If you’re guilty of buying too much food during the holiday season, it’s likely that a bag of walnuts is languishing at the back of your shelf, collecting dust and forgotten intentions.
As you ponder its fate, consider the versatility of this nutty delight. Walnuts are a satisfying snack on their own, but they also elevate both sweet and savory dishes to new heights.
The key to unlocking their full potential lies in pulsed walnuts, which can be used as a dip or even as a meat substitute.
This opens up a world of possibilities for creative culinary experimentation. To inspire your walnut adventures, we’ve curated our favorite recipes that showcase the nut’s adaptability – from decadent brownies to refreshing salads. Let the indulgence begin!
Walnut Chorizo
Walnuts may come across as an unlikely ingredient in plant-based cooking, but they can be a game-changer when it comes to creating vegan substitutes for traditional meats. When pulsed into a paste, walnuts bring a satisfying texture and depth of flavor to dishes like this vegan chorizo alternative. The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative with its uses – try it as a topping for nachos and tacos, or add it to tostadas, burrito bowls, and even homemade pizzas.
With the simplicity of this recipe, you can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Pear Salad With Walnuts, Prosciutto And Goat Cheese
Indulge in the delightful union of flavors and textures by incorporating walnuts into your go-to salad. The nut’s inherent sweetness and nutty flavor profile not only add a satisfying crunch but also harmonize with the natural sweetness of pears and the tanginess of goat cheese. This delectable combination makes for an exemplary side dish or appetizer perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, boasting a visually appealing presentation that matches its impressive taste.
Apple Walnut Sausage Stuffing
When you agree to host, serving this exceptional walnut stuffing is sure to earn you a wealth of gratitude from your guests. Additionally, you’ll be rewarded with a stress-free experience, knowing that this recipe can be prepared ahead of time without any fuss. The generous use of butter elevates the dish to new heights of comfort and indulgence, beautifully balancing savory and sweet flavors.
Meanwhile, the aromatic herbs like sage and thyme complement the satisfying crunch of walnuts perfectly, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to delight.
Carrot Walnut Cake
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures that comes with adding crunchy chopped walnuts to a classic carrot cake recipe. This treat is simplicity itself to prepare – just mix and bake! Whether you’re looking for a satisfying mid-morning snack or an afternoon energy boost, this moist and delicious cake is sure to hit the spot. And if you want to take things to the next level, why not top it with your favorite cream cheese frosting and enjoy the ultimate dessert indulgence?
Walnut Stuffed Peppers
Transform your stuffed peppers into a delightful vegan-friendly dish by swapping out the traditional ground beef filling for a rich and savory blended walnut mixture. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of walnuts with the subtle crunch of cauliflower florets, all wrapped up in halved bell peppers. The best part? This adaptable filling can be tailored to your taste preferences, so feel free to adjust the level of spicing to suit your palate.
For a vegan finish, pair your stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and a dollop of guacamole. Alternatively, add a touch of indulgence with a sprinkle of grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Cinnamon Walnut Muffins
Say goodbye to bland breakfasts! Our scrumptious cinnamon walnut muffins are a game-changer for anyone looking to spice up their morning routine. With only a handful of ingredients and easy instructions, even the most novice bakers will feel confident whipping up a batch. The key to achieving those perfect, fluffy centers is to resist the urge to over-mix your batter. And don’t forget to chop those walnuts into tiny pieces before adding them in – it makes all the difference!
Walnut Banana Bread
Tired of shelling out big bucks for lackluster banana bread at your go-to coffee joint? It’s time to take matters into your own hands. Banana bread is a surprisingly straightforward recipe that relies on the natural sweetness and texture of overripe bananas. This one-bowl wonder straddles the line between bread and cake, making it nearly impossible to mess up.
And with the added bonus of chopped walnuts and a cup of hot coffee, you’ll be wondering why you ever settled for store-bought in the first place.
Walnut Halva Cookies
Indulge in the delightful contrast of textures in these walnut halva cookies, a treat that will delight fans of soft and chewy sweets. The foundation of the cookie is a soft base dough, perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of walnuts and the rich, honey-like sweetness of halva. For those unfamiliar, halva is a sweet indulgence with a dense, fudge-like texture, traditionally made with sesame for added depth.
This unique cookie recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional holiday treats.
Creamed Spaghetti Squash With Browned Butter Walnuts
While spaghetti squash may appear daunting at first, it’s actually a cinch to prepare. Start by microwaving the squash to soften its flesh, then slice and remove the seeds. Roasting the squash brings out its natural buttery flavors, perfect for cozying up on a crisp fall day. To elevate this dish, pair the roasted squash with a rich, creamy sauce and a crunchy topping of toasted walnuts infused with the earthy sweetness of fresh sage.
Walnut Pesto
Discover the joy of homemade pesto and take it to the next level with this game-changing walnut pesto recipe! Once you’ve experienced the rich flavor and texture of freshly made pesto, there’s no turning back – not even for store-bought alternatives. And let’s be honest, this walnut variety might just win over your affections from traditional basil pesto.
