Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy fresh, vibrant salads packed with flavor and nutrition. As part of our Just Add Walnuts campaign, we’re excited to share five easy ways to enhance your summertime meals with the delicious addition of California walnuts. Not only do walnuts add a nutty, creamy taste and gentle crunch, they also offer a quick and easy way to boost the nutritional value of any dish.
Why Walnuts?
Walnuts are a real, whole food without added ingredients, bringing wholesome goodness to any recipe. They are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including 2.5 grams of omega-3 ALA*, 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 45 milligrams of magnesium—all in a single ounce.
*One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.
With their nutty, creamy taste and versatile nature, walnuts can be added to just about anything. Salads, in particular, are adaptable and customizable, making them ideal for any summertime occasion. Here are five delightful recipes to inspire you to just add walnuts to your summer salads.
Three Bean Salad with Walnut Chimichurri
Enjoy the delicious flavors and vibrant colors of Three Bean Salad with Walnut Chimichurri, where tender beans mingle with bold, herbaceous chimichurri, and walnuts add a satisfying crunch. This refreshing salad is excellent for summer, offering a beautiful blend of textures and tastes.
Spinach, Walnut, and Strawberry Salad
Our Spinach, Walnut, and Strawberry Salad offers the perfectly paired flavors of sweet strawberries and toasted walnuts. Topped with a strawberry vinaigrette and fresh feta, this salad is a satisfying go-to dish for warm summer days.
Watermelon, Feta, and Walnut Salad
Bask in the refreshing blend of sweet watermelon, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts in this vibrant summer salad. Marinated with a light vinaigrette, it’s a flawless balance of flavors and textures that adds the perfect finishing touch to any meal.
Pasta Salad with Cilantro-Walnut Pesto
Try something a little different with this unique twist on pasta salad with our refreshing cilantro-walnut pesto. We brighten up the classic pasta salad with a lovely surprise in flavor, and it’s great whether served hot or cold. Prepare the pesto in advance to enhance its distinct taste, ensuring a savory and unforgettable eating experience.
Walnut-Kale Caesar Salad
Elevate your salad game with our Walnut-Kale Caesar Salad, boasting robust flavor and hearty texture. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, this dish is great for both lunch and dinner, providing a satisfying 13 grams of protein per serving.
Keep Your Walnuts Cold!
To maintain their freshness, it’s best to store your walnuts in the fridge. This simple tip ensures that your walnuts stay crisp and flavorful, ready to add to your favorite summer salads whenever you crave them.
Celebrate the summer season with these delicious walnut-studded salad recipes, and experience how walnuts can make your meals even better. Enjoy the versatility, nutrition, and taste that California walnuts can bring to your table. And remember: For more ideas on how to add walnuts to your recipes, check out our blog today! We have countless recipes that can help you add a burst of flavor to your favorite meals, as well as help you bring new and delicious dishes to the table that everyone is sure to love.
