Walnuts are a nutritious and versatile plant-based ingredient that is no longer confined to the snack aisle. They’re becoming center stage for product developers who are using them in a variety of dishes, including entrées. 2024 proves to be a big year for walnuts: Whole Foods Market’s Trends Council named the tree nut as an emerging protein-forward meat alternative in its top 10 food trend prediction list.
Walnuts are gaining popularity as a trendy center-of-plate ingredient in a number of ways:
- as a hearty topper in robust salads
- as a meat substitute in dishes such as walnut “meatballs,” chorizo or plant-based burgers
- as a texture and flavor additive in entrées like walnut-stuffed portobello mushrooms, eggplant or vegetable stir-fry
- as a fun, savory ingredient in grain-based dishes like walnut quinoa salad or walnut wild rice pilaf
Walnuts as the Main Course
Consumers are begging for plant-based entrée solutions that are better tasting, nutritious and provide a clean-label alternative to traditional animal protein. There’s also a rise of flexitarianism — 32% of meat eaters are trying to put more plant-based meat alternatives on their plates, Grocery Dive reports. The same report found:
- 22% are flexitarians
- Nearly one-third of Americans are trying to reduce the amount of meat they eat
- Taste is still an issue. 44% said they don’t like the taste of plant-based foods, but they’re determined to find products that work. 67% said they would be willing to eat more plant-based foods instead of meat if the products tasted better
Walnuts have a unique taste that is nutty and slightly bitter, with a rich and creamy texture. They have a distinct flavor that is often described as earthy, woody and slightly sweet. When roasted, the nuttiness becomes more pronounced, and the bitterness is mellowed out, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor.
Walnut pairings are endless in center-of-plate dishes. Salads are elevated with apples and pears, as well as with cheeses. Apple & Walnut Salad by Taylor Farms is a flexitarian’s dream, pairing walnuts, dried cranberries, blue cheese, apples and greens for a blend that is delicious. And, a little chicken is added in for those still looking for a bit of animal-based protein. Spring Blush Salad Kit by Josie’s Organics is a center-of-plate salad full of candied walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese and vinaigrette dressing mixed with salad greens.
Those looking for a more savory, hearty center-of-plate entrée will enjoy Pomegranate & Walnut Chicken with Persian Rice by Cafe Spice, which combines the sweet and sour taste of pomegranate with silky walnut cream for a rich, warm combination. Tender pieces of humanely-raised, antibiotic-free chicken are simmered in the delicious sauce. Served with Persian-style rice and golden fried onions, taste is not an issue with this appetizing meal.
Perhaps one of the most versatile walnut-based center-of-plate options comes from Nutcase Vegan. The company’s line of walnut-based meat alternatives span a wide range of delicious products for any entrée throughout the day: Breakfast Sausage Patties, Nutty Burger, Chorizo Crumbles, Sweet Italian Crumbles and Nutty Loaf. The award-winning company caters to vegan customers who want quick and easy preparation in their center-of-plate options.
For more information on formulating walnut-based entrées that are perfect for the main course, visit walnuts.org.
These products are mentioned for informational purposes only and inclusion does not imply an endorsement.
