Walnut oil substitutes
Walnut oil substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Hazelnut oil
Same amount as the walnut oil
Similar nut oil with rich, toasted flavor. Excellent for baking and salad dressings where nutty flavor is desired.
The best substitutes for walnut oil are hazelnut oil, almond oil, or extra virgin olive oil, depending on the recipe and desired flavor profile.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of walnut oil | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hazelnut oilbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Almond oilbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Extra virgin olive oilsalad dressings | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Pecan oilbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Avocado oilsautéing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Grapeseed oilsautéing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Hazelnut oil
similar taste and texture
Similar nut oil with rich, toasted flavor. Excellent for baking and salad dressings where nutty flavor is desired.
- Best for
- baking, salad dressings, finishing dishes, desserts
Has a more pronounced toasted flavor than walnut oil. Use in similar applications.
Almond oil
different taste, similar texture
Mild, sweet nut oil that works well in baking and light cooking applications. Good for delicate flavors.
- Best for
- baking, light sautéing, salad dressings, desserts
Milder flavor than walnut oil but similar texture and cooking properties.
Extra virgin olive oil
different taste, similar texture
Fruity, rich oil that works well in salad dressings and light cooking. 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.
Pecan oil
similar taste and texture
Rich, buttery nut oil with similar flavor profile to walnut oil. 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.
Avocado oil
different taste, similar texture
Neutral, high smoke point oil that works well in cooking applications where walnut oil's flavor isn't essential.
- Best for
- sautéing, roasting, baking, high-heat cooking
Neutral flavor so won't add nutty taste. High smoke point makes it good for cooking.
Grapeseed oil
different taste, similar texture
Light, neutral oil with high smoke point. 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.
Questions
4 questionsCan 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.
Tips for substituting walnut oil
7 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