Summer Is Better with California Walnuts!
Did you know there are 99 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day? We’re kicking off our “99 Ways to #JustAddWalnuts” series to make your summer snacks and meals extra tasty! Whether it’s a sprinkle on your salad, a crunch in your yogurt, or a mix-in for your smoothie, walnuts bring flavor, texture, and nutrition to the table. Don’t miss out on these simple yet delicious ways to elevate your summer eats.
Add to Toast
1 . Avocado, Arugula, Tomato, and Walnut Toast
Our take on the classic avocado toast spices things up by topping mashed avocado with baby arugula, cherry tomatoes, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic. Perfect for your breakfast or snack!
2. Cottage Cheese-Walnut Caprese Toast
The classic Caprese salad was the inspiration for this perfect midday snack or go-to weekday meal when you’re short on time. Crunchy toasted bread is topped with cottage cheese, tomatoes, toasted walnuts, and fresh basil, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic syrup.
3. Ricotta-Walnut-Peach Bruschetta
Peaches, basil, and walnuts make a wonderful trio of flavor and texture. When they meet up with ricotta in this delicious open-faced sandwich, you will get to enjoy a meal that hovers on that very fun boundary between sweet and savory.
4. Ricotta, Banana, Walnut, and Honey Toast
This simple and delicious breakfast or lunch combines ricotta, banana slices, and toasted walnuts on whole wheat toast, which is then sprinkled with a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Add to Salads
5. Walnut Broccoli Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Delight in the refreshing flavors and textures of this salad, featuring crispy bacon, juicy grapes, tangy red onion, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a luscious poppy seed dressing, creating a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and nutty goodness.
6. Walnut Pear and Avocado Bowl
This heart-healthy* quinoa bowl has a tangy pear and avocado dressing and is topped with sweet pears, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts.
7. Three Bean Salad with Walnut Chimichurri
Indulge in the vibrant colors and flavors of a fresh salad, where tender beans mingle with the bold, herbaceous notes of homemade chimichurri, elevated by the satisfying crunch of walnuts.
8. Watermelon, Feta, and Walnut Salad
A refreshing summer salad made with watermelon, basil, feta cheese and crunchy walnuts. Let marinate for up to an hour to really get the most out of the flavor.
9. Kale, Apple, Pancetta, and Walnut Salad with Creamy Walnut Dressing
This is such a versatile salad because it uses produce you can find from early summer through the darkest depths of winter.
10. Spinach, Walnut, and Strawberry Salad
Savor summer with a simple salad that features sweet strawberries and toasted walnuts. Tossed with a strawberry dressing and dotted with fresh feta, this salad is sure to delight! Kitchen hack: Use paper towels to help keep spinach fresh.
Add to Crusts
11. Walnut & Oat Crusted Veggie Egg Cups
The perfect grab-and-go breakfast. These Walnut & Oat Crusted Veggie Egg Cups with a gluten-free crust are great for meal prep during the week.
12. Strawberry Walnut Hand Pies
Enjoy a blast from the past with this nostalgic hand pie recipe, reminiscent of childhood toaster pastries! The pastry dough is made from scratch and filled with irresistible fresh strawberries and chopped walnuts, then finished with pink vanilla frosting and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. It’s a classic childhood snack with a few delicious upgrades.
13. Veggie Quiche with Walnut Crust
Indulge in a savory delight with this veggie quiche featuring a California walnut crust, marrying the buttery richness of walnuts with a medley of fresh vegetables, bound together in a silky custard filling.
Add to Appetizers
14. Charcuterie Board
Nothing says summer like a charcuterie board. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, or a beach picnic. Pair fresh seasonal fruits with your favorite cheeses and crunchy walnuts for your next picnic.
15. Crostini with Walnut Parmesan Cream
Toasted baguette slices topped with pesto, fluffy Parmesan-and-walnut cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and crunchy walnuts; perfect for summer parties and entertaining.
16. Spicy Walnut Pimento Cheese Ball
This spicy walnut cheese ball is a perfect appetizer or snack to pair with vegetables, crackers, or crostini. Combine three different cheeses with a variety of spices and top it all off with a California walnut “chorizo” crumble.
17. Bacon-Wrapped Walnut-Stuffed Dates
These tasty little bacon-wrapped dates are easy to prepare and make the perfect appetizer or sweet and savory snack.
