Best Vegan Nut Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Nuts are more than just a crunchy snack—they’re a powerhouse of flavor, texture, and nutrition that can elevate any vegan dish. Whether you’re looking to pack your meals with protein, healthy fats, or simply want to add a delicious crunch, nuts provide endless possibilities in vegan cooking.

From creamy cashew sauces to spiced almond snacks and hearty walnut-based patties, these vegan nut recipes are designed to inspire and satisfy your taste buds.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegan nut recipes that are easy to prepare, nutrient-dense, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with plant-based meals, these recipes will help you incorporate nuts into your daily diet in exciting new ways.

Get ready to discover mouthwatering dishes that highlight the versatility of nuts in vegan cuisine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nuts are incredibly versatile and bring a satisfying crunch or creaminess to a variety of vegan dishes. They are naturally rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, making them perfect for a balanced plant-based diet.

These recipes are simple to make, use whole-food ingredients, and can be customized to your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty main dish, or a flavorful sauce, these nut-based vegan recipes have got you covered.

Plus, nuts are great for adding depth of flavor and texture without relying on processed ingredients, helping you prepare wholesome meals that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• Cashews – 2 cups, raw and unsalted (for creamy sauces and cheese alternatives)
• Almonds – 1 cup, raw or roasted (for snacks and crusts)
• Walnuts – 1 ½ cups, chopped (great for patties and fillings)
• Pecans – 1 cup, chopped (perfect for sweet and savory dishes)
• Sunflower seeds – ½ cup (optional, for added texture)
• Nutritional yeast – ¼ cup (to add cheesy flavor)
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh herbs – such as parsley, thyme, and basil
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Maple syrup – 1 tablespoon (for sweet nut snacks)
• Sea salt – to taste
• Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon (optional, for savory spice)
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Ground flaxseed – 2 tablespoons (as egg replacer in patties)
• Water – ¼ cup (for soaking cashews)

Equipment

• High-speed blender or food processor (essential for creamy nut sauces and chopping nuts)
• Baking sheet (for roasting nuts or baking patties)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for draining soaked nuts)
• Parchment paper (for lining baking sheets)
• Non-stick skillet (for pan-frying patties or toasting nuts)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cashew cream: Soak 2 cups of raw cashews in warm water for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. Drain and rinse before blending.
2. Make the cashew sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, ¼ cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, ¼ cup nutritional yeast, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust water to reach desired consistency. Set aside.
3. Roast the almonds and walnuts: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread almonds and walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
4. Prepare the walnut patties: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 minutes until gelled), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Form patties: Shape the walnut mixture into 6-8 patties. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until crisp and browned.
6. Make sweet spiced nut snack: Toss roasted almonds and pecans with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, a pinch of sea salt, and a dash of cinnamon (optional). Spread on parchment paper and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to caramelize.
7. Serve: Use cashew cream as a dip or sauce over your walnut patties, and enjoy spiced nuts as a delicious snack or salad topping.

Tips & Variations

Soaking nuts makes them easier to blend and improves digestibility.

Try swapping walnuts for pecans in the patties for a sweeter flavor profile. You can also incorporate sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

For a smoky twist, add smoked paprika to the walnut patties. If you want to make the cashew cream cheesier, increase the nutritional yeast or add a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Sweet nut snacks can be customized with your favorite spices like cardamom, ginger, or even chili powder for a spicy kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These walnut patties go beautifully with fresh green salads drizzled with the cashew cream sauce. You can also serve them on whole grain buns with lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a vegan burger alternative.

The sweet spiced nuts make a perfect topping for oatmeal, vegan yogurt bowls, or simply as a flavorful snack alongside your favorite Low Sodium Hummus Recipe.

For a full meal, pair these recipes with the creamy tang of my Magic Dough Recipe to create vegan flatbreads or wraps.

Conclusion

Incorporating nuts into your vegan cooking is a delicious way to boost nutrition and texture. These recipes showcase the wonderful versatility of nuts—from creamy cashew sauces to hearty walnut patties and sweet nut snacks.

Each dish is simple to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for everyday meals or special occasions.

With just a handful of staple nuts and a few pantry essentials, you can transform your plant-based diet into a flavorful adventure. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make each recipe your own.

For more creative vegan recipes, check out the Julie Marie Eats Recipes for inspiration that goes beyond nuts!

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