Apricot Walnut Clusters – A Brain Boosting Snack

This Mediterranean diet inspired snack is the perfect combination of sweet apricots and crunchy California walnuts, all drizzled with delicious chocolate. Made with simple ingredients to create a brain boosting snack that will leave you satisfied and ready to tackle the day.

I received free samples of California Walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Walnuts and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Raising your Snack IQ

In a recent survey conducted by California Walnuts, 97% of Americans say they snack daily. Plus 32% of those people saying they are trying to eat healthier snacks.

Healthy snacks are a great way to give you a boost of energy and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Did you know that they can also be brain boosters?

Current research suggests walnut consumption may be associated with improved cognitive function, including areas like healthy aging as well as mood and concentration. 

A Brain Boosting Snack with California Walnuts

These Apricot Walnut Clusters are a great example of how a a few ingredients can combine to create a fully satisfying, brain boosting snack. Using California Walnuts as one of the main ingredients not only also great crunch and flavor but also –

• A handful of walnuts is a versatile snack or ingredient that can help you feel full and satisfied thanks to a combination of key nutrients including plant-based protein (4 grams per ounce) and fiber (2 grams per ounce).
• Walnuts are the only nut with a significant source of essential omega-3 ALA (2.5 grams per ounce). 
• Check out more information on snacking with walnuts at https://walnuts.org/snacking/ 

You can read more here – We Are Nuts About Walnuts for Heart Health

Apricot Walnut Clusters – A Mediterranean Diet Snack

This easy, 3 ingredient snack definitely falls under the Mediterranean diet snack category.

• It’s a plant based recipe
• Contains heart healthy walnuts
• Fiber from dried apricots
• A bit of dark chocolate for antioxidants, flavor and to satisfy a sweet tooth

As a result of its ingredients, it also meets the criteria for a balanced snack = fiber + protein + healthy fat. You can read more about creating balanced snacks in this post – 25 Fast and Filling Mediterranean Diet Snacks.

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Apricot Walnut Clusters

This is a simple and delicious brain boosting snack that features just 3 ingredients – apricots, California walnuts and chocolate.

Course Snack

Cuisine Mediterranean

Keyword healthy snack, walnuts

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Freezing Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Author Brynn McDowell, RDN at The Domestic Dietitian

Ingredients

• 1 cup California Walnuts, roughly chopped reserve approx. 2 tbsp for garnishing
• 1/3 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped
• 2 bars dark chocolate, broken into squares or roughly chopped (you can also use milk chocoalte if you prefer)
• pinch Sea Salt optional garnish

Instructions

• Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper
• On the lined pan, divide the roughly chopped California walnuts and dried apricots into 12 evenly sized clusters. Remember to leave a bit of the walnuts for garnish
  
• Place your broken up chocolate bar pieces into a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 30 seoncds. Remove and stir, place back in microwave for another 20 seconds or just until chocolate is melted
• Use a spoon to drizzle chocolate over the walnut and apricot clusters. Drizzle just enough to cover the majority of each cluster as the chocolate acts like a glue that will hold the clusters together
  
• While the chocolate clusters are still warm, top each cluster with a few more chopped California walnut pieces and a tiny bit of sea salt
• Place the pan into the freezer for about 25 minutes, just until they set
• To store, place on a plate or dish and store in the fridge.

Notes

This recipe makes approximately 12 clusters. 

We used 2 standard 1.5oz dark chocolate bars, for a total of 3oz of chocolate. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer. We don’t recommend using chocolate chips because they don’t melt as consistently. 

Looking for More Walnut Recipes?

Vibrant Raspberry & Walnut Salad

Whipped Walnut Pesto Dip