Alex Lau Small but mighty, nuts impart infinite layers of flavor and texture to everything they touch. Crunchy or creamy? Buttery or bitter? Sweet or spicy? Nuts can do it all, taking their rightful place in zingy pesto , smoky muhammara , or even fudgy brownies . They’re a […]
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Small but mighty, nuts impart infinite layers of flavor and texture to everything they touch. Crunchy or creamy? Buttery or bitter? Sweet or spicy? Nuts can do it all, taking their rightful place in zingy pesto, smoky muhammara, or even fudgy brownies. They’re a versatile substitute for heavy cream or milk, bringing richness and body to dairy-free dishes like this creamy pasta, made silky thanks to blended cashews. And ground almonds, pecans, and hazelnuts can even stand in for flour, resulting in plush cakes with deep flavors. Or enjoy nuts all on their own (roasted, please!)—with enough fat and spice you can transform them from snack into party snack.
So next time you consider these little guys as supporting characters in the ingredient hierarchy, take our word (and this list) for it—nuts are the star of the show.
Photo by Alex Lau, food styling by Susan Spungen, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski Pantry Pasta With Vegan Cream Sauce
Many vegan cream sauces rely on blended nuts or steamed cauliflower, but this sauce is made of beans and pasta water alone—no soaking or blending necessary. It’s important that the beans are adequately hydrated: Once you start mashing, make sure there’s plenty of pasta cooking liquid in the pot and don’t let it evaporate.
Butternut Squash, Coconut, and Ginger Muffins
Spaghetti with Tomato and Walnut Pesto
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Walnut Dressing
Blueberry, Lime, and Cashew Smoothies
Pignoli Cookies
There is just no getting around the fact that almond paste is indispensable for these meringue-like cookies; it transforms their flavor and helps them brown evenly. Some brands sell in a tube; others will be in a can in the baking aisle. Using the tube is ideal since the canned might be looser, but either works for this recipe.
Apple-Walnut Upside-Down Cake
Kale Salad With Pecan Vinaigrette
