Walnuts are more than just a snack—they’re a powerhouse ingredient that adds texture, flavour, and nutrition to a wide variety of dishes. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant-based protein, walnuts can easily elevate both sweet and savoury recipes. Whether you’re cooking a weekday dinner or preparing a treat for afternoon tea, there’s a perfect walnut-based recipe waiting for you.
Here are the top 7 recipes featuring walnuts that are easy to prepare and ideal for anyone looking to enhance their home-cooked meals with this versatile nut.
1. Walnut and Beetroot Salad
This fresh, vibrant salad is a favourite in UK kitchens, combining earthy flavours with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
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2 medium beetroots (roasted or boiled)
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60g walnuts (lightly toasted)
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100g mixed salad leaves
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50g goat cheese or feta
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp balsamic vinegar
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Slice the beetroot and arrange it on a bed of salad leaves. Crumble the cheese on top, add toasted walnuts, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season to taste.
2. Walnut Pesto Pasta
Swap pine nuts for walnuts in this twist on a classic Italian pesto. It’s rich, nutty, and packed with flavour.
Ingredients:
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75g walnuts
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50g fresh basil
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1 garlic clove
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50g grated Parmesan
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100ml olive oil
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Salt to taste
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250g pasta of choice
Instructions:
Blend walnuts, basil, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor. Slowly add olive oil until smooth. Toss the pesto with cooked pasta and serve warm.
3. Banana Walnut Loaf
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this moist and hearty banana walnut loaf is a British tea-time classic.
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas
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75g chopped walnuts
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200g plain flour
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100g brown sugar
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2 eggs
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp cinnamon
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100ml vegetable oil
Instructions:
Mash the bananas and mix with eggs, sugar, and oil. Fold in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and walnuts. Pour into a loaf tin and bake at 180°C for 50–60 minutes.
4. Walnut-Crusted Salmon
Add a gourmet touch to your dinner with this easy walnut-crusted salmon recipe—perfect for a healthy yet indulgent main course.
Ingredients:
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2 salmon fillets
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50g chopped walnuts
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Mix mustard, lemon juice, and oil. Spread over the top of salmon fillets. Press chopped walnuts onto the mustard layer. Bake at 200°C for 12–15 minutes.
5. Sticky Walnut and Toffee Pudding
A warm, indulgent dessert with a delightful walnut crunch—ideal for Sunday dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
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150g chopped dates
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100g chopped walnuts
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100g brown sugar
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100g self-raising flour
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2 eggs
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100ml milk
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75g butter
Instructions:
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, flour, milk, dates, and walnuts. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 180°C for 30–35 minutes. Serve with toffee sauce or custard.
6. Walnut and Apple Slaw
A crunchy, refreshing side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.
Ingredients:
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2 apples (cored and thinly sliced)
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100g shredded red cabbage
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50g chopped walnuts
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2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
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1 tsp honey
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1 tsp lemon juice
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Toss the apples, cabbage, and walnuts in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk yoghurt, honey, and lemon juice. Combine, season, and chill before serving.
7. Walnut and Mushroom Stuffed Peppers
A vegetarian-friendly dish loaded with umami flavour and great for meal prepping.
Ingredients:
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4 bell peppers (halved and deseeded)
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150g mushrooms (chopped)
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100g cooked quinoa or rice
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50g chopped walnuts
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1 onion (diced)
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1 garlic clove
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Olive oil
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Herbs like thyme or parsley
Instructions:
Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil. Stir in cooked quinoa and walnuts. Season with herbs, salt, and pepper. Stuff the peppers and bake at 190°C for 25–30 minutes.
Why Use Walnuts in Cooking?
Walnuts are more than just a tasty addition—they’re also nutritionally rich. Just a handful provides healthy fats, protein, fibre, and key vitamins like magnesium and B6. Their rich, earthy flavour pairs beautifully with vegetables, grains, fruits, and dairy, making them a versatile kitchen staple.
Incorporating walnuts into your meals can support heart health, brain function, and even help manage cholesterol levels. Plus, they bring a satisfying crunch and natural depth to a wide range of recipes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing a hearty main dish, a wholesome snack, or a decadent dessert, walnuts can play a starring role in your kitchen. These seven recipes showcase the many ways this versatile nut can enhance your everyday meals. Easy to find in most UK supermarkets and packed with nutrition, walnuts deserve a regular spot in your shopping basket.
Try one—or all—of these recipes and enjoy the natural goodness and rich flavour that only walnuts can bring. Happy cooking!