Spring is the perfect time of year to eat more plant-forward foods. Plant-forward eating isn’t about excluding food groups, but instead finding ways to enjoy more plants on your plate with wholesome meals. Even if you eat and enjoy meat you can find ways to add more plants to the meals you already enjoy. For example, sprinkle walnuts on your morning oatmeal and lunchtime salad, or use them as a tasty coating for salmon or chicken. You can even swap walnuts mixed with mushrooms or legumes and spices for ground meat in numerous dishes since their textures are similar.
Incorporating wholesome plant-forward foods into your meals and snacks is easy with these bright and peppy spring recipes!
Springtime Recipes
This five-star recipe can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a main dish at dinner. Creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a flaky crust meld together for the perfect bite. In fact, why not incorporate this Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Walnut Tart recipe into your springtime holiday brunches?
No time? No problem. This Walnut, Quinoa, and Ranch Chicken Salad can be stirred together quickly—in about five minutes—making meal prep a breeze. Quinoa, chicken breast, and toasted walnuts make this salad delightfully textured, while light ranch dip gives it the perfect zing.
Sichuan Green Beans with Walnuts are a fresh take on a classic side dish. They’re loaded with spice, featuring chili garlic sauce, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. The addition of walnuts in this dish adds a toasty flavor and crunchy texture. Plus, it comes together in less than 30 minutes.
A new twist on a classic recipe, California Walnut and Kale Rollatini features walnut “meat” and walnut ricotta for a plant-forward version. This five-star recipe will become a family favorite for cozy nights when you’re craving comfort food.
Walnut and Honey Olive Oil Cake with Candied Citrus is a delicious light and airy dessert to make this spring. Fresh citrus and toasty walnuts balance the flavors nicely. This cake is ideal for brunch or after dinner.
Need more springtime meal inspiration? Check out these additional recipes to find fresh ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
Why Walnuts?
In addition to being versatile and delicious, walnuts are a powerhouse of important nutrients and have been researched for their potential role in a variety of health outcomes. They are also the only nut that is an excellent source of omega-3 ALA (2.5g/oz). ALA is the only essential omega-3, which is critical to various body processes. Learn more about the benefits of plant-based omega-3 ALA.
Proper storage will keep your walnuts crunchy and fresh tasting. Do this by keeping your California walnuts cold. Pro tip: store them in the cheese drawer of your refrigerator.