Are you looking for a way to add some crunch and excitement to your meals? Look no further than the humble walnut! Not only are walnuts a nutritious addition to any dish, but they also provide a delightful textural contrast that can elevate even the simplest of recipes. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and innovative ways to use walnuts in savory dishes that are perfect for every occasion.
From crispy coatings on chicken and fish to hearty stews and pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone in our collection of walnut recipes. Whether you’re a busy home cook looking for quick weeknight meals or a special occasion chef seeking inspiration for your next dinner party, these 18 savory walnut recipes are sure to impress.
Savory Walnut and Rosemary Crusted Chicken
Savory Walnut and Rosemary Crusted Chicken: Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, featuring the perfect blend of earthy walnuts and herbaceous rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together rosemary, walnuts, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Place chicken breasts in the dish, coating each breast evenly with the walnut-rosemary mixture.
5. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 4
Honey Roasted Walnuts with Smoked Paprika
Transform plain walnuts into a sweet and smoky snack with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup walnut halves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Add the walnut halves to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the honey mixture.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the walnuts in a single layer.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until fragrant and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Walnut and Garlic Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and creamy recipe that combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the pungency of garlic. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup walnut halves
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (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 cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
3. Add walnut halves and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Stir in thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta, creamy walnut mixture, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Toss to coat.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Walnut and Lentil Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the warmth of red pepper flakes with the earthiness of lentils and walnuts. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine lentils, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the lentil mixture, filling to the top.
4. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Walnut and Parmesan Crusted Salmon
Elevate your salmon dish with a crunchy walnut and parmesan crust, adding texture and flavor to this omega-rich fish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together walnuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets, then coat each in the walnut-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated salmon on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Savory Walnut and Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto is packed with the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1 minute, 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. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blue Cheese and Walnut-Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory bites are a perfect blend of earthy mushroom, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts. A simple yet impressive appetizer or snack that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini), cleaned and stemmed
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together blue cheese, walnuts, and garlic.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the blue cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Thyme Focaccia Bread
This recipe combines the warmth of thyme with the richness of walnuts to create a deliciously aromatic focaccia bread perfect for snacking or serving as a side.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon sugar
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 mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining flour, thyme leaves, walnuts, and sugar. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 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.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a rectangle.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Crispy Walnut-Coated Fried Cauliflower
Elevate your snack game with this crunchy and addictive recipe that combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with the rich flavor of toasted walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and chopped walnuts.
3. Dredge cauliflower florets in the walnut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry coated cauliflower in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drain on paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Sage Butter Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this flavorful and aromatic side dish! The combination of nutty walnuts, earthy sage, and rich butter creates a harmonious blend that complements any main course.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1 tablespoon walnut halves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the softened butter until coated.
3. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, mix remaining 1 tablespoon of butter with chopped sage leaves and walnut halves.
6. After potatoes have roasted for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and drizzle the sage-walnut butter mixture evenly over them.
7. Return to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes or until butter is melted and potatoes are caramelized.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Savory Walnut and Herb Cheese Ball
A flavorful and elegant appetizer or snack, this savory cheese ball is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, parsley, thyme, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Stir in chopped walnuts.
4. Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball.
5. Wrap the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Note: You can also bake the cheese ball for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly browned on the outside, if you prefer a firmer texture.
Walnut-Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing and flavorful recipe, featuring crumbly goat cheese coated in a crunchy walnut crust. Perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz goat cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mixed greens (for serving)
– Optional: sliced apples, dried cranberries, or crumbled pecans for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped walnuts, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Place the softened goat cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle the walnut mixture evenly over the goat cheese, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is slightly softened.
6. Allow the cheese to cool before serving on mixed greens. Add optional toppings as desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Garlic Walnut Hummus with Roasted Red Peppers
This creamy and flavorful dip combines the richness of garlic, walnuts, and roasted red peppers to create a unique and delicious snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 roasted red peppers (see note), peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
3. Stir in chopped walnuts and roasted red peppers.
4. With the blender or food processor running, slowly add water and continue blending until desired consistency is reached.
5. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Walnut and Caramelized Onion Tart
Walnut and Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe
A sweet and savory tart that combines the richness of walnuts with the deep flavor of caramelized onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 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 large skillet, cook onions over medium heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally. This will take about 30-40 minutes.
4. Roll the puff pastry into a rectangle and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Sprinkle thyme and brown sugar over the onions.
7. Top with chopped walnuts and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Walnut-Stuffed Roasted Eggplant
Transform ordinary eggplants into a flavorful and aromatic delight with this simple recipe. Walnut-stuffed roasted eggplant makes for a perfect side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 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 the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix together walnuts, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each eggplant half with the walnut mixture, dividing it evenly between the two.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed eggplants and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the eggplants are tender and the filling is fragrant.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Savory Walnut and Cranberry Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this flavorful and nutritious stuffing recipe, perfect for those seeking a savory twist on the classic dish. This walnut and cranberry combination adds a delightful texture and burst of flavor to your turkey or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups whole wheat bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup sautéed onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, cooked onions, garlic, walnuts, cranberries, and poultry seasoning.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff loosely into a turkey or roasted vegetables, or bake in a greased 9×13-inch dish at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Gruyère Cheese Soufflé
This classic French soufflé combines the earthy flavor of walnuts with the creamy richness of Gruyère cheese, resulting in a dish that is both elegant and indulgent.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 2 large egg yolks
– 2 large egg whites
– Butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and paprika.
3. In a separate bowl, combine Gruyère cheese, walnuts, and melted butter.
4. Whisk together milk, egg yolks, and flour mixture until smooth.
5. Add the grated cheese mixture to the milk mixture and stir until combined.
6. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
7. Fold egg whites into the cheese mixture until no white streaks remain.
8. Pour batter into a buttered soufflé dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Walnut and Black Bean Burgers
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these unique and flavorful burgers that combine the smokiness of chipotle peppers, the nuttiness of walnuts, and the earthiness of black beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mash the black beans using a fork until coarsely textured.
3. Add oats, walnuts, breadcrumbs, chipotle pepper, onion, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired burger size.
5. Shape each portion into a patty and spray or brush with oil.
6. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve on your favorite bun with toppings of choice.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to crunch into the savory world of walnut recipes! This collection of 18 mouthwatering dishes showcases the nutty goodness of walnuts in a variety of dishes, from sweet treats to savory meals. From classic comfort foods like creamy pasta and roasted potatoes to bold flavors like smoky burgers and stuffed peppers, there’s something for every occasion and taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
