17 Ways to Use a Bag of Walnuts

From savory mains to sweet baked treats, walnuts add texture and richness to all kinds of recipes. This collection pulls together everything from cookies and muffins to pasta and chicken dishes—each one featuring the nutty crunch of walnuts in a different way. You’ll find both traditional favorites and bold, modern takes, plus a few unexpected pairings like coffee smoothies and beet roast. If you’ve got a bag of walnuts on hand, here’s how to use them well.

Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts

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This pasta salad combines hearty roasted squash, crisp broccoli, and crunchy walnuts in a tangy dressing. It’s colorful and loaded with texture in every bite. The pasta holds up well, making it easy to prep ahead. A smart mix of roasted and fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pasta Salad with Roasted Squash & Walnuts

Cardamom Maca Walnut Smoothie

A creamy blend of nuts, cardamom, and maca makes this smoothie earthy and warming. The walnuts add richness and balance the slight bitterness of maca. It’s smooth, spiced, and satisfying without being overly sweet. A unique choice for a blended drink.
Get the Recipe: Cardamom Maca Walnut Smoothie

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl. — Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender chunks of chicken are tossed with chewy cranberries and chopped walnuts in a creamy dressing. The flavors bounce between savory, tart, and nutty. Great in sandwiches or on greens. A reliable option for meal prep or lunch gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chinese Walnut Cookies Recipe: Old Fashioned Classic

A plate of nine freshly baked, round cookies topped with black sesame seeds, displayed on a speckled surface with a few walnuts nearby. — Chinese Walnut Cookies Recipe: Old Fashioned Classic. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These crumbly, golden cookies are a staple in Chinese baking, often made for festive occasions. The walnuts on top give a subtle crunch and nutty aroma. They’re not too sweet and pair nicely with tea. Easy to make in batches and store well.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Walnut Cookies Recipe: Old Fashioned Classic

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe: Soft And Nutty!

Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies with crunchy walnuts on a cooling rack. — Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe: Soft And Nutty!. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These cookies are soft in the middle with crisp edges and plenty of chocolate chunks. Walnuts give them bite and break up the sweetness. They’re simple but satisfying. A great batch-bake recipe for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe: Soft And Nutty!

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Sweet, crispy shrimp are coated in a creamy honey glaze and topped with candied walnuts. The texture combo of crunchy and sticky is a big part of its appeal. This version brings the popular takeout dish home. Serve it over rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Creamy Whipped Feta Dip with Garlic and Toasted Walnuts

A bowl of whipped feta dip garnished with chopped herbs and nuts, drizzled with olive oil, set on a rustic wooden surface with a patterned cloth nearby. — Creamy Whipped Feta Dip with Garlic and Toasted Walnuts. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Feta is whipped into a smooth, tangy dip and finished with garlic and crunchy walnuts. It spreads easily and works well with crackers, veggies, or warm bread. The walnuts add a welcome contrast to the creamy base. Great for entertaining or snacking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Whipped Feta Dip with Garlic and Toasted Walnuts

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread

A loaf of bread is sitting on a piece of paper. — Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This rustic loaf is filled with tart cranberries, rich dark chocolate, and crunchy walnuts. It bakes in a Dutch oven for a crusty exterior and tender center. A hint of cinnamon rounds out the flavor. Slice and toast for an extra treat.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bread

Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

This plant-based loaf uses grated beets and chopped walnuts for a hearty texture and earthy flavor. It holds its shape well and slices cleanly. Serve with gravy or mustard for a main dish. A colorful centerpiece for meatless meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast Recipe

Honey Walnut Shrimp

This version of the dish features crispy shrimp coated in a sweet honey glaze and topped with toasted walnuts. The flavors are bold and the shrimp stay juicy. Often made in the air fryer for convenience. A favorite for dinners with flair.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

A creamy walnut sauce coats pasta in this simple but rich recipe. The nuts are blended with olive oil, garlic, and herbs into a smooth, savory mix. Serve with short pasta for best coverage. It’s comforting and quick.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Maple Syrup Walnut Muffins

Muffins in a pan with icing and walnuts. — Maple Syrup Walnut Muffins. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These tender muffins are sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a walnut streusel. The nuts toast while baking, adding crunch to each bite. A drizzle of icing finishes them off. Great for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Maple Syrup Walnut Muffins

Pomegranate chicken with walnuts

Chicken simmers in a sauce of pomegranate molasses and crushed walnuts, inspired by Persian fesenjan. The result is tangy, rich, and slightly sweet. It’s festive enough for holidays but easy enough for weeknights. Serve with rice to soak up the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate chicken with walnuts

Spiced Walnuts

These walnuts are tossed with savory spices and roasted until crisp. They’re great as a snack or tossed into salads and grain bowls. The seasoning can be adjusted from mild to bold. Store in jars for easy grab-and-go.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Walnuts

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

A glass bowl filled with pasta salad containing spiral noodles, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell peppers, and herbs, with a wooden serving spoon. — Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: Parsley & Parm.

Walnuts replace pine nuts in this bold pesto that coats pasta and roasted vegetables. The result is earthy, colorful, and full of flavor. You can serve it warm or chilled. A hearty option for potlucks or prep-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Zucchini & Walnut Muffins

Grated zucchini keeps these muffins moist, while walnuts add texture. Lightly sweet with a hint of spice, they’re good for breakfast or snacking. They bake up with golden tops and soft centers. Freezer-friendly and easy to batch.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Walnut Muffins

Coffee Banana Smoothie Recipe With Walnuts (Vegan)

Coffee banana smoothie in two different glasses. — Coffee Banana Smoothie Recipe With Walnuts (Vegan). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Banana, cold brew, and walnuts blend into a thick and energizing smoothie. It’s creamy without needing dairy and naturally sweet from the banana. The walnuts round it out with richness. A satisfying drink for mornings on the go.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Banana Smoothie Recipe With Walnuts (Vegan)