When it comes to incorporating nuts into our meals, walnuts are often overlooked in favor of more familiar options like almonds or pecans. But this versatile and flavorful nut has a rich history of culinary uses that date back thousands of years. From ancient Greece and Rome to modern-day Mediterranean cuisine, walnuts have been prized for their unique flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits.
In the following pages, we’ll explore 18 delicious walnut recipes that showcase the versatility of this incredible ingredient. Whether you’re looking for a savory main dish or a sweet dessert, a crunchy snack or a creamy dip, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and inspire new ways to incorporate walnuts into your cooking repertoire.
Savory Walnut and Mushroom Stuffed Bell Peppers
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe! This dish combines the natural sweetness of bell peppers with the earthy flavors of mushrooms, walnuts, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic; cook until tender.
4. Stuff each pepper with the mushroom mixture, then top with cheese, parsley, and walnuts.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Creamy Walnut and Spinach Pasta
This rich and satisfying pasta dish combines the earthy flavors of walnut and spinach with a creamy sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g. spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add chopped walnuts and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Stir in heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the walnut and spinach sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Walnut Hummus
Elevate your snacking game with this unique and flavorful twist on traditional hummus. Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and roasted (see notes)
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the garlic cloves for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and mashed.
3. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then transfer them to a blender with the roasted garlic, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, salt, and water.
4. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes (including roasting time)
Walnut-Crusted Chicken with Herbs
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic dish, featuring crispy walnut crust and a hint of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together walnuts, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Divide the walnut mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Walnut and Parmesan Biscuits
Elevate your next gathering with these buttery, cheesy biscuits infused with the rich flavor of walnuts and parmesan cheese. Perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a snack on their own.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the flour until coarse crumbs form.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, walnuts, and salt.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir until dough comes together in a ball.
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
6. Roll out dough to about 1-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a biscuit cutter.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each biscuit.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Walnut and Rosemary Focaccia Bread
This rustic bread is infused with the earthy flavor of walnuts and the herbaceous taste of rosemary, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite soups or salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Sesame seeds or coarse salt for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining flour, walnuts, and rosemary. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
Elevate your appetizer game with these sweet and savory Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates. A perfect combination of textures and flavors, this recipe is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted dates
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a slit down the center of each date, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Stuff each date with about 1/4 teaspoon of chopped walnuts and 1/4 teaspoon of crumbled blue cheese.
4. Drizzle honey over the dates and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Walnut and Sage Butternut Squash Soup
This comforting soup combines the warm flavors of butternut squash with the earthy notes of walnut and sage, perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and place on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the squash for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
5. Add roasted squash, sage leaves, walnuts, and broth to the pot.
6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender to puree.
8. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Walnut and Lentil Stuffed Eggplant
Experience the harmonious blend of flavors and textures with this innovative vegetarian dish. Roasted eggplants stuffed with a mixture of nutritious lentils, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic spices make for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked lentils, chopped walnuts, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each eggplant half with the lentil mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
5. Place the stuffed eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the eggplants are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Walnut and Goat Cheese Tart
A sweet and savory combination of caramelized walnuts and creamy goat cheese comes together in this elegant tart perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. With its buttery crust and nutty filling, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 (8 oz) log goat cheese, crumbled
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Drizzle melted butter over the walnut mixture.
5. Crumble goat cheese over the top of the tart.
6. Fold edges of pastry up to create a crust, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush egg wash over the pastry and sprinkle with salt.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut and Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your roasted potatoes with the rich flavors of walnuts and thyme. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle thyme and walnuts over the potatoes, tossing gently to combine.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Walnut and Pesto Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this savory and flavorful recipe that combines the earthy taste of portobello mushrooms with the richness of walnuts and pesto.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 1/2 cup walnut halves
– 3 tablespoons pesto
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together walnuts, pesto, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the walnut mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
4. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Caramelized Onion Flatbread
Elevate your flatbread game with the sweet and savory combination of caramelized onions, toasted walnuts, and fresh thyme. This flavorful flatbread is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and top with caramelized onions, walnuts, and thyme.
7. Drizzle with honey and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and elegant dish that combines the richness of walnuts, crumbly feta cheese, and tender chicken breast.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together walnuts, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the walnut-feta mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Herb Crusted Salmon
Elevate your salmon dish with a flavorful crust made from toasted walnuts, fragrant herbs, and a hint of lemon. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together parsley, dill, walnuts, olive oil, and garlic.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Divide the walnut-herb mixture evenly among the four salmon fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve warm with lemon wedges (if desired).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Walnut and Sun-Dried Tomato Quinoa Salad
Elevate your quinoa game with this flavorful and nutritious salad, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of nutty walnuts, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese will satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, parsley, walnuts, and feta cheese.
2. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking quinoa)
Walnut and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your vegetable game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts with the rich flavor of walnuts and balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
4. While the sprouts are roasting, combine chopped parsley and walnuts in a small bowl.
5. After the sprouts have roasted for 15 minutes, remove from oven and brush with balsamic glaze (see note).
6. Return to oven and continue roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes or until glazed.
7. Sprinkle with walnut-parsley mixture and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
Walnut and Garlic Herb Butter Spread
Elevate your snack game with this savory spread that combines the richness of walnuts with the pungency of garlic and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for topping crackers, bread, or using as a dip for vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, parsley, garlic, and ginger.
2. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Stir in chopped walnuts.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This spread is ready to use immediately after mixing.
Summary
Get ready to go nuts for these 18 delicious walnut recipes! From savory stuffed bell peppers to creamy pasta dishes, and from roasted hummus to crispy chicken breasts, walnuts add a rich and satisfying flavor to any meal. This collection of recipes features a variety of sweet and savory options, including walnut-crusted chicken, butternut squash soup, and even walnut-stuffed dates. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds.
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