Add to Smoothies
18. Strawberry Walnut Date Smoothie
This smoothie gets its nutty flavor from California walnuts and is sweetened with fresh strawberries and dates; a refreshing smoothie for hot summer days.
19. Matcha Avocado Walnut Smoothie
This avocado walnut smoothie gets its naturally green hue from matcha powder and a handful of fresh mint leaves. California walnuts and avocado add nutrients and body to this rich and creamy smoothie.
20. Orange Turmeric & Vanilla Yogurt Smoothie
The combination of turmeric and California walnuts packs this smoothie with superfoods and good fats. The vanilla yogurt, honey, and spices add a hint of a sweet flavor and creamy texture, making this beverage a refreshing treat for any hot summer day.
21. Banana, Cacao, and Walnut Butter Smoothie Bowl
This smoothie bowl will satisfy your sweet tooth with hints of cacao and maple syrup but will still keep you fueled for the day with ingredients like bananas, walnut butter, and hemp seeds.
Add to Sandwiches
22. Grilled Vegetable Sandwich with Walnut Aioli
Grilled veggies have never tasted so good, thanks to a walnut aioli that adds flavor and protein! Delicately balanced spices and herbs lend an earthy aroma and mouthwatering flavors to every bite.
23. Tuna Salad Sandwich with Apples and Walnuts
This salad is easy to prepare with desk-friendly ingredients—no refrigeration required! Great on bread as a sandwich or as a topping for crunchy crackers.
Sweet apples, savory Brie, and crunchy walnuts are the base for this toasty panini sandwich.
25. Chickpea & Walnut Salad Sandwiches
Chickpeas stand in for chicken, offering a plant-based alternative in these hearty sandwiches. With walnuts adding a welcome crunchy texture and dried cranberries for sweetness, these sandwiches satisfy everyone’s cravings.
26. Walnut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
A walnutty spin on a classic sandwich. Perfect for lunchtime or a summer snack.
Add to Dips
Sweet corn and spicy chiles make for a fun take on the classic elote, Mexican street corn on the cob. Go with yellow corn for a more vibrantly colored dip.
28. Spiced Walnut and Cottage Cheese Dip
Experience the creamy delight of this dip, enhanced with the crunch of California walnuts and a hint of exotic spices including sumac, turmeric, and fennel, creating a vibrant and irresistible blend that’s perfect for any occasion.
29. Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Hummus
With just three steps, this is the simplest recipe you can make to up your snack game. Throw all of the hummus ingredients into a food processor after rinsing your chickpeas, and blend until smooth. It’s flavored with strong accents of roasted red peppers, paprika, and cayenne that blend together effortlessly with the tahini, chickpeas, and walnuts.
You’d never guess this chocolatey treat is made with nutritious ingredients like black beans and walnuts. Whip up a batch of this brownie batter as a dip for crackers or fresh fruit… and don’t forget to lick the spoon!
© Scott Suchman
31. Beet Muhammara
This is a surprisingly sweet dip—made from delicious raw beets—that is great with vegetables or whole grain crackers or as a topping on a piece of salmon. Use it as part of a vegetable platter! Recipe is from The What to Eat When Cookbook published October 20, 2020. Copyright National Geographic 2020.
32. Yogurt, Sun-Dried Tomato, and Basil Dip
Toasted walnuts, fat-free yogurt, and sun-dried tomatoes make this a light dip perfect for summer snacking!
Add to Snacks
33. Greek Cucumber Walnut Bites
Great as an afternoon snack or appetizer, these crisp cucumber cups are filled with roasted red pepper hummus and topped with tomatoes, crumbled feta, and chopped walnuts for added crunch.
34. Vanilla Walnut Berry Trail Mix
Lightly sweetened vanilla-flavored walnuts are tossed with yogurt-covered treats and dried fruits. Trail mix is so versatile and can be customized to fit your summer cravings.
35. Herbed Cheese & Walnut Stuffed Mini Peppers
These herbed cheese and walnut stuffed mini peppers are an easy make-ahead snack to keep you fueled all day.
Walnuts coated with sweet and spicy Carolina BBQ seasonings and baked until toasty. Kitchen hack: Use beans to help protect spices from moisture.
37. Ranch Walnuts
Walnuts seasoned with dry ranch seasoning and then baked until toasty.
