As you head into the heart of summer and fill your days with backyard barbecues, friendly gatherings and holidays from the Fourth of July to Labor Day, you’re sure to be searching for summer party ideas. Our ultimate guide to summer entertaining offers a roundup of simple and delicious recipes to help you do more this season and host events your guests will long remember.
Adding a creative twist to familiar dishes will help make your event memorable. So use walnuts to add a nutritious “wow factor” to your favorite dishes. Try these delicious dishes made with walnuts for your next party menu. Your guests will be asking for more — and the recipe!
Spice Up Your Grilled Meats and Veggies
What is the secret to delicious meats and vegetables? It’s the sauce! A scrumptious homemade sauce adds flavor, texture and even color to every bite. The best part is that they combine fresh herbs and spices that you probably have on hand, and they typically take only 15-20 minutes to whip up with a food processor.
For example, here is a delightful 5-star Walnut Romesco Sauce made with roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil and our favorite, toasted walnuts. You’ll want to keep this flavorful sauce handy the next time you’re grilling.
Another tasty sauce that will take your meats and veggies to the next level is Walnut Chimichurri, which combines flavors of fresh Italian parsley, lime, red pepper flakes and olive oil with the nuttiness of walnuts.
Add Luscious Flavor with Summer Dips
We all know having a good dip at your summer barbecues is a must! Here are two delectable dips that add flavor to your plate and satisfaction to your tummy.
Walnut and Roasted Tomato Guacamole is a fun spin on the classic guacamole. All you need to do is add chopped walnuts and delicious roasted tomatoes.
Our Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is a simple side that takes only 10 minutes to prepare. Just rinse the ingredients, throw them into a food processor and blend until smooth. Then season with cayenne and paprika to complement the chickpeas, roasted red peppers, tahini and walnuts perfectly.
Add the Finishing Touch with a Tasty Salad
Tie your summer meals together with a delicious walnut-inspired salad. Our Watermelon, Feta, and Walnut Salad comes together in three easy steps. And here’s a trick: Pre-chop your watermelon and walnuts, so you just have to toss them in a bowl with the feta cheese and zesty vinaigrette, and then add basil for some extra flavor.
Another delicious choice is our Strawberry, Cucumber & Pearl Couscous Salad. It combines crisp cucumbers, fresh strawberries, pearl couscous, mint, honey balsamic vinaigrette and crunchy balsamic-glazed walnuts for a tasty summer side dish.
Put the Cherry on Top with a Delectable Dessert
No summer party menu is complete without dessert! So try one of these recipes to offer your guests the perfect nostalgic sweet treat for the warm summer months.
Chocolate and Walnut Covered Banana Pops need just three ingredients and only 20 minutes of prep time. Then leave them in the freezer for two hours for a delicious treat everyone will love.
Who doesn’t love s’mores? Our California Walnut Campfire S’mores recipe is a simple but upscale version of the classic treat. Trust us: The rich crust of graham cracker crumbs and crushed walnuts combines with delicious walnut butter to infuse this timeless treat with extra flavor and texture.
Let California Walnuts Enhance Your Summer Recipes
Summer is the perfect time to bring friends and family together to share a refreshing, delicious and nutritious meal for family and friends. So make some memories this summer with these fabulous summer recipes. And remember: California walnuts can always help you do more and add flavor, texture and nutrition to any dish.
