Try These 12 Unexpected Uses for Pecans in Everyday Savory Foods

I love all things savory! I’ve discovered that the more savory foods I eat, the less interested I am in sweet foods.

But sometimes I get bored with the same old recipes. That’s when I reach for a pouch of seasoned roasted pecans in one of my favorite flavors, like Rosemary Black Pepper or Parmesan Garlic Butter, to change up a dinner dish.

For breakfast or sweeter dishes, I use Maple Pumpkin Spice or Agave Ginger. Both have a good blend of spices and just enough sweetness.

Why Should You Use Pecans?

While savory roasted pecans are a perfect snack any time of day, you can also add them to your recipes for a wonderfully delicious change. You might even craft some new family favorites! And all you did was add some seasoned roasted pecans. Nothing could be easier.

Of course, you know that by adding pecans, you’re also adding plant protein and other nutrients that our bodies need. Self-care includes taking care of all our body’s physical needs through what we eat. Because highly processed foods lack nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and omega-3 fats, many families don’t get enough of them. You will all look, feel, and live your best when you’re nourished with these essential nutrients.

12 Everyday Uses for Pecans in Savory Foods

1. Add to sauteed Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, or spinach, either while cooking or sprinkle across the finished dish before serving.
2. Use in a coating: think pecan-crusted chicken or fish. Just finely chop in your food processor and dip as you would if you were using flour. Be careful to not run the processor too long or you’ll end up with pecan butter!
3. Class up your deviled eggs by placing a pecan half on top.
4. Sprinkle across breakfast waffles, pancakes, or French toast with or without your favorite syrup or some berries, for some mouth-awakening crunch.
5. Prefer a gluten-free breakfast of oatmeal? Nothing adds color and texture like Agave Ginger or Maple Pumpkin Spice pecans.
6. Finely chop the pecans, then mix them with grated parmesan and herbs, for stuffed mushroom caps.
7. Substitute pecans for walnuts or almonds when making a coffee cake or sweet breads.
8. Break the halves and add them to the chicken salad.
9. Bring freshness and texture to salads made with canned fruits.
10. Stir into rice along with vegetables such as peas, corn, carrots, and onion.
11. Replace sausage with pecans when making your favorite dressing or stuffing, or upgrade the taste of your last-minute stovetop variety.
12. Use to complement baked sweet potato casserole or roasted squash dishes.

The holidays may be almost over, but that doesn’t mean you have to go back to eating boring foods.  Once you start adding pecans to your recipes, you’ll find you won’t want to stop. They’re addictive and satisfying. Nothing beats the taste of savory roasted pecans lightly seasoned with your favorite flavors. Try some today.

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