As families and friends gather on patios and decks to enjoy the warmth of summer and meals fresh off the grill, many are searching for that perfect ingredient that can complement salads, appetizers, main courses, desserts and more.
This year, you can turn to pecans to elevate meals and give your guests something to rave about. Iconic for their flavor versatility — shining in a wide range of profiles from sweet and spicy to salty, smoky and savory – they’re a tasty addition for favorite summertime recipes.
From an enjoyable crunch to comforting creaminess and a satisfying chew, pecans deliver a perfect bite and texture. These Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa, for example, are loaded with fresh flavors for an easy, nutritious warm-weather meal.
Taste is just the beginning — pecans also pack a nutritious punch with a unique mix of health-promoting nutrients and bioactive compounds. Known for their rich, buttery consistency and naturally sweet taste, pecans have a longstanding tradition as a nut topping. They’re sprinkled atop this Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese for a refreshing seasonal salad with a nutty crunch.
To find more recipes that take summer entertaining to the next level, visit EatPecans.com.
Grilled Pork Chops with Peach Pecan Salsa
Cook time 25 minutes
Servings 4
4boneless pork loin chops (each 1-inch thick)
3/4teaspoon, plus 1/8 teaspoon, kosher salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2medium peaches, diced
2/3cup raw pecan pieces
2tablespoons red onion, diced
2tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper
2teaspoons lime juice
Season pork chops with 3/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper, to taste.
Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill pork chops until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 5-6 minutes until food thermometer inserted in center registers 135 F.
Transfer to plate and rest at least 5 minutes until internal temperature rises to 145-160 F.
Gently stir peaches, pecans, onion, basil, jalapeno, lime juice and remaining salt.
Add salsa on top of each pork chop with remaining salsa on side.
Spiced Pecan Grilled Peach Salad with Goat Cheese
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Spiced Pecans
1large egg white
3tablespoons dark brown sugar
1teaspoon cinnamon
1/4teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4teaspoon kosher salt
2cups pecan halves
Salad
1/4cup, plus 2 teaspoons, extra-virgin olive oil or pecan oil, divided
1/4cup white wine vinegar
1teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4teaspoon garlic powder
1/8teaspoon kosher salt
pepper, to taste
2large peaches, halved and pits removed
6cups mixed baby greens (such as arugula, spring mix and spinach)
4ounces soft goat cheese
To make spiced pecans: Preheat oven to 275 F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In medium bowl, whisk egg white, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and salt until well combined. Fold in pecans and mix until evenly coated in mixture. Spread in single layer on prepared baking sheet.
Bake 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until pecans are fragrant and golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
To make salad Heat grill to medium-high heat.
In small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
Brush cut sides of peach halves with remaining olive oil and grill until grill lines appear and peaches become tender, 3-5 minutes. Remove peaches and cut into slices.
Divide greens among four plates. Top with grilled peach slices and goat cheese. Divide 1 cup spiced pecans evenly among salads and reserve remaining cup for snacking. Drizzle each salad with vinaigrette.
