What to Make with Walnuts: 20 Delicious Walnuts Recipes For the Family
If you’re nuts about walnuts (pun totally intended), then you’re in for a treat! Walnuts aren’t just for snacking—they’re the secret ingredient that can take your recipes from good to wow. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or just looking for a crunchy twist, walnuts have the versatility to fit in just about anywhere.
From decadent desserts to savory dishes, these little guys pack a punch of flavor and texture that’ll leave you wanting more. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into 20 walnuts recipes that’ll have you saying, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
17 Walnuts Recipes
1. Classic Walnut Brownies
Imagine a brownie that’s rich, fudgy, and has a crunch that surprises you in every bite—thanks to the glorious walnuts.
It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we’re not just here for decoration!” These brownies will leave you wondering how something so simple can be so darn good.
Bonus points if you add a scoop of ice cream on top for the ultimate treat. Who knew walnuts could be this sweet?
Recipe: Classic Fudge Walnut Brownies
2. Walnut Banana Bread
This is your grandma’s banana bread… if she had a secret ingredient: walnuts. They’re like the plot twist in a movie you didn’t see coming but totally love.
Soft, moist, and just the right amount of nutty crunch to make you feel like a baking genius. It’s the perfect snack for when you’re pretending to be health-conscious but really just in it for the carbs.
One slice, and you’re hooked!
Recipe: Banana Walnut Bread
3. Walnut Pesto
Who needs pine nuts when you’ve got walnuts? This pesto will make you question everything you knew about traditional Italian sauces.
It’s packed with flavor, and the walnuts add a nice earthy twist that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Toss it with pasta, drizzle over pizza, or even slather it on a sandwich—you can’t go wrong. Plus, it’s so easy, you’ll feel like a gourmet chef with minimal effort.
Recipe: Basil Walnut Pesto
4. Maple-Walnut Granola
Wake up to a bowl of crispy, crunchy granola that’s as sweet as your morning coffee (but healthier). The maple syrup gives it that cozy autumn vibe, while the walnuts add some serious crunch.
It’s like a party for your taste buds, and everyone’s invited! Add it to yogurt, oatmeal, or just eat it straight from the jar when no one’s looking. You’ll feel so good about it, you might even eat it for dinner.
Recipe: Walnut Pesto
5. Walnut-Crusted Chicken
Forget breadcrumbs; walnuts are here to take your chicken to a whole new level. The crust is crunchy, nutty, and holds all the seasoning in perfect harmony.
It’s like chicken got a makeover, and now it’s ready for the runway. Serve it with a side of veggies, and you’ve got a meal that looks like you tried harder than you actually did. Your dinner guests will be so impressed, they might start asking for the recipe!
Recipe: Walnut-Crusted Chicken
6. Walnut and Date Energy Balls
These little bites of joy are like a power snack disguised as a dessert. Dates and walnuts come together for the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, and they’re packed with energy to keep you going all day.
Plus, they’re no-bake, so you don’t even need to turn on the oven—talk about a win. Perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up without diving into a full-on sugar crash. So go ahead, roll ‘em up and snack away!
Recipe: Date & Walnut Balls
7. Walnut and Gorgonzola Salad
If you’ve never paired walnuts with gorgonzola, prepare for your taste buds to do a happy little jig. The creamy cheese and crunchy nuts are a match made in heaven, and the vinaigrette just ties it all together.
Toss in some mixed greens, and you’ve got a salad that feels more like a gourmet experience than something you eat on a diet. Perfect for impressing your friends, or yourself—because you deserve it.
Recipe: Missy’s Candied Walnut Gorgonzola Salad
8. Carrot and Walnut Cake
Carrot cake, meet walnuts—your new BFF.
These two flavors together create a moist, flavorful masterpiece that’ll make you forget all other desserts exist.
It’s like eating a salad… if salad was delicious and had cream cheese frosting. And the walnuts? Well, they just elevate everything. You’ll never look at carrot cake the same way again.
Recipe: Carrot and Walnut Cake (Snack Cake)
9. Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms
When mushrooms and walnuts team up, it’s like the food world’s version of a power couple. These stuffed mushrooms are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or impressing your guests with minimal effort.
The walnuts bring in some much-needed crunch to the soft, savory mushrooms. Trust me, your taste buds won’t be able to stop talking about it.
