In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a festive celebration of food, music, culture and heritage. As a bonus, Mexican cuisine offers many opportunities for delicious plant-forward options. Incorporating walnuts into your favorite dishes is simple because they complement and enhance a wide range of flavors! Here are some tasty recipes to include in your festivities this year, featuring California walnuts.
1. Starter: Queso Fundido with California Walnut Chorizo
Nothing beats this gooey, flavorful Queso Fundido with California Walnut Chorizo to kick off your menu. Cumin, coriander, cloves, ancho chile and smoky paprika are toasted over walnuts to deepen their rich flavor. Then, this plant-forward “chorizo” using walnuts is added to melting cheeses, jalapeños, tomatoes and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!
2. Salad: Grilled Mexican Cobb Salad with Walnuts
This Grilled Mexican Cobb Salad with Walnuts brings back the flavors of authentic Mexican street food with grilled corn, peppers and onions alongside sharp cheese and black beans. A fresh squeeze of lime juice lifts the combination, and walnuts add a hint of an earthy taste. The avocado chipotle dressing balances sweetness, citrus and heat to pull this reimagined Cobb salad together.
3. Soup: Walnut and Cucumber Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a favorite cold soup of Mexico, and this one with California walnuts and cucumber is a bright and appetizing green. After the power flavors of your first two courses, this light soup will clear the palate, cooling the heat with a simple blend of sweet mint, English cucumber, Meyer lemon and tart, soothing yogurt. Crispy walnuts add a robust note to these sophisticated Mexican flavors.
4. Entrée: Walnut “Meat” Tostadas with Mango Salsa and a Side of Guac
These Walnut “Meat” Tostadas with Mango Salsa rely on walnuts and cauliflower for the plant-forward “meat” base infused with aromatic Mexican spices including chili, cumin and garlic. Lifted with a splash of lime, the walnut “meat” is browned as the spices take hold to make these tostadas zesty and hearty. The sweet and hot mango salsa makes this entrée a lip-smacking treat to satisfy everyone as they devour them in seconds.
Nothing goes better with tostadas than a side of guacamole — and this one isn’t extra. This Walnut and Roasted Tomato Guacamole will be a refreshing addition to your table. It’s full of flavor from the roasted tomato and has a welcome crunch from the walnuts. You’ll be scooping a generous portion onto your plate!
5. Dessert: Chocolate with Walnut Churros
Mexico is for chocolate lovers. Imagine dipping these crispy and fluffy walnut churros in your own well of chocolate! Dusted with cinnamon and sugar and dunked into rich and smooth chocolate, these soft churros will surely be the perfect finish to your extraordinary Cinco de Mayo feast.
California Walnuts: The Perfect Ingredient for Cinco de Mayo Dishes
With their versatility and natural flavors, California walnuts make a great base for any of your Cinco de Mayo dishes or a delicious crunchy topping. Try out some of these recipes this week to get inspired for more festive culinary adventures.
