Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend—it’s part of a sustainable lifestyle that supports local farmers and adds variety to your plate. As summer fades, late-season produce like figs, zucchini, and pears make an appearance, offering a delicious glimpse into autumn’s bounty.
Plus, September is National Fruits and Veggies Month. It’s a great opportunity to explore some mouthwatering recipes that pair fresh produce with walnuts for a tasty transition from summer to fall.
Explore Fresh Flavors With Zucchini and Walnuts
The savory taste of zucchini conjures up all the freshness of summer. Pairing it with the mild, earthy aroma of walnuts creates an explosion of flavors that takes simple recipes to the next level. Explore this unique combination with this low-carb Chicken and Walnut Zoodle Bowl with Curry Vinaigrette recipe. It’s ideal for a light lunch with its fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, chicken, and—of course—walnuts. If you’d rather enjoy a dish with a refreshing herbal flavor profile, make sure to try this Chilled Zucchini, Walnut and Basil Soup. We also recommend this Lemony Zucchini Salad with Walnuts for a fresh and zesty treat. It’s the perfect way to savor those final summer evenings on the deck or terrace.
Step Into Fall With Pears and Walnuts
This sweet and savory flavor combination is perfectly balanced and will instantly make you happy that it’s time for sweaters and jeans. If you’re looking for a quick-and-easy snack or breakfast, be sure to try these bite-sized Walnut Pear and Oat Nuggets. Or let this Walnut Pear Quesadilla with Spicy Pear Salsa surprise you! While we often associate pears and walnuts with dessert flavors, this Latin-inspired recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. To warm up the cool fall evenings to come, make sure to try this Butternut Squash, Quinoa, Pear and Walnut Bowl.
Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings With Figs and Walnuts
Fig and walnut pairings are common in Mediterranean delicacies. The mild aroma of the walnuts brings out the tartness of figs for a surprising yet simple flavor combination. For a quick snack with fresh ingredients you can find locally, we recommend this Walnut, Fig & Date Milkshake. We also love these Whole-Wheat Walnut Fig Squares for a tasty midmorning pick-me-up. Dried Figs with Ricotta, Walnuts & Honey is another winner and couldn’t be easier to put together for date night or a binge session on the couch.
Explore Sweet and Earthy Flavors With Beets and Walnuts
Raw beets will surprise you with their sweet flavor profile, and we’re confident you’ll love this Beet Muhammara recipe that is perfect for dipping. Nothing is more energizing than this Walnut, Berry & Beetroot Smoothie Bowl if you’re in the mood for something sweet, and this Plant-Based California Walnut and Beet Tartare is sure to bring out your inner foodie with its complex flavors.
Turn National Fruits and Veggies Month into an exciting culinary adventure with these seasonal food pairings! It’s the perfect opportunity to add fresh produce to your diet, shop locally, and expand your cooking skills with new recipes. Why go out when you can create a gourmet spread with a bag of walnuts and a few simple ingredients?
For more inspiration, check out other tasty recipes that feature California walnuts.
