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California Walnut Meatless Meatballs

Description

You won’t miss the beef in this healthier version of the classic Italian favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • California Walnut Pesto or Muhammara Sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Transfer to a food processor with walnuts, rice, roasted red peppers, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, and egg. Pulse until combined, but not mushy.
  4. Form into 8 equal balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Cook for 12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Serve with California Walnut Pesto or Muhammara Sauce.

California Walnut Steak House Burger Patty

Description

These beefy tasting burgers get their flavor from a steak house seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups California walnuts
  • 3/4 cup red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup cooked red lentils
  • 6 tablespoons caramelized onions, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons steak house seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • Optional: add 1 egg and ¼ cup of panko for firmer texture
  • Additional oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Place walnuts in a food processor and pulse to coarsely chop. Add kidney beans and lentils and pulse to combine.
  2. Add caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, steak house seasoning, olive oil and salt and pulse to blend but not mushy. Form into 4 large patties.
  3. Heat grill or flat top. Brush patties with olive oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side or nicely seared.

California Walnut Larb Lettuce Wraps

Description

This vegetarian version of the traditional Lao salad is made with walnut meat. Served in lettuce with vegetables and a dipping sauce, it makes a light and fresh dish. Recipe by Chef Ann Kim.

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (or vegetarian substitute)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 Thai chili, thinly sliced

Larb:

  • 2 1/2 cups California walnuts
  • 1 (15.5-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped shallots
  • 1/4 cup grapeseed or canola oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
  • 4 teaspoons fish sauce (or vegetarian substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1 to 2 Thai chilis, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 16 iceberg lettuce leaves or other leafy lettuce
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • Mint and cilantro leaves and tender stems
  • 8 lime wedges

Instructions

  1. To prepare dipping sauce, stir together all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. To prepare larb, place walnuts and chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped
  3. Add shallots, 2 tablespoons oil, lemongrass, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, lime leaves, and chilis. Pulse until mixture is finely chopped and resembles ground pork, stirring and moving the mixture around the food processor to ensure an even mix.
  4. Heat remaining oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add “larb” mixture and saute for 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture is nicely browned. Remove from heat and stir in scallions.
  5. Place lettuce leaves, radishes, cucumbers, herbs, and dipping sauce on a large platter and spoon “larb” into a serving bowl. Spoon “larb” into lettuce leaves and top with desired vegetables. Serve with lime wedges.

Orecchiette with Walnut Sausage and Broccoli Ragu

Description

This delicious pasta is flavored with walnut sausage, walnut ricotta, and walnut parmesan.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 3 minutes.
  2. Add blanched broccoli, stock, pasta water and pasta and cook on high for 2 minutes or until sauce had reduced and pasta is glazed. Stir in walnut sausage.
  3. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with walnut ricotta, walnut Parmesan, lemon zest and red pepper flakes.

Cottage Cheese-Walnut Caprese Toast

Description

The classic Caprese salad was the inspiration for this perfect mid-day snack or go-to weekday meal when you’re short on time. Crunchy, toasted bread is topped with cottage cheese, tomatoes, toasted walnuts, fresh basil and finished with a drizzle of balsamic syrup. Recipe by Beth Stark, RDN, LDN.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 4 slices whole-grain bread, toasted
  • 1 1/3 cups low fat 2% cottage cheese
  • 1 cup multi-colored cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange walnuts evenly on a small baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, checking frequently, until toasted.
  2. Spread cottage cheese evenly over each slice of toasted bread. Layer with tomatoes, toasted walnuts, fresh basil, black pepper and a drizzle of balsamic syrup.

