The easiest way to turn nachos into dinner is to pack them full of protein. Pulled pork and shredded chicken are classics, but there’s no reason plant-based eaters should miss out on the fun. Here, a spiced walnut-based crumble stands in for ground lamb in a pan of Greek-style nachos that are impossible to resist.To make it, you’ll pulse California walnuts with chickpeas, lemon zest, olive oil, and dried spices until finely chopped, then cook until crispy and warmed through.
When you picture classic hard-shell tacos, one clear image comes to mind: taco-seasoned beef stuffed into crispy U-shaped shells. But who says the filling has to be made with traditional ground meat? In this vegetarian version of the nostalgic taco night favorite, California walnuts form the base of a brilliant plant-based meat.
The beauty of cacio e pepe lies in its simplicity: the combination of sharp, salty Pecorino Romano cheese and spicy black pepper is what makes that Italian pasta such a classic. It’s a crave-worthy harmony of flavors that can work with almost anything — including a cameo in the snack category. Blending the same flavors with California walnuts turns it into a sophisticated-yet-easy dip that you can scoop up with anything from fresh veggies to crisp crackers.
It’s the ultimate comfort food: tender Swedish meatballs swimming in creamy sauce next to a mound of mashed or boiled potatoes, with some lingonberry preserves for sweet-tart bite. Turning this classic dish vegan — yes, we said vegan — just takes a couple pantry staples, one of them a true powerhouse: California walnuts.
You might not think to hit the nut aisle when you’re craving mac and cheese, but you should. Most mac and cheese recipes rely on roux, a cooked flour and butter mixture that helps thicken the sauce but doesn’t impart much flavor. Swap the roux out for California walnuts, and you’ve got a thick and creamy sauce with nutrition and robust flavor.
Vinaigrettes and vegetables are a predictable pairing, but they can be so much more than balsamic and baby field greens. There’s nothing wrong with the staples, of course, but eat them day after day and things get a little blah. With a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a rich, tangy dressing that’ll add the perfect amount of pep to everything that comes off the grill this summer.
There are few things in life more comforting than a bowl of pasta topped with a hearty sauce. And while we’re hard pressed to say no to spaghetti and meatballs, these days we’re making room on our dinner tables for more meatless meals. This Mushroom and Walnut Bolognese is our meat-free take on a familiar classic. Plant-based dinners don’t have to mean obscure ingredients and wacky techniques. The key to success is using familiar, versatile ingredients and building flavors.
A good vegetable soup is a year-round staple in our kitchens, and this Butternut Squash Soup with Walnut Cream is one of our favorites. Thanks to flavors like ginger and curry, this squash soup is lovely as is, but the real flair comes from the finish. California walnuts pull double garnish duty here, and they’re bringing so much more than just a pretty finish. Walnuts are a quick way to transform a basic recipe into something really special, and they work particularly well with this soup.
The easiest way to elevate a weeknight dinner to something special — even company-worthy! — is by coating your favorite cut of meat or seafood with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. While Japanese panko breadcrumbs are a favorite because they toast up nice and crispy, you can get more flavor (and omega-3s!) by adding savory California walnuts.
If you love all things pesto, here’s a version that’s packed with flavor and has an added bonus boost of omega-3s from California walnuts. This easy upgrade to regular pesto adds peppery arugula, mint, garlic, and lots of lemon, which come together to make a great topping on socca (chickpea) flatbread. It even has the added bonus that it can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator or even frozen for a few months for when the pesto craving strikes!
The holidays are a great excuse to bake up a storm of sweets for family and friends. If you’re looking for a simple alternative to a graham cracker or cookie crust that happens to be gluten-free, look no further than this easy walnut and oat crumb crust. With just five easy-to-find ingredients, you can use this in your favorite recipe of the season — we’re partial to these layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars!
