Each year when August comes around, it makes us wonder where the time went and thoughtful about whether or not we checked everything off our list of summer activities to enjoy. This year, make the most of the last weeks of summer with some great food! Now is the perfect time to enjoy the season’s flavors and invite people over for an outdoor dinner party.
Here are 7 recipes to help you enjoy the last of what the season has to offer.
Try a Plant-Based Recipe
These Walnut Chorizo Stuffed Bell Peppers With Avocado Crema use a wholesome, plant-based meat alternative that combines walnuts with legumes and a bold mix of spices. This new take on classic stuffed peppers is easy to make, and you’ll find that adding a smooth avocado crema creates an elegant balance with the spicy flavors.
Pro tip: Make a large batch of walnut meat to use as a meat alternative in other recipes!
Mix Sweet and Savory Flavors
Sweet meets savory with the delicious combination of seedless watermelon and tangy feta cheese. This Watermelon, Feta, and Walnut Salad also uses walnuts to introduce a crunchy texture. The nutty taste is perfect for bringing together the flavors of watermelon and feta.
The result is original and surprising, and this salad feels like a welcome treat on a warm summer day.
Focus on Seasonal Ingredients
This fresh and flavorful Strawberry, Cucumber & Pearl Couscous Salad will surely be a crowd-pleaser. The pearl couscous introduces heartiness that contrasts with the crunchy strawberry and cucumber.
The recipe also calls for preparing a homemade balsamic vinegar dressing and topping the salad with balsamic-candied walnuts. These details add complexity to this refreshing summertime salad!
Take Grilling to the Next Level
We often associate grilling with summertime get-togethers. You can enhance the flavor of grilled summer vegetables by serving a bold Walnut Romesco Sauce on the side. This decadent sauce mixes savory spices, fiery red peppers, fresh herbs, and mild California walnuts. Try it with grilled zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, or mushrooms!
Add More Texture
Add some texture to a summertime staple by including toasted walnuts in this Crunchy Cucumber Dill Salad. Ingredients like fresh cucumber, feta cheese, and creamy Greek yogurt create a slightly acidic dimension, while the dill and lemon juice allow you to play with citrusy flavors.
Don’t Forget the Dessert
Wow your guests with these creative Grilled Peaches With Ricotta, Walnuts, and Honey. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe that mixes the sweetness of seasonal fruits with the delicate and nutty aromas of ricotta and walnuts. The key is to grill the peaches until you obtain a tender texture that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit.
For a twist on a classic sweet treat, try these California Walnut Campfire S’mores. They’re easy to make, and the homemade walnut butter takes this campfire dessert to the next level.
Explore More Summertime Recipes
From fresh salads to delectable sweet treats, summertime recipes are about bringing people together. Here are more original summertime recipes featuring California walnuts and other delicious summertime ingredients for inspiration!