18 Delicious Healthy Walnut Recipes Nutritious

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

Maple Glazed Walnut Salad

A sweet and savory blend of flavors, this Maple Glazed Walnut Salad is perfect for a quick and delicious meal or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup walnuts
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and olive oil.
3. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and drizzle with the maple glaze. Toss to coat.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly caramelized.
5. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Walnut Crusted Salmon

A flavorful and visually appealing dish that combines the richness of salmon with the nutty flavor of walnuts.

Ingredients:

– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup walnut halves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the top of each salmon fillet with the sugar mixture.
5. Sprinkle walnut halves evenly over the sugar-coated salmon.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Healthy Walnut Banana Bread

Nourish your body with this moist and flavorful banana bread recipe, packed with the goodness of walnuts and ripe bananas.

Ingredients:

– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, walnuts, honey, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Add baking powder and salt; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Enjoy your delicious and healthy walnut banana bread!

Walnut and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with cooked quinoa mixture, leaving a small border at the top.
6. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta

A creamy and flavorful twist on traditional pesto pasta, this recipe combines the earthy taste of spinach with the rich nuttiness of walnuts.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz. spaghetti
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
– 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine spinach, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the pesto sauce to the cooked spaghetti, tossing to combine. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Walnut and Apple Overnight Oats

Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast that combines the flavors of sweet apples and nutty walnuts. This overnight oats recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 apple, diced (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, and honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
2. Add the chopped walnuts and diced apple to the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
4. In the morning, give the oats a quick stir and add any desired spices (such as cinnamon or nutmeg). Serve chilled.

Cooking Time: None! Let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts

Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe, featuring the earthy sweetness of Brussels sprouts paired with the crunch of walnuts.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. While the sprouts are roasting, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
6. Remove the sprouts from the oven and drizzle with honey. Toss to combine.
7. Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top of the sprouts and serve hot.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Walnut and Date Energy Balls

A sweet and nutritious treat that’s perfect for a quick snack or post-workout recharge. These energy balls combine the natural sweetness of dates with the nutty flavor of walnuts, all wrapped up in a convenient no-bake package.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend the dates until they form a sticky paste.
2. Add the walnuts, oats, honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the processor. Blend until well combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 energy balls.
4. Place the energy balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Cooking Time: None! These energy balls are no-bake, making them perfect for a quick snack or prep-ahead treat.

Healthy Walnut and Carrot Muffins

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast that’s also delicious! These moist and flavorful muffins are packed with the goodness of walnuts, carrots, and whole wheat flour.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

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, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine yogurt, egg, honey, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add grated carrots and chopped walnuts to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Walnut and Kale Caesar Salad

Elevate your salad game with this unique and delicious combination of crunchy walnuts, peppery kale, and creamy Caesar dressing.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Toss kale with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 10-12 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, combine roasted kale mixture with chopped walnuts and Caesar dressing. Toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes

Walnut and Chickpea Burgers

A unique twist on traditional burgers, this recipe combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the earthy taste of chickpeas. Perfect for a meatless meal or a healthy snack.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lettuce, tomato, cheese, and your favorite toppings

Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or grill over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork until coarsely chopped.
3. Add oats, walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well.
4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on desired size.
5. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.
6. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings.

Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes

Walnut and Berry Smoothie Bowl

Walnut and Berry Smoothie Bowl Recipe

A refreshing blend of sweet and nutty flavors

Combine the creamy richness of walnuts with the natural sweetness of mixed berries for a deliciously healthy smoothie bowl.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– Pinch of salt
– Optional toppings: granola, sliced almonds, shredded coconut

Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine berries, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add walnuts, chia seeds, and salt; blend until well combined.
4. Pour into a bowl.
5. Top with desired toppings (granola, sliced almonds, shredded coconut).
6. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes

Walnut and Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potatoes and walnuts combine in a savory and sweet hash that’s perfect as a side dish or even a light lunch.

Ingredients:

– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
7. Add roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet with onion mixture. Toss to combine.
8. Stir in chopped walnuts and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Walnut and Avocado Toast

A simple yet flavorful toast recipe that combines the creaminess of avocado with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or breakfast.

Ingredients:

– 2 slices whole grain bread (toasted)
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for an extra kick

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. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Walnut and Dark Chocolate Granola

A sweet and crunchy granola recipe that combines the richness of dark chocolate with the earthy flavor of walnuts.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, walnuts, and dark chocolate chips.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into chunks.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Yield: About 4 cups of granola

Walnut and Lentil Soup

A hearty and nutritious soup that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the richness of walnuts.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chopped fresh kale or spinach
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the lentils, water or broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in the chopped walnuts.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Walnut and Zucchini Fritters

A flavorful twist on traditional fritters, these sweet and savory treats combine the earthy taste of walnuts with the freshness of zucchini. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients:

– 1 medium zucchini, grated
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add grated zucchini, chopped walnuts, egg, and milk. Mix until just combined.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the batter into the oil, leaving space between each fritter.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes, depending on size and number of fritters.

Walnut and Pear Spinach Salad

This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of pears with the earthy flavor of spinach, all tied together with crunchy walnuts and a tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 ripe pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou), diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves and diced pear.
2. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the salad.
3. If using blue cheese, crumble it over the salad.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar to make the vinaigrette.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Summary

Discover the delicious and nutritious world of walnut recipes! From sweet treats like Healthy Walnut Banana Bread and Walnut and Berry Smoothie Bowl to savory dishes like Walnut Crusted Salmon and Walnut and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers, these recipes showcase the versatility and health benefits of walnuts. Other highlights include Maple Glazed Walnut Salad, Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a nutritious meal, these 18 mouthwatering walnut recipes have got you covered!

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