I’ve always been a fan of a good crunchy topping—something sweet, a little salty and just the right amount of sticky. The kind of thing that takes a simple salad from good to can’t-stop-eating-it. That’s exactly how these honey-glazed candied nuts came to be.
One day, I was building a bowl and felt like it needed something extra. I wanted crunch, but with flavor, not just plain nuts. So, I grabbed a mix of walnuts, almonds and pecans, coated them in pure honey, olive oil and fresh citrus juice, and roasted them until they turned golden and caramelized.
Before I could even get them onto the salad, my family started sneaking bites straight off the pan. By the time we sat down to eat, I had to make another batch just to have enough left. Ever since, these candied nuts, or as my family calls them, “sweet nuts,” have been a staple. Whether I’m tossing them onto a salad, mixing them into yogurt or eating them by the handful, they never last long.
With just seven simple ingredients, these candied nuts are naturally sweetened, packed with healthy fats and ready in 20 minutes. And once you try them, I have a feeling you’ll be making an extra batch too.
Topper Insights
There’s something special about homemade candied nuts. While many store-bought versions contain refined sugar, preservatives and artificial additives, this recipe keeps it simple with pure, wholesome ingredients that let the natural flavors shine. The result? A light, flavorful crunch that adds the perfect touch to salads, bowls or snacks.
Let’s take a closer look at the handful of ingredients that make these candied nuts so good:
- Walnuts, Almonds and Pecans: Loaded with good-quality fats, fiber and plant-based protein, this trio adds crunch, richness and essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium, which support brain function, heart health and overall well-being.
- Pure Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidants and antibacterial properties, honey caramelizes beautifully without refined sugar. For a vegan alternative, pure maple syrup or another liquid sweetener works just as well.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: An excellent source of monounsaturated fats, olive oil helps the nuts roast evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Naturally sweet and packed with vitamin C, orange juice enhances caramelization and adds depth of flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Tart and rich in antioxidants, lemon juice balances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
Topper Building Blocks
These honey-glazed candied nuts come together with just seven simple ingredients. I chose a trio of walnuts, almonds and pecans for their balance of flavor, texture and nutrition—walnuts bring earthy richness, almonds add a firm crunch, and pecans offer delicate sweetness with a buttery finish. Together, they create a crunchy, caramelized bite with just the right depth of flavor.
But what makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to customize. Swap in cashews, hazelnuts, or even sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative. You can also mix and match different varieties to suit your taste, so have fun with it!
- 1/2 cup raw or dry-roasted, unsalted walnuts
- 1/2 cup raw or dry-roasted, unsalted almonds
- 1/2 cup raw or dry-roasted, unsalted pecans
- 3 tablespoons pure, raw and unfiltered honey (or pure maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 orange
Build Your Topper
Achieving perfectly caramelized honey-glazed candied nuts starts with the right preparation. By following a simple, straightforward process, you’ll get the perfect crunch and balance of sweet, nutty and buttery flavors in every bite.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the honey and olive oil for 15 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add the orange juice and lemon juice, stir again and warm for another 10-15 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to help preserve the honey’s natural enzymes and antioxidants.
- Coat the Nuts: Add the walnuts, almonds and pecans to the bowl. Stir well to coat them evenly in the glaze, ensuring every piece is covered. Let the mixture sit for 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, stirring every 3-5 minutes to prevent burning. The nuts are ready when they appear golden and caramelized with a light, glossy coating.
- Cool and Separate: Remove the candied nuts from the oven and stir occasionally as they cool to prevent clumping. Once fully cooled, break apart any clusters as needed.
- Serve and Store Properly: Enjoy as a topping for salads, yogurt, oatmeal or straight from the jar as a snack. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.
Customize Your Topper
Honey-glazed candied nuts are more than just a salad topper. They’re a versatile, naturally sweet crunch that can elevate countless dishes. Whether you prefer a classic combination or want to experiment with new flavors, here are some creative ways to make this recipe your own.
- Build Your Bowl: Sprinkle candied nuts over salads, grain bowls or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor. They pair especially well with greens like arugula, spinach or kale.
- Use in Other Meals: Add them to yogurt, oatmeal or smoothie bowls for a lightly sweet, nutrient-packed crunch. They also work as a delicious topping for cheese boards or baked goods.
- Experiment with Spices: Enhance the nuts with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or cayenne before roasting for a spiced or subtly smoky twist.
- Make It Extra Crunchy: For even more texture, toss in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or coconut flakes before roasting.
- Turn It Into a Snack Mix: Combine the candied nuts with dried fruit, dark chocolate chunks or toasted coconut for a balanced, energy-boosting snack.
Let Me See Your Topper
If you enjoy these Honey-Glazed Candied Nuts, which I’m quite sure you will, drop a comment below and share your pics on Instagram (@that.salad.lady) and TikTok (@thatsaladlady). Don’t forget to add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl.
Love them? Add pins on Pinterest and share them on Facebook using #thatsaladlady. I can’t wait to see your creations!
Healthy Honey-Glazed Candied Nuts
6
servings5
minutes15
minutes280
kcal20
minutesGreat for meal prep and snacking, these healthy honey-glazed candied nuts are naturally sweet, irresistibly crunchy and ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup raw or dry-roasted, unsalted walnuts
1/2 cup raw or dry-roasted, unsalted almonds
1/2 cup raw or dry-roasted, unsalted pecans
3 tablespoons pure, raw and unfiltered honey (or pure maple syrup for a vegan option)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1/2 orange
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the honey and olive oil for 15 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add the orange juice and lemon juice, stir again and warm for another 10-15 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to help preserve the honey’s natural enzymes and antioxidants.
- Coat the Nuts: Add the walnuts, almonds and pecans to the bowl. Stir well to coat them evenly in the glaze, ensuring every piece is covered. Let the mixture sit for 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the coated nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, stirring every 3-5 minutes to prevent burning. The nuts are ready when they appear golden and caramelized with a light, glossy coating.
- Cool and Separate: Remove the candied nuts from the oven and stir occasionally as they cool to prevent clumping. Once fully cooled, break apart any clusters as needed.
- Serve and Store Properly: Enjoy as a topping for salads, yogurt, oatmeal or straight from the jar as a snack. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Oil-Free Preparation: You can make these candied nuts without oil, though they may clump together more and have a slightly different texture. To prevent sticking, stir frequently while roasting and use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Building in Batches: This recipe is great for meal prep! Easily double or triple the batch and store extras for quick salad toppers, snack mixes or gifts.
- Customization Ideas: Swap out the nuts for cashews, hazelnuts, or even sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or cayenne for a unique flavor twist. For a vegan option, replace honey with pure maple syrup or date syrup for a similar depth of flavor.
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Please review my full disclaimer to get a clear understanding of the nutrition and health information and resources presented and written on my website.