Creamy Egg Cups

Description

These light, creamy and nutty egg cups are flavored with vegetables and bacon bits. Since they can be prepared ahead, they’re an easy start to your day.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup liquid egg whites
  • 3/4 cup lowfat cottage cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/3 cup California walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced or chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup real bacon bits
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and place a shallow rectangular baking dish 3/4 full with hot water in preheating oven. Coat 6 small canning jars liberally with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Puree egg whites, cottage cheese, Cheddar, flour and garlic salt in a small blender. Stir in walnuts, bell pepper, green onion and
    bacon bits, then spoon equal amounts into prepared jars.
  3. Place jars in water and cook for 30 minutes or until eggs are set in the center. Serve immediately or let cool and remove from jars.
    Eggs may be prepared several days ahead and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Warm Cauliflower Tuna and Walnut Pasta

Description

This fresh, lemony whole grain pasta dish is loaded with protein and roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound bite-size cauliflower (1/2 medium head)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup julienne slices red onion
  • 2 teaspoons dried tarragon
  • 3/4 cup California walnuts, coarsely broken
  • 4 oz. whole grain pasta
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons drained capers
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups lightly packed baby arugula
  • 2 (4.5-oz.) cans StarKist Selects Solid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss cauliflower with olive oil and place on a foil- lined baking sheet; roast for 10 minutes. Stir in onion and tarragon and roast for 5 minutes more. Stir in walnuts and roast for 5 minutes more or until cauliflower is lightly browned and walnuts are toasted.
  2. While vegetables are roasting, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well, then place back in pan. Stir in lemon juice, capers, garlic salt and pepper. Add arugula and tuna and toss lightly to mix.
  3. Transfer to 6 bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Walnut Chocolate Bliss Balls

Description

The name doesn’t lie: this recipe is pure bliss. The coc and coconut flavors with an added walnut crunch are the dessert you’ve been missing. And for an extra bonus: they don’t even require baking!

Ingredients

  • 2 cup California walnuts
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 10 pitted Medjool dates
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes and unsweetened cocoa powder (optional coating)

Instructions

  1. Place walnuts in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add coconut, cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla and dates; pulse again until mixture forms a thick paste. (Don’t process too long or mixture will become too sticky.)
  3. Roll into 16 equal balls, then roll in additional coconut or cocoa powder if desired. Store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

Teriyaki Pork & Walnut Zucchini Noodle Bowl

Description

This lighter take on a teriyaki noodle bowl is a quick and easy crowd-pleasing meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring thinly sliced strips of pork tenderloin, bell peppers, matchstick carrots, spiral zucchini noodles and walnuts all tossed in a simple teriyaki sauce. Recipe by Beth Stark, RDN, LDN.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced and divided
  • 1-pound lean pork tenderloin, trimmed of visible fat and cut into ½-1-inch thick strips
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1-1/4 cups shredded or matchstick-cut carrots (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1-pound prepared zucchini noodles
  • 1/4 cup lower sodium teriyaki sauce with 1 tablespoon water mixed in
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion tops

Instructions

  1. Heat 1-1/2 teaspoons sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of the minced garlic cloves and half of the pork; cook and stir 5 minutes, or until browned and 145°F. Set aside. Repeat with 1-1/2 teaspoons sesame oil, remaining half of minced garlic cloves and pork; set aside.
  2. To the same skillet, over medium-high heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil, bell pepper, carrots and walnuts; cook and stir until vegetables are tender; about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low; add zucchini noodles, pork and combined teriyaki sauce and water to the skillet; use tongs to coat mixture evenly with sauce; cook 5 minutes until heated through. Garnish with green onions and serve.

Greek Cucumber Walnut Bites

Description

Great as an afternoon snack or appetizer, these crisp cucumber cups are filled with roasted red pepper hummus and topped with tomatoes, crumbled feta and chopped walnuts for added crunch. Recipe by Beth Stark, RDN, LDN.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (8 tablespoons)
  • 1 English cucumber, ends trimmed (about 14 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup roasted red pepper hummus
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese
  • 5 cherry tomatoes, quartered

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange walnuts evenly on a small baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes, checking frequently, until toasted.
  2. Slice cucumber crosswise into 18, ~3/4-inch thick slices. Using a small spoon, gently scoop out and discard the center of each cucumber slice, leaving bottom and sides intact.
  3. In a small bowl, stir 6 tablespoons chopped walnuts and hummus. Spoon walnut-hummus mixture into each cucumber slice and top with 2 reserved tablespoons of chopped walnuts, feta cheese and quartered tomatoes.