12 Plant-Based Recipes with Walnut ‘Meat’

Walnut ‘meat’ may not be one of the first meat alternatives that come to mind, but it’s a very delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make substitute. When seasoned and cooked correctly, walnut ‘meat’ can be very similar to ground beef in appearance, texture, and even taste. Here are 12 recipes that will make you a believer!

1. Soft Tacos With Walnut Meat

Source: Soft Tacos With Walnut Meat

You have to try these Soft Tacos With Walnut Meat by Sarah and Peter Hagstrom. You won’t be disappointed!

2. Cauliflower Walnut Taco Meat Quesadillas

Source: Cauliflower Walnut Taco Meat Quesadillas

These Cauliflower Walnut Taco Meat Quesadillas by Tara Binder are so, so, so delicious and the recipe makes a bunch that you can pop in the fridge for meals all week long. The leftovers are even tastier (if that’s possible) so if you’re looking for a dish to make ahead, this is it.

3. Walnut and Mushroom Meatball Sub

Source: Walnut and Mushroom Meatball Sub

Craving a meatball sandwich will all of the flavor and none of the meat? This is your recipe – it’s savory, slightly sweet from the red sauce, and gets texture and freshness from the walnuts and kale. Plus, this Walnut and Mushroom Meatball Sub by Gabrielle St. Claire is affordable and effortless.

4. Lentil, Walnut, and Millet Meatballs

Source: Lentil, Walnut, and Millet Meatballs

If you’ve ever had meatballs made from seitan, textured vegetable protein, or even tofu, you know that it’s possible to make delicious meatless meatballs. But did you know, you can make meaty and hearty meatballs from legumes, grains, and nuts? It’s true! In this recipe, lentils, millet, and walnuts are combined with onions, tomato paste, spices, and herbs, and then baked until brown and crispy. Toss these Lentil, Walnut, and Millet Meatballs by Molly Patrick on a blanket of spinach leaves and brown rice pasta, add some cashew cheese if your heart desires it, and dig in.

5. Homestyle ‘Meaty’ Tomato Sauce With Lentils and Walnuts

Source: Homestyle ‘Meaty’ Tomato Sauce With Lentils and Walnuts

This sauce is a universal crowd-pleaser, with few ingredients (and easy-to-find ones at that), you simply set it on the stove and let it simmer away until serving. Earthy and hearty this is a go-to sauce for spaghetti, as a filling for vegan lasagna, or spooned over steamed veggies. The walnuts give a significant boost of healthy fats, oils, and protein while lending a “meatiness” and flavor that is unsurpassed. This Homestyle ‘Meaty’ Tomato Sauce With Lentils and Walnuts by Renee Press makes quite a large batch, so feel free to half it or freeze some for a later date.

6. Loaded Nachos With Lentil Walnut ‘Meat’ and Cheesy Sauce

Source: Loaded Nachos With Lentil Walnut ‘Meat’ and Cheesy Sauce

These Loaded Nachos With Lentil Walnut ‘Meat’ and Cheesy Sauce by The Surznick Common Room are perfect for a game day afternoon, a loungy Friday night movie marathon, or even a weeknight dinner. The combination of crunchy tortilla chips, lentil-walnut taco meat, and melty cheese sauce will leave you obsessed! You can use as many or as few add-ons as you want and it’ll be a vegan nacho party for your taste buds!

7. Jamaican Jerk Walnut Tacos

Source: Jamaican Jerk Walnut Tacos

If you love the flavors of Jamaican Jerk, then you’ll surely love these delicious vegan Jamaican Jerk Walnut Tacos by Shanika Graham-White, made with a flavorful walnut mixture, homemade jerk seasoning, roasted veggies, pineapple chunks, and an easy lime sauce. These little tacos have so much flavor and are a great meatless alternative for lunch or dinner.

8. Black Bean and Walnut Tacos to Share

Source: Black Bean and Walnut Tacos to Share

Taco night with friends is the best, am I right? These Black Bean and Walnut Tacos to Share by Andrea Soranidis are loaded with flavor because meat-free doesn’t mean bland! Combine pantry staples such as nutrient-rich black beans, walnuts, and spices, and in less than twenty minutes you’ll have a meat-free filling that you can use for anything from stuffing tacos to quesadillas, or you can just serve it in a bowl with plenty of veggies.

Reprinted with permission from The Vegan Bean Cookbook by Andrea Soranidis, Page Street Publishing Co. 2021. Photo credit: Andrea Soranidis

9. Black Bean, Quinoa, and Walnut Loaf

Source: Black Bean, Quinoa, and Walnut Loaf

This delicious veggie loaf won’t fall apart on you. It holds together really well, just like a classic meatloaf. This loaf hits all the high notes for nutrition. It’s made with black beans, quinoa, black rice, chia seeds, rolled oats, and walnuts. It’s also made with mushrooms, but you don’t really taste the mushrooms in the loaf, instead, they are in there to add depth and a savory taste. You can also substitute the mushrooms with zucchini. This Black Bean, Quinoa, and Walnut Loaf by Julie Zimmer can be served as a main course or a side dish. It tastes great as is or with mushroom gravy.

10. Raw Walnut Pate

Source: Raw Walnut Pate

Normally paté is made with ground meat and fat, mixed with herbs, spices, and even veggies to make a tasty spreadable paste; sometimes cooked, sometimes chilled. In the case of this Raw Walnut Pate by Nikki Stokes, it uses nuts and vegetables as the “meaty” base, along with herbs and spices for extra flavor. Put it on bread or crackers for a delicious snack! It has a reasonable tang from the raw onion. So if you’re not a big fan of the taste of raw onion, take it slowly. Or put less onion in. If you’re looking for other ways to use it up (because the recipe does make quite a bit), you can chuck it in a wrap with your favorite salad greens and fresh veggies for a quick and tasty snack. Or use it to make vegan dim-sims!

11. Adzuki Bean and Walnut Mini Burgers

Source: Adzuki Bean and Walnut Mini Burgers

How many good things can we say about these burgers? They’re made from adzuki and walnut and flavored with kombu seaweed, so they have a unique flavor with a meaty texture. They’re mini, so they’re perfect for serving at parties, but they can easily be made big for dinner with family and friends. Serve these Adzuki Bean and Walnut Mini Burgers by Simona Malerba on toasted buns with avocado, greens, tomato, and plenty of sauce of your choice.

12. Savory Walnut and Mushroom Bolognese

Source: Savory Walnut and Mushroom Bolognese

This Savory Walnut and Mushroom Bolognese by Lisa Andersson and Erik Huss is a quick, easy dish that cooks in just 30 minutes. Mushrooms stand for the richness and are backed by the flavor of toasted walnut, which brings a familiar texture to this classic dish. Serve over a bed of your favorite spaghetti with a generous amount of vegan Parmesan.

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