7 Ways with Pecans

Updated October 16, 2012
Becky Luigart-Stayner; Katie Stoddard

Use versatile, heart-healthy pecans for more than just pecan pie.  They can add rich flavor and crunch to a variety of recipes including appetizers, breads, salads, and main dishes. 

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Beyond Pecan Pie

Credit: National Pecan Shellers Association

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.

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Pear Chutney Bruschetta with Pecans and Blue Cheese

Credit: Nina Choi

Pear Chutney Bruschetta with Pecans and Blue Cheese Recipe

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.

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Zucchini-Pecan Flaxseed Bread

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Zucchini-Pecan Flaxseed Bread Recipe

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

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Apple, Goat Cheese, and Pecan Pizza

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Apple, Goat Cheese, and Pecan Pizza Recipe

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.

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Pecan-Crusted Trout

Credit: Kana Okada; Styling: Sara Quessenberry

Pecan-Crusted Trout Recipe

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

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Spinach Salad with Nectarines and Spicy Pecans

Credit: Photography: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Jan Gautro

Spinach Salad with Nectarines and Spicy Pecans Recipe

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.

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Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Brussels Sprouts with Pecans Recipe

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

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Sweet Potato Tart with Pecan Crust

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Katie Stoddard

Sweet Potato Tart with Pecan Crust Recipe

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

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