5 nutty recipes to celebrate National Nut Day

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Nuts are some of the healthiest foods available, packed with healthy fats, nutrients and fiber, says One Green Planet. On National Nut Day, take your love and appreciation for nuts to a different level with these nutty recipes.

1.    Homemade granola

Get your fill of nuts with this recipe from Go Dairy Free. What makes this granola mix healthier is that there is no need to add any sugars or oils.

What you need to make the granola is some rolled oats, peanuts, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, baking powder, banana, egg whites, peanut butter, dried cranberries and chocolate chips. Refer to the note on this page if you want to make your version safe for vegans or free of nuts.

2.    Pistachio almond tofu

One Green Planet's version of flavored tofu makes a great appetizer for dinner, a salad topping or even for sandwiches. This nutty tofu recipe is gluten-free and suitable for a vegan diet.

To make this dish, you need some extra firm tofu, pistachios, almond meal flour and chickpea flour egg.

3.    Sweet and spicy cashew chicken

Nuts are not just for appetizers or desserts, as this recipe from Food shows.

To make the sauce for this delectably sweet and spicy stirfry dish, you will need ketchup, soysauce, salt, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, sesame oil, cayenne pepper and chicken broth. Other ingredients needed for this recipe include cornstarch, sugar, chicken breasts, oil, fresh ginger, garlic, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, carrot, snow peas, cashews and sesame seeds.

The amount of cayenne you use depends on much heat you can handle. If you want to make the dish a little healthier, stick to using boneless chicken without the skin.

This dish can be prepared within half an hour and serves up to six.

4.    Almond butter muffins

End your meal on a sweet high note with almond butter muffins. This recipe is courtesy of the Denver Post.

All you need is half an hour and the following ingredients, almond butter, a large banana, an egg, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda and chocolate chips.

5.    Cherry almond quinoa smoothie

Complement your meals with this nut-rich smoothie by The Latin Kitchen. To make this protein-rich sweet and tart-tasting liquid shake, you will need almond milk, pitted cherries, quinoa, almond butter, flax seeds and agave syrup.

Simple place all of the ingredients in a blender and press the Pulse button until you get the consistency you want.