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Shelled walnuts can be used in so many ways that you’ll never get bored of them.
Whether you bought a big bag for a recipe and now have leftovers, or you just love having shelled walnuts in your pantry, there’s plenty you can do with them.
From baking to snacking to even beauty uses, shelled walnuts are one of the most versatile nuts you can keep on hand.
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with shelled walnuts, how to store them properly, and some creative ideas that go beyond just eating them plain.
Let’s dive in.
What to Do With Shelled Walnuts: Tasty Ways to Use Them
Shelled walnuts are incredibly flexible, and here are some of the best ways to put them to good use:
1. Bake Them Into Breads and Desserts
One of the most popular things to do with shelled walnuts is bake with them.
You can toss shelled walnuts into banana bread, brownies, cookies, or muffins for a satisfying crunch.
They also work beautifully in carrot cake, coffee cakes, and even pie crusts.
Simply chop your shelled walnuts into smaller pieces and fold them into the batter before baking.
The heat brings out their natural oils, making them taste even richer.
2. Add Them to Salads for Crunch
If you’re wondering what to do with shelled walnuts in the kitchen, try sprinkling them over salads.
Toasted shelled walnuts pair wonderfully with spinach, goat cheese, and dried cranberries.
They also add a nice texture to chicken salad or a simple garden salad.
Just roughly chop the shelled walnuts and toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes to deepen their flavor.
3. Make Homemade Walnut Butter
Another great use for shelled walnuts is making your own walnut butter.
All you need is a food processor and a little patience.
Blend the shelled walnuts until they break down into a creamy, smooth paste.
You can add a pinch of salt, a drizzle of honey, or a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor.
This is a fantastic alternative to peanut butter and works great on toast or in smoothies.
4. Use Them as a Coating for Fish or Chicken
Crushed shelled walnuts make an excellent coating for baked fish or chicken.
Finely chop or pulse the shelled walnuts in a blender, then mix with breadcrumbs and your favorite seasonings.
Press the mixture onto your protein and bake until golden.
The shelled walnuts create a crispy, flavorful crust that’s way more interesting than plain breadcrumbs.
5. Snack on Them Raw or Roasted
Sometimes the simplest answer to what to do with shelled walnuts is just to eat them.
Raw shelled walnuts are a healthy, satisfying snack on their own.
But if you want more flavor, roast them in the oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes.
You can also toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and rosemary before roasting for a savory treat.
Creative and Non-Food Uses for Shelled Walnuts
Shelled walnuts aren’t just for eating, and here are some clever non-food ways to use them:
1. Natural Body Scrub
Ground shelled walnuts can be mixed with honey or coconut oil to create a gentle exfoliating body scrub.
The tiny pieces of shelled walnuts help slough off dead skin cells while the oil moisturizes.
Just be gentle, since walnut pieces can be a bit abrasive if you press too hard.
2. Craft Projects With Kids
If you have little ones, shelled walnuts are great for crafting.
You can use the empty shells or even whole shelled walnuts to make tiny walnut boats, ornaments, or nature collages.
It’s a fun way to repurpose shelled walnuts you don’t plan to eat.
3. Natural Dye for Fabrics
The shells of walnuts have been used for centuries as a natural dye.
If you have shelled walnuts with the skins still on, you can boil them to create a rich brown dye for fabric or yarn.
This is a wonderful eco-friendly option for crafters who want to avoid synthetic dyes.
4. Compost or Garden Mulch
Old shelled walnuts that have gone stale can still be useful in the garden.
Crush them up and add them to your compost pile, or use them as a light mulch around acid-loving plants.
Just keep in mind that walnut shells can be slow to break down, so crush them well first.
How to Store Shelled Walnuts So They Last
Knowing what to do with shelled walnuts also means knowing how to store them properly.
Shelled walnuts contain oils that can go rancid if exposed to heat, light, or air for too long.
The best way to store shelled walnuts is in an airtight container in the fridge.
They’ll stay fresh for up to six months that way.
For longer storage, pop them in the freezer, where shelled walnuts can last up to a year.
If you’re keeping them at room temperature, use them within a few weeks for the best taste.
So, What to Do With Shelled Walnuts?
Shelled walnuts can be used in baking, salads, homemade nut butter, coatings for meat, or simply eaten as a snack.
They also have plenty of non-food uses, from body scrubs to natural dyes to garden mulch.
And if you store your shelled walnuts properly in the fridge or freezer, you’ll always have them ready whenever inspiration strikes.
Whether you’re baking a batch of cookies or crafting with your kids, shelled walnuts are one pantry staple that truly earns its keep.