Looking for brunch inspiration?
Whether you’re planning a slow weekend spread or a simple midweek pick-me-up, walnuts bring texture, flavour and fibre to your favourite sweet and savoury dishes – adding satisfying crunch and natural goodness to every bite.
From smoothie bowls and pancakes to savoury bagels, just a handful of walnuts can elevate your brunch with flavour and nutrition.
Why add walnuts to your brunch?
- They’re the only tree nut with significant plant-based omega-3 ALA providing 2.7g per handful (30g) – essential for heart and brain health[1]
- Each handful provides 4.4g protein and 1.4g fibre[2], helping you feel fuller for longer and maintain steady energy throughout the morning
- Plus, walnuts contain polyphenols[3] that combat oxidative stress and support overall cellular health – a simple addition that works hard behind the scenes.
California Walnuts are incredibly versatile! Their naturally rich, creamy flavour pairs beautifully with both fresh fruit and savoury ingredients… and a daily handful (around 12-14 halves) is all you need to enjoy the benefits.
When shopping, look for California or produce of USA on pack to guarantee quality and flavour… and keep your walnuts in the fridge or freezer to maximise freshness.
Ready to upgrade your brunch? Explore our favourite California Walnut recipes below and find your new go-to!
Bean and Walnuts on Toast
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red onion chopped
- 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 50 g California Walnuts chopped
- 400 g can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ 25g pack basil shredded
- 4 slices seeded wholemeal bread toasted
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion for 4-5 minutes, add the tomatoes, Walnuts and beans and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and most of the basil, season to taste.
- Spoon over the toast and scatter with the remaining basil and some chopped Walnuts.
Cooks tip
- Try adding some pan fried diced pancetta to the tomato mix for extra flavour, or swap the cannellini beans for chick peas.
Nutrition
Paprika & California Walnut Scrambled Egg Bagel
Ingredients
- 1 bagel halved
- 75 g baby spinach
- ½ tbsp oil
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 25 g California Walnut Pieces chopped
- 2 medium eggs beaten
- 1 tbsp milk
- Sprinkle of chopped chives to serve
Instructions
- Toast the bagel and set on a plate.
- Meanwhile, place the spinach in a microwaveable bowl, cover with cling film and microwave on high for 1 minute or until just wilted.
- Heat the oil, paprika and walnuts in a small saucepan until it just starts to sizzle, remove and set aside. Beat the eggs and milk together and season. Add the eggs to the pan and stir gently to scramble.
- Place the spinach on top of the bagel and top with the eggs. Serve sprinkled with the reserved walnuts and chives.
Nutrition
Notes
California Walnut Crusted French Toast with Berries
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 thick slices white bread
- 50 g California Walnut Pieces chopped + extra to serve
- 1 tbsp oil
- Knob butter
- To serve: Fresh strawberries blueberries and raspberries
Instructions
- Mix together the eggs, milk and honey in a shallow dish, add the bread slices and soak on both sides until most of the egg mixture has been absorbed.
- Sprinkle the walnuts over 1 side of each slice and press in.
- Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan and fry the bread gently, walnut crusted side down first, for 2 minutes each side or until golden.
- Halve each slice and serve drizzled with honey (optional), extra walnuts and fresh berries.
Cooks tip:
- For a savoury option, remove the honey and replace it with a pinch of dried mixed herbs and serve with grilled bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes.
Video
Nutrition
Notes
Walnut Breakfast Hash
Ingredients
- 500 g potatoes diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion chopped (180g)
- 150 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 100 g California Walnuts
- ½ x 25g pack parsley chopped
- 200 g spinach
- 2 medium eggs
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until just tender, drain and allow to steam dry.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the potatoes for 5 minutes, add the onion and fry for a further 5 minutes until golden. Stir in the tomatoes, walnuts and parsley and cook for a further 3-4 minutes.
- Place the spinach in a large bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until just wilted, add to the pan and season with black pepper.
- Poach the eggs in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and serve on top of the hash.
Nutrition
Walnut, Berry and Beetroot Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 125 g cooked beetroot
- 140 g frozen mixed berries
- 2 tbsp oats
- 1 thumb sized piece of stem ginger
- 400 ml of homemade California walnut milk or other nut milk
- A handful of blueberries
- 2 handfuls of California walnuts
- A couple of sprigs of mint
Instructions
- Place the beetroot, frozen berries, oats and stem ginger into a blender.
- Pour over the milk and whizz until smooth.
- Pour the smoothie into 2 bowls and arrange the blueberries, walnuts and mint leaves on top in an attractive pattern to serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Walnut, Banana & Carrot Pancakes
Ingredients
- 100 g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 200 ml milk
- 1 small carrot grated
- 1 ripe banana mashed
- 75 g California Walnuts chopped
- 2 tbsp oil
To serve: sliced strawberries, bananas and 4 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Place the flour and baking powder in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Add in the egg and whisk gently to combine, gradually adding the milk to give a batter. Mix in the carrot, banana and half the walnuts.
- Heat a little oil in a large non-stick frying pan and add ¼ of the batter, swirling around to give a pancake approx. 18cm in diameter, cook for 1-2 minutes each side, repeat to make 4 pancakes.
- Serve filled with sliced strawberries, banana, the remaining walnuts and drizzle over the maple syrup.
Cooks tip
- Make smaller pancakes and then serve 3 per person in a stack scattered with fruit, walnuts and maple syrup.
Nutrition
Notes
[1] Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P, Ros E. Impact of alpha-linolenic acid, the vegetable omega-3 fatty acid, on cardiovascular disease and cognition [published ahead of print February 16, 2022]. Advances in Nutrition. doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac016.
[2] Food Standards Agency (2002), McCance & Widdowson’s The Composition of Foods, Seventh summary edition. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry
[3] Poulose SM, Miller MG, Shukitt-Hale B. Role of walnuts in maintaining brain health with age. J Nutr. 2014 Apr;144(4 Suppl):561S-566S. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.184838





