What Can You Do With Walnut Oil

Walnut oil is a versatile and flavorful oil that you can use for cooking, skincare, and even woodworking.
 
If you’ve been wondering what you can do with walnut oil, the answer is actually a whole lot more than you might expect.
 
This golden, nutty oil has been a staple in kitchens and workshops for centuries, and once you learn what you can do with walnut oil, you’ll probably want a bottle on hand at all times.
 
It’s cold-pressed from walnuts, which means it retains a rich, toasty flavor along with plenty of nutrients that make it great for both eating and external use.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what you can do with walnut oil in the kitchen, in your beauty routine, and even around the house.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

What Can You Do With Walnut Oil in the Kitchen?

What you can do with walnut oil in the kitchen mostly comes down to using it in ways that preserve its delicate, nutty flavor.
 
Here are the best culinary uses:
 

1. Use It as a Finishing Oil

One of the best things you can do with walnut oil is drizzle it over finished dishes.
 
Because heat can turn walnut oil slightly bitter, it shines brightest as a finishing oil rather than a frying oil.
 
Try it over roasted vegetables, grilled fish, or a simple salad for an instant flavor upgrade.
 

2. Whisk It Into Salad Dressings

What you can do with walnut oil in a salad dressing is nothing short of magic.
 
Combine it with a little vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt for a dressing that tastes fancy but takes seconds to make.
 
It pairs especially well with spinach, goat cheese, and pear.
 

3. Bake With It

You can also use walnut oil in baking as a substitute for butter or other oils.
 
It adds a subtle nutty note to muffins, banana bread, and even brownies.
 
Just swap it in at a 1:1 ratio for whatever oil the recipe calls for.
 

4. Drizzle It Over Pasta and Grains

Another thing you can do with walnut oil is toss it with warm pasta or cooked grains like farro or quinoa.
 
A little goes a long way, and it adds richness without overpowering the dish.
 

What Can You Do With Walnut Oil for Skin and Hair?

What you can do with walnut oil for skincare might surprise you.
 
It’s packed with fatty acids and vitamin E, which makes it a nourishing treat for your body.
 
Here’s how to use it:
 

1. Use It as a Moisturizer

You can apply walnut oil directly to your skin as a natural moisturizer.
 
It absorbs fairly quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft rather than greasy.
 
It’s especially helpful for dry patches on elbows, knees, and heels.
 

2. Add It to a Bath

What you can do with walnut oil in the bath is simple: add a few tablespoons to warm water.
 
It’ll leave your skin feeling silky and lightly scented.
 
Just be careful getting out, since oil can make the tub slippery.
 

3. Use It as a Hair Treatment

You can also massage walnut oil into your scalp and hair as a pre-shampoo treatment.
 
Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then wash it out for softer, shinier hair.
 

4. Soothe Dry Cuticles

Another thing you can do with walnut oil is rub a drop into your cuticles.
 
It helps soften them and prevents cracking, especially in winter.
 

What Can You Do With Walnut Oil Around the House?

What you can do with walnut oil around the house goes beyond the kitchen and bathroom.
 
It’s a favorite among woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts for good reason.
 

1. Condition Wooden Furniture

You can use walnut oil to nourish and protect wooden furniture.
 
It seeps into the grain, bringing out the natural color and adding a subtle sheen.
 
Just apply a small amount with a soft cloth and buff it in.
 

2. Finish Wooden Kitchenware

What you can do with walnut oil on wooden spoons and cutting boards is keep them from drying out and cracking.
 
It’s food-safe, so it’s a great choice for items that touch your food.
 
Reapply every few months to keep them in top shape.
 

3. Revive Wooden Bowls

You can also use walnut oil to revive dull wooden bowls.
 
A thin coat restores their luster and helps them resist moisture.
 

4. Use It on Wooden Toys

One more thing you can do with walnut oil is treat wooden toys.
 
Since it’s non-toxic, it’s a safe way to keep them looking new.
 

So, What Can You Do With Walnut Oil?

What you can do with walnut oil spans your kitchen, your beauty routine, and your home.
 
You can drizzle it over salads, bake it into muffins, use it as a moisturizer, or condition your wooden furniture with it.
 
The possibilities really are that broad.
 
Just remember to store it in a cool, dark place so it stays fresh longer.
 
Whether you’re a home cook, a skincare lover, or a DIY enthusiast, walnut oil deserves a spot in your cabinet.