Are you looking for new ways to incorporate the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts into your cooking? Look no further! Walnuts are a versatile ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes. From savory main courses to sweet treats, we’ve gathered 18 delicious walnut recipes that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
From classic pairings like chicken and mushroom risotto to unexpected combinations like butternut squash soup with sage and walnuts, these recipes showcase the many talents of this humble nut. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and tangy flavors or bold and savory ones, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Savory Walnut and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with these flavorful stuffed mushrooms, packed with the rich aroma of walnuts and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and impressive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (button or cremini work well)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
– 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, rosemary, walnuts, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the walnut mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Walnut and Spinach Pasta
This recipe combines the rich flavors of walnuts and spinach with a creamy sauce, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped walnuts and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Combine cooked pasta, walnut-spice mixture, and reserved pasta water (if needed). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Walnut Dip
Roasted Garlic and Walnut Dip: A rich and savory dip that combines the depth of roasted garlic with the earthy flavor of walnuts. Perfect for serving with crackers, vegetables, or pita chips!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and fold the foil to create a packet.
3. Roast garlic for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and mashed.
4. In a bowl, combine roasted garlic, chopped walnuts, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Walnut-Crusted Chicken with Parmesan
Elevate your chicken game with this crunchy and flavorful dish that combines the richness of walnuts and parmesan cheese. This recipe yields a deliciously crispy exterior and juicy interior, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 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 paprika.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the walnut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Walnut and Rosemary Bread
This hearty bread combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the earthy aroma of rosemary, perfect for a cozy evening or as a rustic accompaniment to your favorite soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flours, salt, and sugar.
2. Proof the yeast by adding warm water; let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
7. Sprinkle rosemary leaves and walnuts on top of the loaf.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut and Goat Cheese Tart
A sweet and savory tart that combines the earthy flavors of walnuts with the creaminess of goat cheese, perfect for a rustic dinner party or a cozy evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
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. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Crumble goat cheese over the walnuts.
6. Drizzle honey over the goat cheese.
7. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
8. Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Sage Butternut Squash Soup
This comforting soup combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the earthy flavors of walnut and sage, perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup walnut pieces
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in a little olive oil until softened. Add roasted squash, walnut pieces, and chopped sage. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender to puree until smooth. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Walnut and Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory richness of walnuts and feta cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the cooked onion mixture, followed by the walnuts and feta cheese.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Walnut and Lentil Loaf
This hearty loaf combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the comforting warmth of lentils, perfect for a satisfying snack or meal. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, oats, walnuts, cheese (if using), olive oil, onion, and thyme.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Walnut and Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your roasted potatoes with the earthy flavor of walnuts and the savory charm of thyme. This simple recipe yields a deliciously aromatic side dish perfect for accompanying your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 1/4 cup walnut halves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with thyme, walnuts, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange potato wedges in a single layer.
4. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Walnut and Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes
Elevate your summer meals with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the richness of walnuts and pesto. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, these stuffed tomatoes are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together basil, walnuts, pesto, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Scoop out the tomato insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Stuff each tomato with the walnut-pesto mixture, dividing it evenly among the four tomatoes.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Walnut and Cheddar Scones
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with these buttery, cheesy scones infused with the rich flavor of walnuts. Perfect for a quick morning treat or as a satisfying accompaniment to your favorite soups.
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
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 it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese, walnuts, and salt until just combined.
4. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it comes together.
5. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 equal pieces.
6. Place scones on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Walnut and Caramelized Onion Flatbread
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory flatbread, perfectly balanced by the richness of caramelized onions and the crunch of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shape into a rectangle, and top with caramelized onions, walnuts, and honey.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Note: Caramelize onions by cooking 1 large onion in 2 tablespoons olive oil over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Walnut and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your Brussels sprouts game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the earthy flavor of walnuts with the tanginess of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
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 the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
5. While the sprouts are roasting, combine chopped walnuts, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a small bowl.
6. After the sprouts have roasted for 15 minutes, brush them with the walnut-balsamic glaze and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until glazed and caramelized.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
Savory Walnut and Mushroom Risotto
Risotto, a classic Italian dish, gets an upgrade with the addition of earthy mushrooms and crunchy walnuts. This creamy, comforting recipe is perfect for a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. Stir in walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
These sweet and savory bites are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. A classic party appetizer that’s easy to make and always a hit!
Ingredients:
– 12 dates, pitted
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped walnuts and crumbled blue cheese.
3. Stuff each date with the walnut-blue cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the dates.
4. Place stuffed dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle honey over the dates and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is slightly melted and the dates are tender.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Walnut and Garlic Herb Roasted Cauliflower
Elevate your roasted cauliflower game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of walnuts, pungency of garlic, and brightness of fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish or added to salads, bowls, or wraps.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower with garlic, parsley, thyme, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Walnut and Quinoa Salad
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the earthy sweetness of walnuts, all tied together with a tangy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped walnuts, diced red bell pepper, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Discover the rich flavor of walnuts in these 18 delicious recipes, ranging from savory to sweet. From stuffed mushrooms and pasta dishes to roasted vegetables and soups, walnut’s nutty taste enhances a variety of flavors. Try Walnut-Crusted Chicken with Parmesan or Walnut and Goat Cheese Tart for a satisfying meal. Or, add some crunch to your snacks with Walnut and Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers or Walnut and Caramelized Onion Flatbread. With so many options, you’re sure to find a walnut recipe that suits your taste buds.
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