Whether you say pee-can or peh-kahn, this tree-bearing nut is a top agricultural commodity for North Carolina. It ranks in the top 10 in the United States for pecan production, and farmers produce three to five million pecans annually. Georgia is number one in the U.S., and Albany, Georgia, is the Pecan Capital of the U.S., with almost 600,000 pecan trees. Pecan history facts go back to the 16th century. While most of us enjoy pecans during the holidays, the nut is available year-round and makes a great, healthy snack.

Pecans are rich in copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin E. The tree nut boasts 14 vitamins and minerals in one serving. It also provides a good source of protein. I am constantly searching for recipe ideas on my Pinterest Account, especially my lower-carb board. The nut is certified as a heart-healthy food by the American Heart Association and has been linked to cholesterol reduction.

Most people tend to think about pecans more in the winter, and they're overlooked the rest of the year unless they're in a Planters Nut mix, which you may snack on when you open your pantry. Grocery stores display pecans front and center around Thanksgiving and Christmas for pecan pies and sweet potato casseroles. Still, typically, there is little publicity around them the rest of the year.

Even though I have a great holiday recipe using pecans for a sweet potato soufflé, I thought it would be fun to showcase a few recipes that don't remind us of the holidays. For lunch the other day, I used pecans as a salad topping. I tossed mixed greens, tuna, and avocado together and added some pecans for a little crunch. Have fun using pecans as a salad topping by combining your own ingredients.



Here are some other healthy recipes with pecans to add to your dinner rotation. The National Pecan Shellers Association has a fabulous free cookbook on its website, compiled for its 75th Anniversary. There are some great pecan recipes in this free cookbook you can download.

5 Other Recipes With Pecans You Must Try that are Heart-Healthy

Pasta Tossed with Pecans 

Toasted pecans with zucchini, Asiago cheese, basil, and pasta make a simple weeknight meal. This is delicious. You can use any pasta of your choosing. 

Banana-Pecan Smoothie

Pecans add great flavor to this power-protein smoothie with vanilla yogurt as a base. For even more protein, use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt.

Stuffed Eggplant with Pecans, Sundried Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese

I love eggplant and am always looking for new ways to use it. This recipe looks easy, quick, and delicious. Pecans are part of the stuffing for the roasted eggplant.

Paula Deen's Pecan Chicken Salad with Pecans 

You're either a fan of grapes and pecans in your chicken salad or not. Personally, I love the two flavors mixed in for the crunch in place of traditional celery. Paula adds sour cream to this recipe to enhance its uniqueness. Great on a croissant.

Pecan Crusted Salmon

If you do a Google search for pecan-crusted fish, then you can use pecan breading for most any type of fish. I like pecans with salmon. I chose this dish for ease. No need to get out a processor, and using mayonnaise as a base helps the crust stick to the fish when baking. No need for the cucumber dill sauce unless you want to. I skip it because my kids won't eat it. Not a mayo fan? You may like this recipe with Dijon mustard instead. You can also use pecans for all types of fish.



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I spent one night at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside in between cheer comps because I wanted to experience it.  Before dinner at Boatwright's Dining Hall, I stopped in River Roost to have a mocktail while waiting for my friend to have dinner with me.