Your next summer menu doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. I’m sharing what we’ve been cooking lately at Gia’s Italian Kitchen, starting with a seriously satisfying quinoa salad that’s built for real life: roasted asparagus, spinach, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a bright Italian vinaigrette that gets extra punch from Dijon mustard. It’s fresh, colorful, and easy to serve for guests, but it also shines as a weeknight dinner when you want something healthy that still tastes like a treat.

All the recipes are on my website:

https://giasitaliankitchen.biz/recipes-mangia

I also walk through my favorite simple trick for raw kale: massage it with olive oil and sea salt and give it time to soften. That one step takes kale from chewy to tender and makes the whole salad feel more balanced. If you want to make it a full meal, I share easy add-ons like roasted chicken or salmon, plus how to prep the quinoa and dressing ahead so you’re not rushing at the last minute.

Then we go sweet with gluten-free peanut butter oatmeal cookies that are basically baked “protein ball” energy: banana, honey, vanilla, peanut butter, oats, cinnamon, and eggs. They store beautifully in the fridge for quick snacks, and yes, I admit to an extra swipe of peanut butter on top.

Finally, I put backyard rhubarb to work with a bright pink rhubarb syrup, then turn it into a rhubarb mint mojito idea for the Fourth of July.

If you like practical recipes, make-ahead tips, and seasonal cooking that stays fun, subscribe, share this with a fellow home cook, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show.

Craving a private dinner experience with family & friends?

Imagine a unique cooking experience where you could be the hero! We will create memories for friends & family through private dinner parties (virtually or in person) & employer teambuilding events via Italian cooking experiences. You select a custom menu, I provide the instruction!

My full menu can be found on my website: https://giasitaliankitchen.biz

BOOK private cooking experience, virtually or in-person, for a fun and unique experience that you will all absolutely love!

• Family across the country? Create memories with the kids and grandchildren to laugh while you cook with me with a virtual class.
• Girlfriends in 6 different states? Craving a virtual cooking experience and happy hour, let’s get cooking!
• Friends or family want a private dinner party in-person?
• I can come to your or provide a local kitchen space

Learn more about us…all of our socials here: https://linktr.ee/giasitaliankitchen

Visit our YouTube channel to see dozens of our cooking episodes.

Check out our website for delicious recipes, upcoming events, and more!