pasta
This spring pasta is ready in just 35 minutes.
Savory Cabbage Pancakes
The food processor makes shredding cabbage a breeze.
Puff Pastry Mushroom Hand Pies
The food processor chops mushrooms into tiny pieces that mimic the texture of ground meat.
Lentil Loaf
The perfect vegan centerpiece for Thanksgiving/Christmas.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers
With a Tex-Mex vibe.
Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht
The food processor allows you to prep all the veg needed in record time.
Veggies + Sides
Massaged Purple Cabbage Slaw
Use the slicing attachment for thin, evenly-shredded cabbage.
Celeriac Purée
An delicious alternative to mashed potatoes.
Tahini Slaw with Crispy Chickpeas
Again, the slicing attachement is your friend!
Sweet Treats
Sugar-Free Apple Butter
Enjoy on toast, pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
No-Churn Vegan Banana Ice Cream
A sugar-free ice cream alternative made from frozen bananas.
Date Brownies
The fudgiest, most decadent, sugar-free brownies.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Date Bark
An impressive sweet-salty dessert for any season.
Carrot Oatmeal Cookies
A hearty breakfast cookie with nuts and fresh carrots.
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