Perfect for parties, or just for you, because who doesn’t deserve a little fancy food?
Recipe: Walnut-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
10. Walnut and Apple Crumble
An apple crumble, but with a twist—walnuts add a satisfying crunch that makes this dessert unforgettable. The apples are soft and sweet, the topping is crispy, and the walnuts give it that extra “wow” factor.
You know it’s good when you start making “Mmm” sounds after every bite. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll be in dessert heaven.
Recipe: Apple Crumble with Walnuts
11. Walnut and Cranberry Scones
These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just when you need a reason to eat something that feels fancy.
The tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts come together for a flavor combo that’s both sweet and savory. Pair it with your coffee, and suddenly, you’re living your best life.
Plus, they’re just the right amount of crumbly—no one wants a scone that’s too hard to eat, right?
Recipe: Walnut Cranberry Scones
12. Walnut and Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beets are earthy, walnuts are crunchy, and together they create a salad that’s basically a celebration of flavors.
Toss in some feta cheese, and you’ve got a dish that looks as good as it tastes. It’s light, fresh, and so flavorful that you’ll forget you’re eating something healthy. Serve it for lunch, or as a side at dinner—either way, it’s going to steal the show.
Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Walnuts
13. Walnut-Topped Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are already delicious, but top them with a buttery walnut crumble, and you’ve got yourself a side dish worth celebrating.
The sweet and savory combo is unbeatable, and the walnuts add that perfect crunch that takes it over the top. Serve it with anything, or just eat it straight out of the dish—who’s judging?
Plus, they look impressive enough for your fancy dinner party, even if you only spent 10 minutes on them.
Recipe: Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potato Skins
14. Walnut and Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Who knew Brussels sprouts could get even better? Add bacon and walnuts to the mix, and suddenly, these little veggies are the star of your meal.
The walnuts bring some crunch, and the bacon brings, well, bacon. It’s the perfect way to get even the pickiest eaters to fall in love with Brussels sprouts. You’ll be making this side dish over and over—don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Walnuts
15. Walnut Chicken Salad
Think of this as the classic chicken salad, but with a nutty twist that takes it from “meh” to “yum!” The walnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Toss it on a bed of lettuce, put it in a sandwich, or just eat it straight out of the bowl—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. It’s quick, easy, and totally addictive, so prepare for leftovers to disappear fast.
Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
16. Walnut and Chocolate Chip Cookies
What’s better than chocolate chip cookies? Chocolate chip cookies with walnuts, obviously! The walnuts bring a little extra texture, making every bite a little more exciting.
These cookies are the perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, and sweet—basically, everything you could want in a dessert. You’ll be the most popular person at the office (or at home) with these on hand!
Recipe: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
17. Walnut and Goat Cheese Tart
This tart looks impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to make! A buttery crust, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts come together in the most delicious way.
It’s the perfect appetizer for a dinner party or a cozy night in. You’ll look like a culinary mastermind, but the truth is, it took you less time than it takes to watch your favorite show. Bon appétit!
Recipe: Goat Cheese and Walnut Tarts
18. Walnut Pancakes
Pancakes are good, but walnut pancakes? Next level. The crunchy walnuts add texture to the soft, fluffy batter, making each bite a little more exciting.
Drizzle with syrup, add some berries, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast (or brunch) that’s practically perfect. Whether it’s the weekend or a Tuesday, these pancakes are worth the extra few minutes of effort.
Recipe: Walnut Pancakes
19. Spicy Walnut and Chickpea Stir-Fry
When you’re craving something savory with a bit of a kick, this stir-fry has your back. Chickpeas, walnuts, and spices come together in a deliciously satisfying dish that’s both healthy and filling.
The walnuts add a nice crunch, while the spice makes it all come alive. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel good about eating, but it tastes like you’re cheating. Win-win.
Recipe: Easy Chickpea Stir Fry
20. Walnut and Honey Tart
Sweet, nutty, and a little bit sticky—this walnut and honey tart is the dessert equivalent of a warm hug. The walnuts get caramelized in honey, and the crust is buttery perfection.
It’s a simple treat that looks way fancier than it actually is (you can keep that secret). Serve it after dinner, or just because you deserve it. Either way, you’ll be so happy you made it!
Recipe: Honeyed Walnut Tart
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