There are many benefits to meal prep. Planning meals in advance saves you valuable time throughout the week, but also allows you to carefully consider your eating habits. To make better choices when you’re in a hurry, consider planning your meals ahead of time.
Making use of California walnuts – a versatile, nutritious ingredient – is an excellent way to start experiencing the benefits of meal prepping. Whether you use raw walnuts, pre-toasted walnuts, or seasoned walnuts, their uses are limitless.
If you’re interested in learning simple and easy ways to plan your meals, the delicious walnut recipes below will help you get started on your meal prep journey!
Flavorful Toasts
One of the common complaints heard when people begin to consider meal prep is the amount of time involved. The idea of setting aside an entire weekend just to prepare a week’s worth of healthy meals, for example, is quite daunting.
Luckily, you can utilize versatile ingredients to make each week’s meals much easier to prepare. Walnuts are a good example. If you toast walnuts ahead of time and chop up some fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, pears, or tomatoes, you can create a variety of easy sweet or savory breakfast toasts to be enjoyed throughout the week.
Making a plate of Avocado, Arugula, Tomato, and Walnut Toast is as simple as mashing an avocado on toasted bread, adding a few slices of tomato, and sprinkling crushed walnuts and arugula on top. If you love the flavor of mint, this Walnut, Fennel and Mint Toast will get your day off to a fresh start. For a sweeter take on toast, the Ricotta, Banana, Walnut and Honey Toast is a must-try!
Sensational Salads
Did you know adding one ounce of walnuts on top of your salad adds 4 grams of power-packed protein to your meal? Skip the croutons and chop up some walnuts instead. Not only are they a nutritious alternative, but they also add that same delightful crunch!
By chopping up fruits and vegetables and making a large batch of fresh salad dressing ahead of time, all you have to do during your lunch break is throw the ingredients together in a bowl and mix them up! Or to shake things up (literally), pack all the ingredients in a mason jar. The Walnut Raspberry Salad and Raspberry Vinaigrette and Toasted Walnut, Black Bean, Corn and Tomato Salad are some of our favorites. But if you’re looking for more salad recipe inspiration, click here!
Smoothies with a Twist
Making a creamy protein shake or breakfast smoothie is a great way to kick off your day! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding walnuts to your smoothie. Not only is it a fun way to switch up your classic recipe, but it also adds a unique texture and flavor to your beverage.
Prep your smoothie ingredients over the weekend by chopping up various ingredients, such as berries, bananas, and walnuts, and placing them in the freezer. Using frozen fruit in your smoothie instead of ice will ensure your smoothie won’t taste watered down. And throwing one ounce of walnuts into the mix will add a delectably rich and nutty flavor to your smoothie. Two mouth-watering smoothie recipes we love to enjoy are the Walnut, Berry & Beetroot Smoothie Bowl and the Walnut, Avocado and Fruit Smoothie Bowl.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a delicate nutty flavor rather than a bold one, try adding freshly crushed walnuts to your beverage.
Incorporating nutritious ingredients such as walnuts, into your meal plan lets you enjoy great tasting food without hassle and a huge time commitment. Their amazing flavor and versatility will allow you to create a variety of dishes that’ll help keep you full and focused throughout your busy day!