The beauty of making your own walnut pesto lies in its simplicity: just blend the ingredients together or elevate it by toasting those walnuts first. Serve it on grilled bread and watch as your dinner party guests rave about the depth and complexity you’ve brought to the table.
Persian Walnut Salad
The art of toasting walnuts requires attention to detail, as the difference between perfectly toasted and burnt to a crisp can be stark. A mere two minutes of distraction can result in what was once golden brown becoming blackened and charred. However, the reward is well worth the effort, as the nutty flavor that emerges during the toasting process adds a rich, meaty depth that elevates this Persian salad (see also ‘Traditional Persian Recipes: 13 Of The Best’) to new heights.
A generous helping of fresh herbs and a judicious squeeze of lemon juice provide a welcome brightness, making this refreshing salad perfect for a summer barbecue or any occasion where you want to impress.
Chocolate Chip And Walnut Blondies
The addition of walnuts brings a delightful contrast to the soft and dense texture of blondies, infusing an incredible crunch into this classic sweet treat. What’s more, blondies are remarkably simple to prepare, requiring only one bowl and pan to achieve optimal results. The use of brown sugar lends depth reminiscent of molasses, amplifying the flavors in both the chocolate chips and walnuts. With these ingredients working harmoniously together, it’s no wonder this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Whole Wheat Banana Walnut Muffins
While sugar-filled treats can be tempting, they may not provide the most effective morning boost. In fact, devouring a large sugary muffin at 8am could leave you feeling lethargic by 10am. For a more satisfying start to your day, consider whole wheat banana walnut muffins – a nutrient-rich alternative that will keep you energized and focused.
Apple Walnut Phyllo Pies
Phyllo pastry brings a unique twist to traditional pie-making. The buttery crunch of layered phyllo sheets adds a delightful texture that elevates the overall experience. While it may seem intimidating to work with, phyllo is surprisingly easy to use when only serving as a topping. This recipe showcases the perfect combination of flavors, featuring macerated apples and toasted walnuts for a quintessential fall dessert. Serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to truly indulge.
Hup Toh Soh (Chinese Walnut Cookies)
Hup Toh Soh walnut cookies are a beloved tradition during Chinese New Year celebrations. However, once you’ve experienced their deliciousness, you’ll want to bake them for any occasion that brings joy. From birthdays and exam results to holidays and even casual Thursdays, these cookies are sure to please. The key to their success lies in the combination of toasted and chopped walnuts with toasted sesame seeds. To make a large batch at once, shape the dough into small bowl-like forms.
Whether you’re marking a special event or simply want a sweet treat, Hup Toh Soh cookies are the perfect choice.
Grilled Peach And Walnut Crumble
While the grilled peaches themselves are certainly a highlight, the real showstopper is the walnut crumble topping. This delectable mixture is crafted from crushed walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, with a pinch of flour occasionally necessary to achieve the perfect texture. The straightforward yet tantalizing flavors mean this crumble can seamlessly complement almost any fruit.
As such, when peaches are out of season, feel free to swap them out for your preferred options and enjoy this delightful dessert year-round.
Venetian Chocolate Walnut Cake
This Venetian cake is an unexpected delight, as walnuts are typically associated with richer, heavier textures. Instead, this Italian-style recipe defies conventions by combining rustic presentation with refined flavors, yielding a light and moist treat perfect for both casual afternoons and special celebrations. What’s more, the subtle sweetness of the cake makes it an ideal pairing for a glass of red wine, allowing you to savor each bite without feeling overwhelmed.
No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread With Honey
For those who’ve always wanted to bake their own bread but were deterred by the tedious kneading process, no-knead bread is the perfect solution. To achieve that perfect soft center and crispy crust, it’s essential to invest in a good quality Dutch Oven pot. Beyond that, this recipe requires patience – allow the dough to rise at its own pace, and give the finished loaf time to cool before slicing. With these simple steps, you’ll be rewarded with a bakery-quality loaf that’s sure to impress.
Walnut Mushroom Veggie Burgers
When it comes to veggie burgers, disappointment can be a common occurrence. The worst offenders are often dry, flavorless, and either unpleasantly chewy or prone to falling apart in the bun. However, these walnut and mushroom veggie burgers defy this stereotype. By combining two ingredients with a meaty taste and robust texture, they offer a genuinely satisfying vegetarian alternative that even self-proclaimed meat-lovers can’t get enough of.
Easy Muhammara Dip
Muhammara, a delectable roasted red pepper and walnut dip, is believed to have its roots in Syria. This flavorful condiment stands out from traditional hummus with the addition of chili flakes, which add a delightful kick of heat. The pulsed walnuts not only enhance the texture but also make it perfect for scooping onto toasted pitas and flatbread. The harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors also pairs exceptionally well with fresh cut veggies.
Whether you’re planning a picnic or simply looking to spice up your snack game, Muhammara’s unique twist is sure to impress.
