Are you looking for a way to add some excitement to your cooking routine? Look no further than walnuts! These tasty nuts are not just limited to sweet treats like cakes and cookies. In fact, walnuts can be used to create a wide range of delicious savory dishes that are perfect for any occasion.
From hearty main courses to flavorful side dishes, walnuts bring a depth of flavor and satisfying crunch to any meal. And the best part is, they pair well with so many other ingredients, making it easy to get creative in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll share 18 mouth-watering savory walnut recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, these recipes have something for everyone. So let’s get started and explore the delicious world of savory walnuts!
Savory Walnut and Rosemary Crusted Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this aromatic and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of walnuts with the earthy essence of rosemary. This crusted chicken dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together rosemary leaves and walnuts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the oil mixture, coating evenly, then press onto walnut-rosemary mixture to coat.
5. Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Walnut Pasta
This recipe combines the richness of parmesan cheese with the nutty flavor of walnuts and the pungency of garlic, all tossed with al dente pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the garlic-parmesan mixture until well combined.
5. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the pasta and toss again to distribute evenly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the richness of walnuts and fresh herbs. Perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together parsley, thyme, walnuts, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mushroom caps with olive oil and fill each cap with the herb-walnut mixture.
4. Top with Parmesan cheese if using.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Savory Walnut and Cranberry Quinoa Salad
This hearty quinoa salad combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the tanginess of cranberries, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch. The quinoa adds protein and fiber, while the herbs provide a fresh and aromatic touch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa and cook according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, walnuts, cranberries, parsley, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut-Crusted Salmon with Dill Sauce
A flavorful and nutritious dish perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this walnut-crusted salmon is served with a refreshing dill sauce that complements its rich flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Dill Sauce ingredients: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together walnuts, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each fillet with the walnut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare Dill Sauce by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Serve salmon with Dill Sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Balsamic Glaze
This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts with the crunch of toasted walnuts and the tanginess of balsamic glaze. A perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 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. In a small skillet, toast walnuts over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze (or reduce balsamic vinegar by boiling it down to thicken) over the roasted Brussels sprouts.
6. Top with toasted walnuts and minced garlic.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Sage Butternut Squash Soup
This hearty soup combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the earthy flavors of walnuts and sage, making for a perfect fall or winter meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the butternut squash for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
4. Add the roasted squash, chicken broth, heavy cream, sage, and walnuts to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Savory Walnut and Goat Cheese Tart
This elegant tart combines the richness of goat cheese with the earthy sweetness of walnuts, perfect as an appetizer or side dish for a special occasion. With its flaky crust and creamy filling, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together goat cheese, walnuts, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
6. Brush the crust with a little water and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers
Add a nutritious twist to traditional stuffed peppers with this flavorful recipe that combines the earthy taste of walnuts and spinach with tender bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup cooked spinach
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: feta cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked spinach, chopped walnuts, and cooked rice.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the walnut-spinach mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Walnut and Cheddar Scones
Elevate your snack game with these buttery, cheesy scones packed with the richness of walnuts. Perfect for a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 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, salt, and baking powder. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese and walnuts.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times until it forms a cohesive ball.
6. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8-10 wedges.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with this aromatic and savory recipe that combines the earthy flavors of walnuts and thyme. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or 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 coated.
3. Sprinkle thyme and walnuts evenly over the potatoes.
4. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Walnut and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Elevate your seafood game with this crispy and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of walnuts and parmesan cheese with the delicate taste of tilapia.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the walnut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Savory Walnut and Feta Dip
Elevate your snacking game with this creamy, flavorful dip that combines the richness of walnuts and feta cheese. Perfect for a quick appetizer or party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, feta cheese, parsley, walnuts, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in olive oil. Continue blending until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Walnut and Caramelized Onion Flatbread
This sweet and savory flatbread combines the richness of caramelized onions with the earthy flavor of walnuts, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: feta cheese crumbles
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to desired thickness and place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Spread caramelized onions evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and drizzle with olive oil over the onions.
5. Fold edges of pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Season with salt to taste. If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Walnut and Basil Pesto Zoodles
This recipe combines the rich flavor of walnuts with the bright taste of basil, all wrapped up in a zoodle (zucchini noodle) package. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup walnut halves
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
3. In a food processor, combine walnuts, basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Process until smooth.
4. Toss the zoodle “noodles” with the walnut-basil pesto sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (zucchinis) + 2-3 minutes (walnut-basil pesto)
Savory Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
Elevate your snack game with these sweet and savory bites. A perfect combination of creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and natural sweetness from the dates.
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted dates
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as gorgonzola or Roquefort)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a slit down one side of each date to create a pocket.
3. Stuff each date with about 1 tablespoon of blue cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of chopped walnuts.
4. Drizzle the dates with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dates are tender.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Walnut and Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy and flavorful cauliflower recipe that combines the richness of roasted garlic with the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and separated into individual pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem. Cut into florets.
3. Toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, roast the garlic cloves in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until caramelized.
5. In a large bowl, mash the roasted cauliflower with butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and toasted walnuts. Add the roasted garlic and season to taste.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Walnut and Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto
This creamy risotto is infused with the rich flavor of walnuts and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Arborio rice; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add 1/2 cup of broth; stir until absorbed.
5. Repeat step 4, adding the broth in 1/2-cup increments, until all broth is used and rice is cooked, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meals with these 18 delicious savory walnut recipes! From chicken and pasta dishes to salads, soups, and snacks, there’s something for every occasion. Try crusting chicken with rosemary and walnuts, or making a creamy quinoa salad with cranberries and walnuts. You can also indulge in roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, or make a savory tart with goat cheese and walnuts. With these recipes, you’ll be adding crunch, flavor, and nutrition to your meals in no time!
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