Walnuts lightly seasoned with mushroom umami seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese and baked until toasty.
Add to Backyard BBQs
39. Grilled Corn with Walnut Pesto
Dress up freshly grilled corn on the cob with a garlicky walnut pesto that brightens summer meals. Keep reading for our Walnut Pesto recipe.
40. Chili Lime Chicken with Walnuts
California walnuts top this buttery lime-and-chili-seasoned chicken, making it a great addition to your backyard BBQ.
Walnut meat and barbecue sauce on Hawaiian rolls make a quick, tasty filling in these sliders. Plant-based, too!
42. Grilled Peaches with Ricotta, Walnuts, and Honey
These grilled peaches are the perfect summer dessert. The grill naturally caramelizes the peaches, and the toasted walnuts offer a welcome crunch.
Add to Weekly Meal Prep
43. Banana Walnut Bread Overnight Oats
This make-ahead breakfast combines bananas, oats, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla to create a tasty and satisfying way to start the day.
44. Power Up with Plants Protein Box
This simple protein box is the perfect no-cook option. Toasted walnuts, store-bought hummus, and roasted chickpeas offer filling protein, while fresh carrot chips, bell pepper strips, and sliced cucumbers are perfect for dipping.
45. Spiced Walnuts and Greek Salad Parfait
Take your parfait to the next level with these spicy and savory walnuts featuring curry, chili, and cumin, layered on top of yogurt with tomatoes, cucumbers, and garbanzo beans.
46. Asian Walnut, Chicken, and Vegetable Noodle Jar
Chicken, vegetables, noodles, and seasonings are prepped ahead and transported in large canning jars. Add hot water just before serving for a fast desk-side lunch. This recipe makes two jars for two lunches during the week.
Add to Kids’ Plates
47. Mini Lemon Blueberry Walnut Muffins
They may be “mini,” but these muffins are packed with flavor from the perfect pairing of blueberries and walnuts. Add these “brain bites” to your child’s morning routine.
48. Walnut, Vegetable, and Chicken Quesadillas
A simple quesadilla recipe with a unique blend of crunchy walnuts, vegetables, herb seasoning, and chicken. Perfect as an entrée, snack, or appetizer and will have your kid asking for more!
49. Chocolate and Walnut Covered Banana Pops
Looking for the perfect nostalgic sweet treat for the warm summer months? Frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with walnuts are the answer! Have your kids help you make these delicious pops!
50. Walnut Chili Mac
Quick and easy, kid-friendly chili. Reduce the beef by half and replace it with walnuts for protein, texture, and hidden nutrition.
Add to Parties
51. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower and Walnuts
Our take on the popular crowd-pleasing appetizer. Savor the bold flavors of plant-based, air-fried, buffalo cauliflower and walnuts—an irresistible and zesty appetizer bursting with flavor and crunch.
52. Walnut and Roasted Tomato Guacamole
Give your guac a natural crunch by tossing in some chopped walnuts. This recipe gets extra flavor with roasted tomatoes and fresh cilantro.
53. Mediterranean Walnut Nachos
Crispy pita chips topped with creamy hummus, briny kalamata olives, refreshing cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese, all sprinkled with crunchy walnuts for a delightful twist on a classic snack. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a flavorful party dish that will transport your taste buds to sunny shores.
Add to Wraps
These no-cook walnut meat buffalo lettuce wraps pack a flavorful punch in every crunchy bite!
55. Spicy California Walnut and Cauliflower Indian Wraps
These flavor-forward, plant-based protein wraps combine California walnuts, roasted cauliflower, and Indian spices to create a heart-healthy* meal.
56. Green Goddess Tuna Walnut Salad Pinwheels
This better-for-you tuna salad with celery, apples, and crunchy walnuts is flavored with an herby green goddess dressing and wrapped in spinach tortillas. Take them to the beach or on your picnic this summer!
Add to Breakfast
57. Oatmeal
Elevate your morning routine by adding a handful of walnuts to your oatmeal, infusing each spoonful with a satisfying crunch and a dose of heart-healthy* nutrients, making for a nourishing and delicious start to your day.
58. French Toast
Enhance your French toast into a decadent breakfast experience by sprinkling chopped walnuts on top, adding a delightful nuttiness and textural contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweet, custardy slices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and naturally indulgent.
59. Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Walnut Tart
This savory tart features asparagus, creamy goat cheese, and walnuts, both in the flaky crust and on top. Customize this with any of your favorite summer produce.
60. Fluffy Banana Walnut Pancakes
These pancakes get their light and airy texture from beaten egg whites and great flavor from walnuts and bananas. Skip the butter and top with a maple-flavored walnut cream instead.
61. Walnut Crepes
Delicious, airy crepes are studded with chopped walnuts for added texture. Serve these dusted with powdered sugar and topped with walnut whipped cream.
Add to Lunch
62. Chicken and Walnut Zoodle Bowl with Curry Vinaigrette
Spiral zucchini noodles, tomatoes, chicken, and walnuts are tossed with a simple curry vinaigrette, making a flavorful, satisfying lunch.
63. Walnut, Quinoa, and Ranch Chicken Salad
Starting with ingredients that are easy to keep at your desk, this salad can be stirred together very quickly all summer long.
64. Butternut Squash, Quinoa, Pear, and Walnut Bowl
A delicious grain bowl made with butternut squash, pear slices, quinoa, white beans, mixed greens, feta, and rosemary walnuts is the perfect lunch for any day.
Add to Dinner
65. Crunchy Walnut-Crusted Salmon Filets
A crunchy walnut crust rounds out the delightful flavors of lemon and dill for a simply elegant salmon meal you can whip up anytime.
66. California Walnut “Chorizo” Burrito
This flour tortilla burrito is stuffed with “chorizo” walnut meat, cilantro lime rice, Mexican cheese blend, pico de gallo, avocado, and shredded lettuce, then finished with cilantro cream and tomatillo salsa.
67. California Walnut Cream Alfredo Sauce
This dairy-free white sauce gets its flavor from onion, garlic, and nutritional yeast. Serve over fettuccine, ravioli, or any other desired pasta. Reserve water from cooking pasta, as you’ll need it for this recipe.
68. Pizza with Plant-Based California Walnut Crumble
Pesto or red sauce pizzas are great topped with a plant-based Italian “sausage.”
Add to Dessert
69. Ice Cream
Adding walnuts to your ice cream topping repertoire not only adds a delightful crunch but also introduces a dose of beneficial fats and antioxidants, enhancing both taste and nutritional value of your dessert.
70. Individual Clementine & Walnut Tiramisu
Individually sized Clementine & Walnut Tiramisu, because who wants to share? Layers of fluffy mascarpone cream, caramelized clementines, and crunchy walnuts harmonize beautifully, creating a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dessert.
71. Walnut Birthday Cake Bites
These better-for-you birthday cake bites get their nutrition from walnuts and a dose of fun from colorful sprinkles. What’s your topping of choice?
72. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This classic carrot cake is moist and flavorful and is loaded with crunchy California walnuts. A fluffy cream cheese frosting is the perfect finish.
73. Strawberry Walnut Lollipops
These Strawberry Walnut Lollipops showcase fresh California strawberries filled with a delicious chocolatey center that’s based on a blend of California walnuts, cocoa, dates, vanilla, and a pinch of orange zest. And then, of course, it’s all enjoyed on lollipop sticks.
Add to Cookies
74. California Walnut Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies take on delicious nutty undertones and are sure to please kids and grown-ups alike. Decorate as a fun summer activity.
These walnut maple cookies by famed pastry chef Emily Luchetti are the perfect combination of walnuts and sweet maple. Just slightly sweet, these are a bit like a maple shortbread cookie. Bet you can’t eat just one!
76. Walnut Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Savor the familiar flavors of carrot cake with these cookies. Each bite is bursting with the warmth of cinnamon-spiced carrots and crunchy walnuts, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a delightful sweetness to these irresistible treats.
77. California Walnut Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
These large chewy oat cookies are sweetened with raisins and get their crunch from California walnuts. Enjoy any time of year.
Add to Breadcrumbs
78. California Walnut Fried Chicken Sandwich
Tender chicken breast crusted with California walnut panko and Parmesan blend, seared and oven baked, topped with California walnut lemon mustard aioli, pickles, and shredded lettuce. Doesn’t get much better than that.
79. California Walnut Panko Crusted Halibut with Arugula Pesto and Herbed Tomatoes
Flaky halibut filets are served over a peppery walnut arugula pesto and topped with fresh, lightly dressed tomatoes.