Walnut Shrimp
While it may not be an immediate pairing that comes to mind, walnut and seafood can actually create a harmonious union. This is particularly evident in the classic Chinese dish of walnut shrimp, which is often served as an early course in a banquet dinner. The star of the show here is indeed the walnut, which is quickly fried to a golden brown before being tossed in a warm, sweet syrup to create candied treats that are almost too good to resist.
In fact, we highly recommend making extra, as they make for a delightful snack on their own.
Coffee And Walnut Cake
When hosting a traditional English afternoon tea, a classic choice is to serve coffee and walnut cake alongside a warm cup of English Breakfast. This delightful combination may seem unexpected, but trust that it’s a match made in heaven. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers the next day, consider pairing them with a rich cappuccino for a new twist on the original.
To take your coffee and walnut cake to the next level, finish it off with an espresso-infused buttercream and garnish with walnut halves. This delectable treat also makes for an excellent birthday option for adults seeking a slightly less sweet alternative to traditional celebratory cakes.
Chunky Monkey Banana Baked Oatmeal
The holiday season is synonymous with walnuts being a staple ingredient in many of our favorite recipes. As we spend more time in the kitchen during this period, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant need to cook and bake. That’s why I’m excited to share a recipe that will become your new go-to breakfast solution: chunky monkey baked oatmeal! This delightful dish combines the warm flavors of banana bread with a satisfying texture that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Plus, it’s incredibly convenient – simply prepare it on a Sunday evening and enjoy a hassle-free breakfast for the rest of the week. No more oven-bound mornings or stressful rush-hour scrambles! With this recipe, you’ll be all set for a stress-free start to your day.
Fesenjoon (Pomegranate Walnut Stew)
Fesenjoon is a quintessential Persian stew that harmoniously blends aromatic, sweet, and savory flavors. A big bowl of this comforting dish will wrap you in warmth and awaken your taste buds with its diverse range of flavors. The simplicity of the ingredients list is one of its charms, and if you can’t find pomegranate molasses, making your own by slowly simmering pomegranate juice until it thickens and then letting it cool is a breeze.
Walnut Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is an exemplary dessert that effortlessly wins over the hearts of everyone who tries it. Its simplicity, coupled with its irresistible flavor profile, makes it a crowd-pleaser. At its core, bread pudding involves cooking day-old bread in a rich custard, allowing for endless customization opportunities by incorporating various mix-ins of your choice.
One particular recipe that stands out is our walnut and chocolate chip rendition, which is elevated by the addition of a decadent caramel sauce. When prepared to perfection, this dessert can be enjoyed with a delightfully thick and spongy texture or a satisfying crunch from an uncovered top – the choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
Honey Walnut Nut Roll
The sweet combination of ground walnuts and honey forms the filling for honey walnut nut rolls, which are destined to become a holiday staple. While this recipe may not be the most straightforward way to use walnuts, the end result is well worth the extra effort. The yeasted dough provides a perfect base for the swirls of walnut and honey that run through these delectable treats. Whether enjoyed on their own or served with a generous helping of butter, these nut rolls are sure to impress.
Candied Walnuts
Indulge in the versatility of candied walnuts by mastering this easy-to-make recipe. Not only do they make an excellent cake topping or salad mix-in, but they’re also a quick and satisfying snack. As a bonus, their sweet and spicy flavor combination makes them an ideal gift option for the holiday season. By reducing the sugar content, this recipe allows the natural nutty taste of walnuts to take center stage, while the cinnamon and cayenne add a delightful warmth and depth.
Get ready to elevate your baking game with this simple yet impressive treat!
5-Minute Espresso Walnut Brownies
When it comes to pairing ingredients with coffee or chocolate, walnuts are an excellent match. Their nutty flavor makes them a perfect complement to both, making them a standout brownie addition. If you’re looking for a simple way to elevate your boxed brownie recipe, try incorporating a handful of chopped walnuts into the mix. The texture they bring is a game-changer. But why stop at traditional brownies?
Take it up a notch with these 5-minute espresso walnut brownies that have become a favorite. To make them, blend walnuts into a fine powder to act as both flour and binding agent, then chill the mixture rather than baking it. The result is a quick, easy, and delicious treat.
Maple Walnut Butter
Indulge in the rich flavors of fall with maple walnut butter, a delightful alternative to traditional peanut butter. The combination of roasted walnuts and pure maple sugar creates a creamy spread that’s reminiscent of cozy autumn days. By processing the toasted walnuts with maple sugar and a touch of salt, you’ll be left with a smooth, indulgent treat that’s perfect for pairing with warm baked goods, fresh fruits, hearty oatmeal, or even just savoring on its own – fingers optional!
Brown Sugar Walnut Apple Pie
For those seeking a show-stopping dessert to bring to a holiday gathering, look no further than brown sugar walnut apple pie. This delightful treat is perfect for novice bakers, as it combines traditional fall ingredients with a hint of spice. Simply use a pre-bought or homemade pie crust and fill it with toasted walnuts, sliced apples, and a rich blend of spices.
To take it to the next level, add a sprinkle of brown sugar that not only brings out the flavors but also adds a touch of caramel sweetness to the finished pie.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.