Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious way to add some crunch and flavor to your meals? Look no further than walnuts! With their rich, nutty flavor and numerous health benefits, walnuts are a great addition to many different types of dishes. From sweet treats like muffins and energy balls to savory meals like salads and stuffed chicken breasts, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the humble walnut.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and healthy recipes that feature walnuts as the star ingredient. From classic pairings with banana and oatmeal to more unexpected combinations with kale and figs, we’ve got a recipe for every palate and dietary need. So whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, keep reading to discover all the ways you can incorporate walnuts into your cooking routine.
Maple Walnut Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of oatmeal infused with the sweetness of maple syrup and the crunch of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup water or milk
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: sliced banana, honey, or cinnamon for added flavor and texture
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats and reduce heat to low; cook for 5-7 minutes or until creamy.
3. Stir in the maple syrup and butter until melted.
4. Fold in the chopped walnuts and salt.
5. Serve hot, topped with your choice of sliced banana, honey, or cinnamon (if desired).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Healthy Walnut and Banana Pancakes
Start your day with a nutritious twist on classic pancakes, featuring the natural sweetness of bananas and the crunch of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine mashed banana, oats, almond flour, and walnuts.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, honey, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Spray with cooking spray or oil and drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on number of pancakes)
Spinach and Walnut Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe! Moist and tender chicken breast is packed with a delicious spinach and walnut filling, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, walnuts, feta cheese (if using), and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quinoa Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries
This quinoa salad combines the nutty flavor of walnuts, the sweetness of cranberries, and the earthy taste of quinoa for a nutritious and delicious side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, walnuts, and cranberries.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Quinoa: 15-20 minutes
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
Avocado Walnut Toast with Chia Seeds
This recipe combines the richness of avocado with the crunch of walnuts and the nutty flavor of chia seeds, all on top of a crispy slice of bread. Perfect as a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon juice or red pepper flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Spread the mashed avocado on top of the toast.
3. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the avocado.
4. Mix the chia seeds with a pinch of salt and pepper, then sprinkle over the walnuts.
5. Season with lemon juice or red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Walnut Crusted Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and visually appealing dish, featuring crispy walnut crust on tender salmon fillets, served with a zesty lemon dill sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon Dill Sauce ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
+ 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
+ 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together walnuts, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat each salmon fillet with the walnut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, and dill in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Greek Yogurt Walnut Parfait with Honey
A refreshing and healthy dessert that combines the creaminess of Greek yogurt, the crunch of walnuts, and the sweetness of honey. Perfect for a quick treat or as a topping for your favorite oatmeal or granola.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp pure honey
– Optional: additional toppings such as fresh berries, banana slices, or shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, layer the Greek yogurt and chopped walnuts.
2. Drizzle the honey over the top of the yogurt and walnuts.
3. If desired, add your favorite toppings (fresh berries, banana slices, or shredded coconut).
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and enjoy.
Roasted Beet and Walnut Hummus
Transform your hummus game with this unique and delicious flavor combination! This roasted beet and walnut hummus is perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
– 1/2 cup chickpeas
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: paprika, parsley, or other herbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
2. Let beets cool, then peel and dice.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. Add roasted beets, toasted walnuts, and any desired garnishes to the hummus. Blend until well combined.
5. Serve with pita chips, vegetables, or crackers.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes (including beet roasting time)
Walnut and Dark Chocolate Energy Balls
Boost your energy with these wholesome bites that combine the crunch of walnuts with the richness of dark chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup creamy almond butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats and walnuts.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together almond butter and honey until smooth.
3. Add the almond butter mixture to the oat-walnut mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Fold the melted chocolate into the oat mixture until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None! These energy balls are ready in just a few minutes of mixing and rolling.
Healthy Walnut and Apple Muffins
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the earthy flavor of walnuts. This recipe yields 12 muffins, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, honey, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the melted coconut oil and stir until combined.
5. Add the chopped walnuts and diced apples to the wet ingredients; mix until well combined.
6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
7. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
8. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles
A creative twist on traditional pesto, this recipe combines the rich flavors of walnuts and parmesan with the nutty taste of zucchini noodles. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a healthy dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup walnut pesto (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the walnut pesto and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Walnut and Herb Crusted Tofu
A flavorful and nutritious vegan main course, perfect for a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
• 1 block firm tofu (14 oz), drained and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup walnut halves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together walnuts, olive oil, parsley, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Place the tofu cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle the walnut mixture evenly over the tofu, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Walnut and Kale Caesar Salad
Elevate your classic Caesar salad with the addition of crunchy walnuts and nutritious kale. This twist on a timeless favorite is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup homemade Caesar dressing (or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale leaves with your hands for about 5 minutes to tenderize them.
2. Add the Caesar dressing, chopped walnuts, croutons, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the kale.
3. Toss everything together until the kale is evenly coated with the dressing and toppings.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Sweet Potato and Walnut Buddha Bowl
A nutritious and flavorful bowl filled with roasted sweet potatoes, crispy walnuts, and a tangy tahini sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup walnut halves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, toast walnut halves in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, tahini, and lemon juice.
5. Assemble bowls by placing roasted sweet potatoes at the bottom, followed by toasted walnuts, and finishing with a drizzle of tahini sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Walnut and Fig Chia Pudding
This sweet and savory pudding combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the natural sweetness of figs, all wrapped up in a nutritious and filling breakfast or snack. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up on-the-go!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup dried figs, chopped
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Just before serving, stir in chopped walnuts and dried figs.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with additional walnuts and figs if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This pudding is a no-cook recipe.
Spiced Walnut and Carrot Soup
Warm up with a soothing cup of Spiced Walnut and Carrot Soup! This comforting recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the earthy flavor of walnuts, all wrapped up in a cozy blend of aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 pounds carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, carrots, walnuts, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until carrots are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, allow it to cool and blend in a blender.
5. Stir in heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast bowl featuring the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen blueberries
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine frozen blueberries, almond milk, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the chopped walnuts and blend until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl.
4. Top with sliced banana, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Walnut and Flaxseed Crackers
A delicious and nutritious snack option, these crunchy crackers are packed with the omega-rich goodness of flaxseeds and the earthy flavor of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, flaxseed, and walnuts.
3. Add salt, olive oil, and water. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to go nuts with these 18 delicious and nutritious walnut recipes! From sweet treats like Walnut Crusted Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce and Walnut and Dark Chocolate Energy Balls, to savory dishes like Spinach and Walnut Stuffed Chicken Breast and Walnut Pesto Zucchini Noodles, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many of these recipes are vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb, making them perfect for a variety of diets. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option or a tasty snack, walnuts are the perfect ingredient to add some crunch and nutrition to your meals.
