Summertime is the season for warmer temperatures and heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and good company. Calendars are packed with family picnics, potlucks with friends, and casual lunches in the park. While planning to entertain and make memories with family and friends, add California walnuts to your recipes to transform your ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary delights.
From savory salads to sweet treats, these simple, crowd-pleasing recipes are sure to impress at your next picnic or potluck. Plus, incorporating walnuts into summer dishes is a quick and easy way to boost both flavor and nutritional value.
Here are some must-try picnic ready recipes that feature this powerhouse ingredient: California walnuts.
Green Goddess Tuna Walnut Salad Pinwheels
Try our Green Goddess Tuna Walnut Salad Pinwheels for a healthy twist on a classic. This tuna salad combines crunchy celery, sweet apples, and walnuts in a green goddess dressing. Wrapped in spinach tortillas, these pinwheels are a refreshing and nutritious snack or light meal perfect for summer picnics.
Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Hummus
Upgrade your snacks with our Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Hummus. This simple recipe has just three steps: rinse your chickpeas, blend all the ingredients until smooth, and serve. The bold flavors of roasted red peppers, paprika, and cayenne mix wonderfully with tahini, chickpeas, and walnuts. Great for dipping or spreading, this hummus is a tasty and healthful addition to any outdoor lunch or dinner.
Charcuterie
Add walnuts to your charcuterie board for extra crunch and sophistication. Their rich, nutty flavor goes well with cheeses, meats, and fruits, offering a nice texture contrast. Walnuts not only taste great but also add a nutritional boost, making your spread both delicious and wholesome.
Walnut Broccoli Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Indulge in this yummy Walnut Broccoli Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. It’s packed with juicy grapes, crispy bacon, tangy red onion, and, of course, crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a tasty poppy seed dressing. This salad is easy to prepare and pack for your next outdoor summertime meal.
Walnut Browned Butter Rice Cereal Treats
Everyone loves classic rice cereal treats, but have you tried adding walnuts? Nutty browned butter, a touch of flaky salt, and California walnuts make these treats even more irresistible. Perfect for a potluck or picnic, Walnut Browned Butter Rice Cereal Treats will please both kids and adults.
Fruit Salad Topped with Vanilla Walnut Whipped Cream
Enhance your fruit salad with dairy-free Vanilla Walnut Whipped Cream. This creamy topping blends the rich nuttiness of walnuts with sweet vanilla, creating a fluffy texture that perfectly complements summer’s fresh, juicy fruits.
By just adding walnuts, you can elevate your summer picnic experience with these delectable and nutritious recipes. Gather your loved ones, get outside, and enjoy the season with some delicious eats. Whether you’re at the park or in your backyard, these dishes will surely impress your guests and make your outdoor gatherings moments to remember.