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Generate recipe variations from ingredients using Google Gemini and Google Sheets

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Generate recipe variations from ingredients using Google Gemini and Google Sheets preview
Open on n8n.io

Important notice

This workflow is provided as-is. Please review and test before using in production.

1. Workflow Overview

Description: Don't just get a recipe. Get a Strategy. (Speed / Healthy / Creative) This workflow solves the "What should I eat?" problem by using Google Gemini to generate 3 distinct recipe va...

Best for

  • Content Creation automation workflows
  • Multimodal AI automation workflows
  • intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.stickynote, n8n-nodes-base.formtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.set, @n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.googlegemini, n8n-nodes-base.code, n8n-nodes-base.httprequest, n8n-nodes-base.googlesheets, n8n-nodes-base.gmail

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by NODA shuichi.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Generate recipe variations from ingredients using Google Gemini and Google Sheets
Workflow name
Generate recipe variations from ingredients using Google Gemini and Google Sheets

Description: Don't just get a recipe. Get a Strategy. (Speed / Healthy / Creative) 🍳🤖

This workflow solves the "What should I eat?" problem by using Google Gemini to generate 3 distinct recipe variations simultaneously based on your fridge leftovers. It demonstrates advanced n8n concepts like Array Processing and Data Aggregation.

Key Features:

Array Processing: Demonstrates how to handle JSON lists (Gemini outputs an array -> n8n splits it -> API calls run for each item).

Aggregation: Shows how to combine processed items back into a single summary email.

Visual Enrichment: Automatically searches for recipe images using Google Custom Search.

How it works:

Input: Enter ingredients via the Form Trigger.

Generate: Gemini creates 3 JSON objects: "Speed (5min)", "Healthy", and "Creative".

Process: The workflow iterates through the 3 recipes, searching for images and logging data to Google Sheets.

Aggregate: The results are combined into one HTML comparison table.

Deliver: You receive an email with 3 options to choose from.

Setup Requirements:

Google Sheets: Create a sheet named Recipes with headers: date, ingredients, style, recipe_name, recipe_text, image_url.

Credentials: Google Gemini API, Google Custom Search (API Key & Engine ID), Gmail, Google Sheets.

Configuration: Enter your IDs in the "1. Configuration" node.

1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - Sticky Note Main

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 2 - Sticky Note Config

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 3 - Sticky Note AI

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 4 - Sticky Note Process

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 5 - Sticky Note Delivery

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 6 - Ingredient Form

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.formTrigger - formTrigger
Config choices
Version 2.3

Block 7 - Configuration

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 3.4

Block 8 - Gemini: Generate Recipes

Type / Role
@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.googleGemini - googleGemini
Config choices
Version 1

Block 9 - Split into Items

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.code - code
Config choices
Version 2

Block 10 - Google Image Search

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices
Version 4.3

Block 11 - Save to Google Sheets

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.googleSheets - googleSheets
Config choices
Version 4.7

Block 12 - Aggregate to HTML

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.code - code
Config choices
Version 2

Block 13 - Send Email

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.gmail - gmail
Config choices
Version 2.1

3. Summary Table

Workflow Generate recipe variations from ingredients using Google Gemini and Google Sheets
Complexity intermediate
Nodes 13
Categories Content Creation, Multimodal AI
Author NODA shuichi
Published 24 Dec 2025

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/12121/12121.json as the source template for this automation.

  2. 2. Import the template into n8n

    Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.

  3. 3. Configure credentials and variables

    Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.

  4. 4. Test with sample data

    Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.

  5. 5. Activate and monitor

    Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What does Generate recipe variations from ingredients using Google Gemini and Google Sheets do?

Description: Don't just get a recipe. Get a Strategy. (Speed / Healthy / Creative) This workflow solves the "What should I eat?" problem by using Google Gemini to generate 3 distinct recipe va...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your Content Creation, Multimodal AI use case.