80. Walnut Crusted Chicken Fingers
These chicken fingers are coated in a crunchy walnut panko and Parmesan mixture. Serve with a dipping sauce of your choosing.
Add to Sauces
81. Walnut Pesto
This pesto is easy to make and can be kept on hand for several days. It also makes a tasty sandwich spread or veggie dip.
This meatless ragu is made with plant-based ingredients like walnuts and crimini mushrooms. Serve it over your favorite type of pasta and sprinkle with seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a flavorful finish.
83. California Walnut Romesco Sauce
A classic sweet and tangy red pepper sauce with a hint of smoked paprika. Versatile for your choice of summer dishes!
Walnuts add texture to this chimichurri that can be used as a marinade or to top a variety of dishes. Great for summer grilling!
Add to Whipped Cream
85. Walnut Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
Savor the layers of decadent strawberry shortcake trifle: a delightful medley of juicy strawberries, fluffy biscuits, dairy-free whipped cream, and crunchy walnuts, creating a tempting symphony of flavors and textures.
86. Fruit Salad
Make your fruit salad even tastier with Vanilla Walnut Whipped Cream! The creamy, nutty flavor superbly complements the fresh, sweet fruits. Its light and feathery texture creates a mouthwatering contrast, making each bite even more delicious and indulgent without the dairy.
87. Pie
Topping off a summer pie or tart with Vanilla Walnut Whipped Cream brings a unique, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices of the pie. Its velvety consistency brings the hearty filling and flaky crust to a whole new level.
Add to Meatless “Meat”
88. Walnut “Chorizo” Tacos with Pickled Vegetables
A walnut chorizo “meat” is the base for these spicy tacos. Topped with pickled jalapeño peppers and radishes and finished with a squeeze of lime, these are a fresh take on traditional meat tacos. For a creamy addition, place a layer of mashed avocado onto the tortillas before filling with chorizo and vegetables. Kitchen hack: Use a pizza wheel to “chop” fresh herbs.
89. California Walnut Meatless Meatballs
You won’t miss the beef in this plant-based version of the classic Italian favorite.
90. Picadillo-Style California Walnut Meat Empanadas with Chimichurri
A walnut picadillo filling is tucked inside of flaky pastry and served with a walnut chimichurri sauce.
91. California Walnut Meatloaf
This vegetarian walnut-based mixture has a classic “meatloaf” flavor. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a traditional family meal.
92. Walnut Stuffed Pasta Shells
These stuffed pasta shells are saucy, cheesy, and delicious! They’re filled with a flavorful mix of spiced walnut meat, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
Add to Tacos
A meal for four comes together in less than 30 minutes with this easy meatless taco recipe. The taco “meat” is made with California walnuts, diced onion, and a taco seasoning packet. Top with classic taco toppings for a no-fuss dinner.
94. Fiesta Pork & Walnut Tacos
Thinly sliced strips of pork tenderloin and chopped walnuts are seasoned with a bright and flavorful blend of spices, creating the perfect filling for these fiesta tacos.
95. Walnut Mexican Street Corn Tacos
Expect a touch of smoky flavor in these vegetarian tacos, courtesy of the fire-roasted corn and chipotle adobo sauce. That boldness in flavor is contrasted with creamy cotija cheese and sour cream, and brightness from fresh lime and cilantro. The “meat” is made with a hearty combination of walnuts and chopped mushrooms.
Add to Pasta
96. Pasta with Lemon Walnut Alfredo Sauce
This pasta recipe adds a secret protein boost to traditional Alfredo sauce. The tangy lemon, walnut, and cheese mixture tossed with pasta and spinach creates a creamy dish.
97. California Walnut & Kale Rollatini
This plant-forward vegetarian dish is packed with protein and combines California walnuts prepared two ways—a walnut crumble and walnut ricotta cream. Shake up your usual pasta night with this Italian-Argentinian mash-up that will surely become a family favorite.
98. Spinach Walnut Pesto Pasta with Turkey Meatballs
Pasta is tossed with a bright-green fresh spinach and walnut pesto and topped with simple-to-prepare turkey meatballs.
99. Chicken, Broccoli, and Walnut Pasta
This pasta dish is so simple to prepare, starting with canned chicken and frozen broccoli. Add a light Parmesan cheese sauce and crunchy walnuts to finish the dish!
