Our Favorite California Walnut Recipes
We’re sharing some of the very best California Walnut recipes. Prepare to be obsessed.
When were walnuts first planted in California?
California Walnuts were first planted by the Franciscan Fathers in the late 1700s. The trees flourished in Southern California’s balmy climate, and by the 1870s, walnut orchards dotted the outskirts of Santa Barbara.
Where are walnuts grown in California?
Over the next seventy years, as Southern California cities grew, walnut production shifted north. Today, California’s Central Valley is now home to over 4000 walnut orchards, mainly small family farms that have been in the business for generations. These hard-working farmers are responsible for 99% of all walnuts grown in the US!
When are walnuts in season in California?
In California, walnuts are harvested from September through November, but walnuts are considered a year-round crop in the Golden State due to their long shelf life.
What are the best walnut recipes?
Walnuts are an incredibly versatile food. Their mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile make them a welcome addition to almost any recipe. Check out some of our favorite ways to use them!
Stunning Salads Starring California Walnuts
Kale Salad with Red Grapes, Walnuts & Feta
You’ve probably heard that kale is a superfood – but did you know that walnuts also share that honor? They’re rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and one of the highest sources of antioxidants! All the more reasons to try this incredible kale salad from This Mess is Ours.
Citrus Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette
Salads are aften thought of as a side dish, but this Citrus Salad with Walnut Vinagrette tends to steal the spotlight.
Fall Harvest Salad
Yes, it tastes as good as it looks. This Fall Harvest Salad from The Delicious Life is almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Baking with California Walnuts
Apple Fig and Walnut Crisp
Walnuts add a rustic feel and a satisfying crunch to this Apple Fig & Walnut Crisp from our friend Becky Sue at Baking the Goods.
Berry Fig Tart
In case you haven’t noticed, we’re big fans of a berry + walnut moment.
Warning: once you try this walnut-studded crust, you might be giving your basic pie base recipe the boot.
Oatmeal Cookie with Figs & Walnuts
Brace yourselves. Our Oatmeal Cookie with Figs & Walnuts is the best cookie recipe. Like, ever (sorry, grandma).
Dark Chocolate Tart with Walnut Crust
This Dark Chocolate Tart with Walnut Crust from G-Free Foodie is piled high with fresh berries, adding a touch of tart and sweet to the divinely rich filling. Guests will never believe it’s a grain-free + Paleo-Friendly dessert!
Spiced Pear and Walnut Dutch Baby
Ever tried a Dutch baby? This dreamy dish is part pancake, part popover and entirely delicious. We’re particularly fond of this Spiced Pear and Walnut version from Baking the Goods.
Olive Oil & Walnut Brownies
Heart-healthy brownies? Say less.
Banana and Toasted Walnut Muffins
Breakfast or dessert? You decide. We’re obsessed with these Banana and Toasted Walnut Muffins from A Girl Defloured.
Plum, Walnut and Lavender Cake
Obsessed with Olive Oil Cakes? Same. This Plum, Walnut and Lavender Cake from Waves in the Kitchen is a fun riff on the trend.
Walnut Maple Blondies
Looking for a dessert that everyone can enjoy? These Walnut Maple Blondies from G-Free Foodie are gluten-free…and vegan!
Healthy(ish) snacks made with California Walnuts
Baked Cheese with Medjool Dates, Walnuts & Sage
Baked cheese? Yes, please! This Medjool Date, Walnut, & Sage Baked Cheese is our go-to appetizer (and sometimes serves as dinner on Wine Wednesdays…shhhhhh).
Fiery Candied Walnuts
We can’t stop munching on these delightfully spicy Fiery Candied Walnuts! They’re a super snack, delicious in salads, and perfect on top of ice cream or yogurt.
Creamy Roasted Walnut Tahini Dip
Sure, hummus is delicious, but have you tried Walnut Tahini Dip? We have this healthy snack from Displaced Housewife on repeat.
Cinnamon Walnut Date Shake Smoothie
It’s a date! Homemade walnut milk is the perfect base for Salt & Wind‘s healthy take on this iconic California dessert – the date shake.
Blueberry Brie Walnut Toast
This Blueberry Brie Walnut Toast recipe from Baking the Goods checks all the right boxes. Sweet blueberries, creamy brie and crunchy California walnuts – what more could you ask for?
Delicious dinners made with California Walnuts
Walnut-Crusted Chicken Fingers
Craving chicken strips? Skip the drive-thru and whip up this healthier version from our friends at California Walnuts.
Kale and Walnut Pesto
Pesto chango! Swap your usual basil and pine nut version for this gorgeous Kale and Walnut Pesto from This Mess is Ours.
Walnut Taco Filling
Add some fresh flavors to your Taco Tuesday menu. Vegetarian-friendly Walnut Taco Filling is a lighter alternative to the traditional trappings.
We hope you’ve found a few new ways to enjoy California Grown walnuts! Have a favorite walnut recipe? Snap a pic and share on social using #CAGROWN!
Love geeking out on farming facts? Same. Learn more about how walnuts are grown and harvested!