7 Ways with Pecans

Pecans are a good source of protein, monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, and fiber. They’re also naturally sodium-free. Pecans are available all year long, and shelled pecans can be kept in the refrigerator for about nine months and for up to two years in the freezer. Use these nuts to add both flavor and crunch to salads, appetizers, main dishes, and, of course, desserts such as pie.

Bring pecans to the appetizer table when you pair sweet-tangy chutney with pungent blue cheese and toasty pecans and serve on top of toasted baguette slices.

Stir toasted pecans into the batter of this hearty quick bread and also top the loaf with chopped pecans for baking.

Take a walk on the culinary wild side with this adventurous pizza. Thinly sliced Fuji apples, goat cheese, toasted pecans, baby arugula, and fresh thyme meld together in a tantalizing blend of flavors for a unique and fresh pizza dinner.

A pan-fried coating of ground pecans and panko yields crunchy texture and adds another level of flavor to the fish.

The addition of toasted spiced pecans to this simple fruited green salad makes it a little more memorable if you’re serving a salad for a holiday meal or other special occasion.

Topping a vegetable side dish such as Brussels sprouts makes the dish more special and adds both flavor and extra crunch to the dish.

Instead of using pecans as a filing for a pie, use ground pecans and whole wheat flour to make a nutty-flavored crust.