Seven Ways to use California Walnuts in Kitchen

Grabbing a handful of walnuts is a heart-healthy way to indulge in nutritional benefits without the guilt. After all, just 28g of walnuts provide 2.5 grams of plant-based omega-3 ALA, 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of dietary fiber. In addition to being a nutrient-dense food, walnuts are incredibly versatile with a flavour profile that pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonal foods; they can be included in meals any time of the year. From savory appetizers to hearty entrées and desserts walnuts add flavor, crunch and depth to every course.  Here are seven easy ways to incorporate these healthy delights in your daily diet and reap their countless health benefits. 

• Chopped Walnut Coating: This is one of the easy and convenient ways to add walnuts in your diet. All you have to do is skip the breadcrumbs and use California walnuts instead. You can use finely chopped walnuts for coating the vegetable cutlet,  fish or poultry to add a welcoming crunch to it
• Walnut Aioli: Adding chopped walnuts to aioli gives the spread great texture and crunch. Use it on wraps and sandwiches, or as a dip with roasted or grilled vegetables.
• Salsa Verde with Walnuts: Toasted walnuts contribute an earthy flavour to bright, zesty sauces such as Italian salsa verde. Enjoy on everything from nachos to quesadillas or crispy-roasted salmon.
• Walnut Butter: Walnut butter is easy to make and offers a variety of convenient applications. Spread on crostini and garnish with a slice of fruit or fresh herbs, or use it as a dip for crisp veggies.
• Walnut Pesto: Combine walnuts, basil, olive oil and garlic for a delicious take on pesto as a perfect addition to pizza, pasta and sandwiches.
• Sauce Thickener: Grind walnuts into meal and use it as a creamy and wholesome thickener for sauces. Their polyunsaturated fats contribute to a rich and smooth mouth feel making them an ideal choice to thicken a stew, sauce or gravy. 
• Meat Substitute: Meatless meat trend is spreading fast and far. To replicate the texture and taste of meat in your food, pulse walnuts and either mushrooms, cauliflower or beans through a food processor with the desired seasoning and use as a replacement in scrambles, tacos or pasta sauces

So, add a unique spin of California walnuts in your meals with these easy tips and tricks that may help not only elevate the flavour and texture but also nutrition value of your meals and boost overall health.