Running low on walnut oil? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About walnut oil
Walnut oil is a rich, nutty-flavoured oil pressed from dried walnuts, prized for its distinctive earthy depth and golden-brown colour. It is used primarily as a finishing oil and in salad dressings, as its delicate polyunsaturated fats break down and turn bitter when exposed to high heat. It is a staple of French cuisine and adds a sophisticated, slightly bitter nuttiness to vinaigrettes, pastas, and baked goods.
Best substitute
Hazelnut oil shares a similarly rich, toasted-nut flavour profile and is also a delicate finishing oil unsuitable for high-heat cooking. It provides a very close flavour match and behaves identically in dressings and baked goods.
Alternative
Toasted sesame oil delivers a bold, nutty, slightly smoky flavour that mirrors the depth of walnut oil, though the flavour profile is distinctly Asian in character. Use sparingly as it is more intensely flavoured; best blended with a neutral oil to avoid overpowering a dish.
Alternative
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | walnut oil |
| FR | huile de noix |
| United Kingdom | walnut oil |
| United States | walnut oil |
Pecan oil has a mild, buttery nuttiness that is closely related to walnut oil in flavour and fatty acid composition. It is an excellent direct swap in dressings and as a finishing oil, though it can be harder to source.
Alternative
Almond oil offers a lighter, more delicate nuttiness compared to walnut oil and works well in baking and dressings where a subtle nut flavour is desired. It lacks the pronounced earthiness of walnut oil but is a reliable neutral-nut alternative.
Alternative
Extra virgin olive oil is a widely available alternative that provides richness and complexity, though its flavour is fruity and peppery rather than nutty. It works well structurally in any recipe calling for walnut oil, though the flavour character will differ noticeably.