Crisp, nutty, and just a little bit salty—try this Toasted Almonds recipe for a simple and versatile snack or salad topping!
When I first started running cross country in high school, my dad decided to make it his personal mission to help me improve my endurance. As a long-distance runner himself, my dad knew exactly what I needed to become the best runner possible. He would take me for weekly scheduled runs throughout the Virginia hills and countryside. Since we would run at least 10 miles per session, he always made sure that we brought plenty of snacks. One staple for our long runs was the handful or two of almonds that he would always keep in his knapsack. To this day, the taste of almonds brings me back to those long runs we shared together. Inspired by these happy memories, I developed this recipe for toasted almonds. With a touch of added salt and just the right amount of crunch, this dish is an ideal snack for any active lifestyle.
The real beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Whole almonds are tossed with olive oil and sea salt before being roasted to perfection. The result? A warm, nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch and just the right amount of salt to accentuate the almond’s natural sweetness. In only 20 minutes, you can elevate a few handfuls of almonds into a satisfying snack that’s just as easy to pack as it is to prep!
If you’re a fitness fanatic like me, you can bring these toasted almonds along for a snack to help fuel your next workout. You could also add your toasted almonds to a charcuterie board, or you could even use them as a topping for your favorite salad recipe. However you choose to enjoy it, this versatile dish is one that is sure to satisfy!
Exploring the rich history of the almond
Nowadays, most of us probably consider almonds to be a common pantry staple. But did you know that the history of the almond stretches back over 5,000 years? The almond was first cultivated in communities across South Asia and the Middle East. Ancient travelers carried these nuts along the Silk Road, spreading their popularity throughout the Mediterranean. In these early days, almonds were culturally recognized as symbols of fertility and good fortune. In the 19th century, farmers throughout California began cultivating almonds. Today, this state alone produces over 80% of the world’s almond supply. Cuisines across the globe continue to appreciate the almond’s culinary potential. In the Middle East, almonds are ground into sweet pastes or added into rice dishes. In France, almonds are baked into mouthwatering pastries like frangipane tarts. Ultimately, this recipe for toasted almonds is more than just a simple snack—it’s an opportunity to connect with thousands of years of culinary adventures.
How do I store leftovers?
This toasted almond recipe keeps beautifully, making leftover storage a breeze! To store leftover toasted almonds, first transfer them to an airtight container. You can then store your leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for up to 1 month. If you’d like to store your toasted almonds for even longer, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let them reach room temperature before serving.
Serving suggestions
You can enjoy a handful of toasted almonds anytime as an on-the-go snack. And if you’d like to get a bit more creative with this dish, I suggest making these toasted almonds your go-to salad topper. You could sprinkle your almonds over this Chopped Chicken Salad or this tasty Chef Salad. I also recommend adding these toasted almonds to your next Yogurt Parfait. Finally, I have to mention that these almonds can also serve as the perfect complement to a steaming bowl of oatmeal. You could add them to this Instant Pot Oatmeal or even this Healthy Baked Oatmeal.
Toasted Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole almonds
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Spread the almonds onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the oil and salt over the almonds.
- Toss the almonds with the oil and salt so that they are nicely coated, then spread them out in a single layer.
- Place the tray into the preheated oven. Toast the almonds for about 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Once the almonds are toasted, remove the baking tray from the oven. Allow the almonds to cool completely on the tray before serving.
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