While we love California walnuts on their own, they’re also a perfect partner for an array of other whole foods. With summer right around the corner, some of our favorite ingredients are coming into season. Brighten up your warm-weather menu with these walnut inspired pairings:
- Peaches – Sweet, ripe peaches and crunchy walnuts are a dazzling team. Our Ricotta-Walnut-Peach Bruschetta and Grilled Mahi Mahi with Walnut and Peach Relish are sure to impress your guests with their vivid, sunny flavors.
- Basil – This leafy, fragrant herb only grows in the summertime, and it contributes a lively, distinctive pop to savory dishes. Roasted seasonal veggies get an upgrade in our Roasted Vegetables with Basil, Walnuts, and Balsamic Vinaigrette, while our Chilled Zucchini Walnut and Basil Soup is a welcoming and tasty palate-refresher.
- Soft Shell Lobster – Lobster fans on the East Coast eagerly await summer, when their favorite crustacean is available in delicious soft-shell form. Tart green apples and fresh mint paired with walnuts and chilled soft-shell lobster create this pretty and exotic Thai Lobster Waldorf Salad, guaranteed to please at a warm weather outdoor brunch.
- Spinach – Cool salads are always a hit on hot days. Partner nutrient-packed spinach and sweet, juicy strawberries for a colorful, revitalizing entrée salad perfect for summer barbecues and al fresco evening parties: Strawberry, Walnut, and Feta Spinach Salad
- Sweet Corn – Sure you can grill sweet corn. But what about teaming it up with edamame beans and diced red bell pepper for a perky, light side dish: http://www.walnuts.org/cooking-with-walnuts/recipes/summer-corn-and-edamame-salad-with-walnut-miso-dressing/; or incorporate its enticing, summery personality in a creamy risotto, dotted with toasted walnuts: Sweet Corn and Toasted Walnut Risotto.
