Are you tired of the same old boring recipes? 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. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious savory walnut recipes that are perfect for every occasion.
From the rich flavors of walnuts paired with rosemary on salmon, to the earthy tones of blue cheese and walnuts stuffed in mushrooms, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive main course for a special event, these recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palate.
So go ahead, get creative with walnuts, and elevate your cooking game!
Savory Walnut and Rosemary Crusted Salmon
Savory Walnut and Rosemary Crusted Salmon Recipe
This recipe combines the rich flavor of walnuts with the earthy notes of rosemary, creating a crispy crust on pan-seared salmon that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together rosemary and walnuts.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Coat each fillet with the walnut-rosemary mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add coated salmon fillets and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Walnut-Crusted Chicken
Transform your chicken game with this flavorful and crunchy recipe! A perfect blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors will have you hooked.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 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 breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and walnuts.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley (if desired) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blue Cheese and Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory treats are perfect for a party or special occasion. The combination of creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and earthy mushrooms will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix blue cheese and walnuts.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and remove stems.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the blue cheese-walnut mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
5. Drizzle tops with olive oil and dot with butter.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Walnut and Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your dinner game with this savory and aromatic pork tenderloin recipe, where the crunch of walnuts meets the freshness of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together thyme, garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard.
3. Place the pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the mixture evenly over the pork, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the pork, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Walnut and Cranberry Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meals with this unique and flavorful stuffing recipe, combining the earthy taste of walnuts with the tanginess of cranberries. Perfect for serving alongside roasted meats or as a standalone side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread, parsley, walnuts, cranberries, sautéed onion mixture, and poultry seasoning. Toss until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Goat Cheese Tartlets
Elevate your appetizer game with these bite-sized tartlets featuring the perfect combination of earthy walnuts and tangy goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In the center of each square, place a small spoonful of crumbled goat cheese and top with chopped walnuts.
4. Drizzle a tiny amount of honey over the filling.
5. Fold the pastry squares in half to form triangles, pressing edges to seal. Brush tops with a little water.
6. Place tartlets on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Garlic and Walnut Hummus
Elevate your snacking game with this creamy and flavorful dip! Roasting garlic and walnuts brings out their natural sweetness, perfectly balanced by the tanginess of chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
– 3 cloves roasted garlic (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon tahini
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast garlic: Cut the top off a whole head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until soft.
3. In a blender, combine chickpeas, roasted garlic, parsley, walnuts, lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Blend until smooth.
4. With the blender running, slowly pour in olive oil until well combined.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita chips, vegetables, or crackers.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes (includes roasting garlic)
Walnut and Sage Brown Butter Pasta
A rich and savory pasta dish that combines the earthy flavors of walnuts and sage with the nutty goodness of brown butter.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the chopped sage leaves and toasted walnuts to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to combine with the brown butter mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Walnut and Mushroom Risotto
A creamy, earthy risotto that combines the richness of mushrooms with the nutty flavor of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (e.g. cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup walnut pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
6. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in walnut pieces, garlic, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers
Savor the sweet and savory combination of roasted bell peppers filled with a rich walnut and feta cheese mixture. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 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. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together walnuts, feta cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the walnut-feta mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Roast for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Walnut and Thyme Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your roasted potatoes with the rich flavor of walnuts and the subtle hint of thyme. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, thyme, and salt until coated.
3. Spread the potato mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly over the potatoes.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.
6. Season with pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Walnut and Olive Tapenade
Elevate your snacks and meals with this rich and flavorful tapenade, perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a dip. This savory blend of walnuts, olives, and herbs is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup walnuts
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. In a food processor, combine toasted walnuts, chopped olives, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
4. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Process until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Walnut and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
This flavorful dish combines the richness of walnuts with the nutrients of spinach, all wrapped up in a tender chicken breast. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, walnuts, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the walnut-spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and sprinkle with thyme.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Walnut and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
A sweet and savory twist on a classic side dish, these glazed Brussels sprouts are perfect for special occasions or as a unique addition to your weekly meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup walnut halves
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. While the sprouts are roasting, toast the walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined.
5. Remove the sprouts from the oven and toss with toasted walnuts, balsamic glaze, and a pinch of salt.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Walnut and Caramelized Onion Flatbread
This flatbread combines the earthy sweetness of caramelized onions with the crunch of toasted walnuts, perfect for a satisfying snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl; mix until shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour; knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide dough into 2 equal portions; roll out each into a thin circle.
5. Top with caramelized onions, walnuts, and thyme leaves.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Note: Caramelize onions by cooking 1 large onion over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dark golden brown.
Walnut and Dill Cream Cheese Spread
This creamy spread combines the richness of walnuts with the brightness of fresh dill, perfect for crackers or veggies.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped walnuts, and chopped fresh dill.
3. Mix until well combined and creamy.
4. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the spread to an serving dish or ramekin.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Total time: 10 minutes
Walnut and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with the sweet and tangy taste of sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped up in a deliciously creamy pesto pasta dish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1/2 cup walnut halves
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Process until smooth and creamy, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
3. Add chopped basil leaves and process until well combined.
4. Toss cooked pasta with walnut pesto sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Walnut and Cheddar Biscuits
A perfect blend of earthy walnuts and sharp cheddar, these biscuits are a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 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 and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add grated cheddar cheese and chopped walnuts to the dough; stir until just combined.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it comes together in a ball.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass.
6. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your cooking with these 18 savory walnut recipes! From crusted salmon and chicken to stuffed mushrooms and pork tenderloin, these dishes are sure to impress. With a range of flavors and textures, you’ll find something for every occasion. Impress your guests with walnut and herb-crusted pork tenderloin or walnut and goat cheese tartlets. Perfect for a cozy night in, try roasted garlic and walnut hummus or savory walnut and mushroom risotto. Whatever the occasion, these delicious recipes are sure to satisfy.
