Go Smart with California Walnuts Smart Menus Program: Delicious, convenient recipes aimed at changing the way Americans eat, brought to you by best-selling author and Oprah regular Dr. Michael Roizen and James Beard award-winning cookbook author Mollie Katzen. Smart Menus is designed to help people embrace a smart eating style that’s long on taste and convenience and short on scolding. Smart recipes and tips on how to create your own smart eating style are available at www.walnuts.org/smartmenus.

An aromatic mixture of toasted walnuts, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil in a garlicky balsamic dressing is irresistible when baked on top of crispy pita triangles.

Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

Place the walnuts and pita pieces on a large nonstick baking sheet. (Keep the walnuts and pita pieces separated on the baking sheet.) Bake in the center of the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the walnuts are slightly browned and the pitas are toasted and slightly dry. Remove from the oven and put on a heatproof surface.

In a medium bowl, stir together the walnuts and the remaining ingredients to mix well. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the walnut-tomato mixture on top of each pita piece. Bake in the center of the oven at 350ºF for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly melted and the mixture is warmed through. Arrange on a pretty platter and serve.

16 Servings; 2 pita triangles per serving Nutrition information per serving:
70 calories, 2.5g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 1mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 10g total carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 2g protein