Walnut Oil substitute

Best substitute

Hazelnut Oil

Use the same amount as the walnut oil you are replacing

Best for baking

Close match

The best substitutes for walnut oil are hazelnut oil, almond oil, or extra virgin olive oil, depending on the recipe and desired flavor profile.

Other walnut oil substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Almond Oil
Different taste
Use the same amount
Mild, sweet nut oil that works well in baking and light cooking applications.
What changes
Good for delicate flavors.
Best for
baking, light sautéing, salad dressings, desserts
Milder flavor than walnut oil but similar texture and cooking properties.
3Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Different taste
Use the same amount
Fruity, rich oil that works well in salad dressings and light cooking.
What changes
Good general substitute.
Best for
salad dressings, light sautéing, finishing dishes, Mediterranean cooking
Very different flavor profile but similar texture. Choose high-quality extra virgin for best results.
4Pecan Oil
Close match
Use the same amount
Rich, buttery nut oil with similar flavor profile to walnut oil.
What changes
Excellent for baking and cooking.
Best for
baking, sautéing, salad dressings, desserts
Very similar to walnut oil in terms of flavor and cooking properties. May be easier to find.
5Avocado Oil
Different taste
Use the same amount
Neutral, high smoke point oil that works well in cooking applications where walnut oil's flavor isn't essential.
What changes
Best for
sautéing, roasting, baking, high-heat cooking
Neutral flavor so won't add nutty taste. High smoke point makes it good for cooking.
6Grapeseed Oil
Different taste
Use the same amount
Light, neutral oil with high smoke point.
What changes
Good for cooking applications where walnut oil's flavor isn't needed.
Best for
sautéing, roasting, baking, high-heat cooking
Neutral flavor and high smoke point. Won't add nutty taste to dishes.

What is Walnut Oil?

Walnut Oil is Rich, nutty oil extracted from walnuts with distinctive flavor, commonly used in salad dressings, baking, and finishing dishes.

Cooking tips

Walnut oil has a low smoke point, so it's best used for finishing dishes, salad dressings, and low-heat cooking
Store walnut oil in the refrigerator to prevent it from going rancid, as it has a shorter shelf life than other oils
Walnut oil is excellent in salad dressings, especially with bitter greens like arugula or endive
Use walnut oil in baking to add rich, nutty flavor to cakes, cookies, and pastries
Walnut oil pairs beautifully with fruits, especially pears and apples, in both sweet and savory dishes
Drizzle walnut oil over finished dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled fish for added flavor
Walnut oil can be used in both sweet and savory applications, from vinaigrettes to dessert sauces

Frequently asked questions

Can I use hazelnut oil instead of walnut oil?

Yes, hazelnut oil is an excellent substitute for walnut oil. It has a similar rich, nutty flavor and works well in the same applications, though it has a more pronounced toasted taste.

What's the difference between walnut oil and olive oil?

Walnut oil has a distinct nutty flavor and lower smoke point, while olive oil has a fruity flavor and higher smoke point. Walnut oil is better for finishing dishes, while olive oil is more versatile for cooking.

Can I cook with walnut oil?

Walnut oil has a low smoke point, so it's best used for finishing dishes, salad dressings, and low-heat cooking. For high-heat cooking, use a more stable oil like avocado or grapeseed oil.

How long does walnut oil last?

Walnut oil has a shorter shelf life than other oils due to its high polyunsaturated fat content. Store it in the refrigerator and use within 3-6 months for best quality.

Related substitutes

More oils & fats substitutes

Walnut Oil substitute

Other walnut oil substitutes

2Almond Oil

3Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4Pecan Oil

5Avocado Oil

6Grapeseed Oil