Are you looking for new ways to incorporate the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts into your meals? Look no further! Walnuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. From hearty main courses to quick and easy snacks, we’ve gathered 18 delicious walnut recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll explore the many uses of walnuts, from classic pairings like pasta and spinach to more unexpected combinations like roasted potatoes and thyme. Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat-lover, or simply looking for new ideas, these recipes are sure to inspire you to get cooking with walnuts.
Savory Walnut and Mushroom Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the earthy sweetness of bell peppers with the savory flavors of mushrooms and walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
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 large skillet, sauté mushrooms, garlic, and parsley in olive oil until tender. Add walnuts and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the mushroom mixture and top with paprika.
5. Place peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Creamy Walnut and Spinach Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the earthy flavors of walnuts and spinach with a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, sauté garlic and walnuts over medium heat until fragrant.
3. Add spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine cooked pasta, walnut-spinach mixture, and creamy sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Walnut Hummus
Roasted Garlic and Walnut Hummus Recipe
This creamy dip combines the richness of roasted garlic with the nutty flavor of walnuts, perfect for snacking or as a side dish. With its unique flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of garlic
– 1/4 cup walnut halves
– 1 can chickpeas (drained)
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the garlic: Cut off the top of the head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. Let the roasted garlic cool, then peel and mince into small pieces.
4. In a blender, combine chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, and minced roasted garlic. Blend until smooth.
5. Stir in walnut halves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes (including roasting time)
Walnut-Crusted Chicken with Herbs
Elevate your chicken dishes with a flavorful and textured walnut crust, infused with the brightness of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together walnuts, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the walnut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Walnut and Lentil Loaf
A hearty, flavorful loaf that combines the nutty taste of walnuts with the comforting texture of lentils. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine lentils, oats, parsley, cheese (if using), and walnuts.
3. Add salt, pepper, and olive oil; mix until just combined.
4. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf is set.
6. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut and Rosemary Focaccia
This rustic Italian flatbread is infused with the rich flavors of walnuts and rosemary, perfect for a quick snack or as a side to your favorite soups and salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining cup of flour, kneading the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and rosemary evenly over the dough.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
Elevate your appetizer game with this sweet and savory combination of walnut and blue cheese stuffed dates!
Ingredients:
– 12 pitted dates
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the blue cheese and honey until well combined.
3. Stuff each date with about 1/2 teaspoon of the blue cheese mixture.
4. Top each date with about 1/4 teaspoon of chopped walnuts.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Place the stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dates are warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Walnut and Sage Brown Butter Gnocchi
This rich and savory pasta dish combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the earthy taste of sage, all wrapped up in a brown butter sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound gnocchi
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add the walnuts to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked gnocchi. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra sage leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Elevate your salmon dish with this flavorful and crunchy crust, featuring the nutty taste of walnuts and the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick and impressive dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together chopped walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and sprinkle the walnut-Parmesan mixture evenly over each fillet.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Walnut and Caramelized Onion Tart
A sweet and savory tart that combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the deep sweetness of caramelized onions, perfect for a special occasion or everyday enjoyment.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
4. Arrange walnuts and caramelized onions on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling; press edges to seal.
6. Brush with beaten egg and cut a few slits in top to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Goat Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this savory and satisfying vegetarian dish. Rich, earthy portobello mushrooms are filled with a creamy mixture of crumbly goat cheese and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 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 goat cheese, walnuts, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Wipe mushrooms clean with a damp cloth. Remove stems and fill caps with the cheese mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushroom caps and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your roasted potatoes with the rich flavors of walnuts and thyme. This simple yet impressive side dish is perfect for any 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 the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the potato wedges, thyme, and walnuts.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to coat all potatoes evenly.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the potatoes out in a single layer.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Walnut and Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and satisfying recipe! Tender chicken breasts are filled with a rich walnut and pesto mixture, resulting in a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup 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 olive oil.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the walnut-pesto mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Garlic Herb Bread
Elevate your bread game with this aromatic and savory walnut and garlic herb bread recipe. Perfect for accompanying soups, stews, or as a side to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water, olive oil, parsley, garlic, and walnuts. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a sophisticated side dish, perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. The combination of caramelized balsamic glaze, toasted walnuts, and crispy sprouts is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
4. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until glaze has thickened slightly.
5. Toss roasted sprouts with the warm glaze and sprinkle with toasted walnuts. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Feta Stuffed Eggplant Rolls
This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines the natural sweetness of eggplant with the savory flavors of feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these rolls are sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix together feta cheese, walnuts, garlic, and parsley.
4. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each eggplant slice.
5. Roll up the eggplant slices tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the eggplants are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Elevate your pasta salad game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the earthy taste of walnuts with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this salad is also ideal for potlucks and picnics.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, parsley, walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Cheddar Cheese Biscuits
These buttery biscuits are packed with the rich flavors of walnuts and cheddar cheese, making them perfect for a snack or as a side to your favorite soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in grated cheese and chopped walnuts.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times until it comes together.
6. Roll out dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes or use a biscuit cutter.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to unleash the flavor and nutrition of walnuts with these 18 delicious recipes! From savory dishes like Walnut and Mushroom Stuffed Bell Peppers and Savory Walnut and Lentil Loaf, to satisfying snacks like Walnut and Rosemary Focaccia and Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates, there’s something for everyone. These creative recipes showcase the versatility of walnuts in both sweet and savory applications, making them a great addition to any meal or snack.
