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Walnut oil is a cold-pressed oil made from shelled walnuts, and you can do a surprising number of things with it in the kitchen and beyond.
If you’ve ever stared at a fancy bottle of walnut oil wondering what it’s actually for, you’re in the right place.
It has a rich, nutty flavor that shines in salads and drizzles but fades fast when heated too much.
In this post, we’ll explore what you can do with walnut oil, from salad dressings to skincare, so you get your money’s worth out of every drop.
Let’s get into it.
What Can You Do With Walnut Oil In The Kitchen?
What you can do with walnut oil starts with your salad bowl, because this oil was practically born for cold dishes.
1. Whisk It Into Salad Dressings
One of the best things you can do with walnut oil is whisk it into a vinaigrette.
Its nutty taste pairs beautifully with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey.
Toss it with spinach, goat cheese, and dried cranberries for a salad that tastes like a fancy restaurant dish.
A little goes a long way, so start with a teaspoon and adjust from there.
2. Drizzle It Over Finished Dishes
You can also use walnut oil as a finishing oil rather than a cooking oil.
Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled fish, or a bowl of warm pasta right before serving.
The heat of the food releases its aroma without destroying the delicate flavor.
This is one of the simplest things you can do with walnut oil, and it makes a big impression.
3. Bake It Into Breads And Desserts
Walnut oil works wonderfully in baked goods like banana bread, carrot cake, and muffins.
Swap it in for part of the butter or vegetable oil in a recipe to add a subtle nutty depth.
Just keep your oven temperature moderate, since high heat can turn its flavor slightly bitter.
You can even brush it onto cake layers to keep them moist.
Other Uses For Walnut Oil Beyond Cooking
What you can do with walnut oil doesn’t stop at the stove, because this oil has a whole second life in your bathroom cabinet.
1. Use It As A Skin Moisturizer
Walnut oil is rich in fatty acids that can soften and nourish dry skin.
Massage a few drops into rough elbows, knees, or cuticles before bed.
It absorbs fairly quickly and leaves a light, pleasant scent behind.
People with nut allergies should skip this one, though.
2. Add It To A Hair Mask
You can also do wonders with walnut oil in a DIY hair treatment.
Warm a tablespoon, massage it through your ends, and let it sit for thirty minutes before shampooing.
The result is softer, shinier hair without a trip to the salon.
3. Polish Wooden Furniture
Here’s a use most people never think of: walnut oil can revive wooden bowls, cutting boards, and furniture.
Rub a small amount into the grain with a soft cloth and buff away the excess.
It restores shine and helps protect the wood from drying out.
Just be aware that it can go rancid over time, so only treat items you’ll use or wipe down regularly.
How To Store And Handle Walnut Oil
Since walnut oil is delicate, knowing how to store it matters as much as knowing what you can do with walnut oil.
1. Keep It Cool And Dark
Heat, light, and air are the enemies of walnut oil.
Store your bottle in a cool, dark cabinet or in the fridge once it’s opened.
Refrigeration slows down the spoilage process and keeps the flavor fresh for months.
2. Watch For A Rancid Smell
If your walnut oil smells sharp, bitter, or like old paint, it has gone bad.
Fresh walnut oil should smell lightly nutty and clean.
Toss it once it turns, because rancid oil won’t do your food or your skin any favors.
3. Buy Small Bottles
Because it spoils faster than olive or canola oil, buy walnut oil in small quantities.
That way you can actually use it up before it goes off.
A six- to eight-ounce bottle is plenty for most home cooks.
So, What Can You Do With Walnut Oil?
What you can do with walnut oil covers everything from salad dressings and drizzles to baked goods, skincare, and even furniture polish.
It’s a versatile oil as long as you respect its limits and keep it away from high heat.
Buy a small bottle, store it in the fridge, and experiment with a few of the ideas above.
Once you see how much you can do with walnut oil, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to try it.