Summer has arrived, bringing with it warm weather, sunshine, and longer days. With the bright colors and fresh flavors of summer ingredients, the food is just as welcoming as the weather! From snacks to dinners to desserts, here are some unique and festive recipes to help you usher in summer with your family.
Light Lunches
Summer is all about fresh fruits and crisp, vibrant veggies. After a relaxing morning of soaking up the sun, gather your family inside for a classic salad-and-sandwich combo – with a twist.
This Watermelon, Feta, and Walnut Salad is filled with refreshing ingredients. The watermelon is bursting with sweet flavor, and the feta and walnut textures provide smooth and crunchy complements. Your family will have a hard time discerning whether this is lunch or a special treat.
And don’t forget about the sandwich! You can’t go wrong with a fresh tuna salad sandwich, and this one adds a flavorful crunch thanks to apples and chopped walnuts. Prefer to skip meat and fish? Make a Chickpea and Walnut Salad Sandwich instead! This plant-based alternative is hearty and filling. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, this will satisfy your taste buds thanks to the addition of dried cranberries. For a lighter option, serve the filling with lettuce wraps.
Delicious Dinners
As the summer days grow longer, you have more time for fun activities, like starting an herb garden or hopping in the pool with your kids. Channel some of that extra creativity into trying out a new dinner recipe!
Take a shot at cooking up these delicious Walnut BBQ Sliders. With a plant-based “meat” of carrots, onions and cauliflower and some hearty walnuts for extra flavor and texture, this take on the classic burger will surely leave your family speechless (they’ll be too busy savoring every delicious bite).
Fire up the BBQ and grill up this summer favorite: Grilled Corn with Walnut Pesto. On top of the lightly seared corn, lather on a savory concoction of parmesan cheese, basil and walnuts. Between the slight sweetness of the corn and the richness of the walnuts, this side dish has an advanced flavor profile that seems to belong in a five-star restaurant. With this dinner menu, you’re sure to present the ultimate BBQ feast
Simple Snacks
Nothing says “summer” more than sitting poolside with a cool, sweet treat in hand. For a fun project with the kids (or by yourself!), whip up homemade Chocolate-Walnut Dipped Strawberry Popsicles. They’re so simple to make with just a handful of fresh ingredients and a blender, you’ll be making them all summer long.
If cold drinks are more your style for those long days by the pool, a Walnut, Fig & Date Milkshake is for you. This shake is as sweet as summertime with its vanilla ice cream base and hints of date. Combine that with walnuts and fig jam for a flavor profile that is sure to become an instant classic.
How about a savory snack to balance out your sweet tooth? Try your hand at whipping up some California Walnut Salsa. With the fresh flavors of tomatoes and cilantro, plus a little kick from the jalapeños and onions, this salsa is a staple for summer. Pair with your favorite chips or even chopped veggies.
Who knew there were so many ways to welcome summer with tasty California walnuts? Whatever your style, enjoy precious time with your family and good eats along the way.
