Mia

Mia Miller is a self-taught cook and Pacific Northwest native who learned the art of turning backyard produce into comforting meals while spending Sundays in her grandmother’s kitchen.

Guided by her grandmother’s mantra, “Cooking well, live well,” Mia’s mission is to empower everyday cooks with accessible, joyful, and sustainable recipes. Every dish on Cooking Wells is rigorously tested, photographed step-by-step, and paired with budget-friendly tips and dietary swaps so readers can cook confidently with what they have on hand, minimize waste, and bring people together around the table.

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$To make a tasty pesto pasta salad, gather these main ingredients: - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cooked fusilli pasta (or any pasta of your choice) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 garlic clove, minced - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients combine to create a fresh, vibrant flavor that makes this salad a hit. You can make your salad more special with these optional garnishes: - Fresh mozzarella balls - Extra grated Parmesan cheese - Whole basil leaves Adding these garnishes gives your dish a beautiful look and extra flavor. For the best taste, choose high-quality ingredients: - Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. - Select fresh basil for a bright, fragrant flavor. - Opt for good-quality Parmesan cheese, as it adds richness. - Toast your pine nuts for added depth and crunch. These tips ensure your pesto pasta salad shines with every bite. If you want to see the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 1 cup of fusilli pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. Set the pasta aside for later. Next, grab a food processor. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in 1 minced garlic clove. Squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Now, blend these ingredients together. While the processor runs, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your fresh pesto sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta and 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and tomatoes. Toss everything gently. Ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. If you want extra creaminess, fold in fresh mozzarella balls at this point. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Serve the salad in a big bowl. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get the best flavor from your pesto, use fresh basil. The leaves should be bright green and fragrant. I like to toast the pine nuts for a richer taste. Toss them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden. Don’t skip the lemon juice. It brightens the flavor and balances the richness. Blend everything slowly to avoid over-mixing. This keeps the pesto vibrant and fresh. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This pasta salad shines at room temperature. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes after mixing. This helps the flavors meld together. If you chill it, take it out a bit before serving. Cold pasta salad is nice, but serving it slightly warm enhances its taste. You want to enjoy all the flavors you worked hard to create. One mistake is using old basil. Always select fresh leaves. Another pitfall is not seasoning enough. Taste the pesto as you make it. Add salt and pepper gradually. Don’t rush the mixing process. If you over-blend, the pesto can turn brown and lose its fresh look. Lastly, avoid soggy pasta. Rinse the pasta with cold water right after cooking. This stops the cooking and helps keep the pasta firm. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add spinach or arugula to the salad. These greens bring a fresh taste to the dish. If you love nuts, try walnuts or cashews in place of pine nuts. They add a nice crunch and work well in pesto. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices made from rice, corn, or legumes. You can also use spiralized veggies like zucchini or carrots. They add color and a crispy texture. The flavors of the pesto still shine through with these swaps. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken works great. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the salad. For seafood lovers, shrimp is a fantastic option too. Cook the shrimp until pink and toss it in. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. Each of these options makes your salad filling and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the Pesto Pasta Salad Delight section. After enjoying your pesto pasta salad, storing it correctly is key. First, let the salad cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation in your storage container. Transfer the salad to a clean container. If you have extra pesto, drizzle a little on top to keep it fresh. Seal the container tightly to lock in flavors. For best results, use an airtight glass container. Glass keeps the salad fresh and won’t absorb odors. If you prefer plastic, choose BPA-free containers. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the ingredients. Always choose a size that fits your salad snugly to minimize air exposure. Properly stored, your pesto pasta salad lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or color changes. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. However, pasta can change texture when frozen and thawed. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. It can last up to a month in the freezer. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Give it a stir before serving to bring back its texture. For the full recipe, check the details above. To make pesto from scratch, gather fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Start by washing the basil leaves and toasting the pine nuts in a pan. In a food processor, combine the basil, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Then, slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This fresh pesto will add a burst of flavor to your salad. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto for this salad. It saves time and still offers great taste. Just choose a high-quality brand without additives. Store-bought pesto can work well when you're short on time but still want a flavorful dish. Just mix it with the pasta and tomatoes, and you're good to go! Pesto pasta salad pairs well with many sides. Here are some easy options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - Grilled vegetables for a smoky flavor - A simple green salad for freshness - Antipasto platter with olives and meats for variety - Fresh fruit salad for a sweet touch These sides complement the salad and make a complete meal. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings! You learned how to make a great pesto pasta salad. We covered key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Variations let you customize it to your taste, and storage advice helps keep leftovers fresh. This dish is both fun and easy. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it with others. Happy cooking!$

Flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad Easy and Fresh Recipe

Looking for a fresh and tasty dish that’s easy to make? You’ve got to try this Pesto Pasta Salad! With

$- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional) To add more depth to your Brussels sprouts, consider using: - A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat - A dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor - Some lemon zest for brightness Each serving contains: - Calories: 183 - Total Fat: 11g - Carbohydrates: 23g - Fiber: 4g - Protein: 3g Brussels sprouts are not just tasty; they pack a nutritional punch. They offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Eating them can support your health in many ways. For the full recipe, don't forget to check the earlier section. - First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will help the Brussels sprouts roast perfectly. - Next, trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Then, cut each sprout in half. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the glaze better. - In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything well to coat. - Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t crowded, or they won’t roast well. - Roast them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even cooking. - While they roast, make the maple glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. - After 20 minutes, take the Brussels sprouts out of the oven. Drizzle the maple glaze over them and stir to coat. - Put the Brussels sprouts back in the oven. Roast for another 10 minutes to let the glaze caramelize. - If you want to add pecans, sprinkle them on during the last 5 minutes of roasting for extra crunch. - To get the best caramelization, make sure the sprouts are in a single layer. This allows for even heat distribution. - If your Brussels sprouts are larger, you might need to adjust the baking time. Check for tenderness and caramelization to know when they are done. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and instructions provided above. When you shop for Brussels sprouts, look for bright green ones. They should feel firm and not squishy. Avoid any that have yellow leaves or dark spots. Fresh sprouts should be small and compact. This means they are young and tender. Larger sprouts can taste bitter. You can boost the flavor of your dish with spices and herbs. Try adding paprika for smokiness or chili flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage add a lovely touch. If you want a different glaze, mix honey with soy sauce. This gives a sweet and salty flavor that pairs well. Use a heavy baking sheet for roasting. This helps the Brussels sprouts caramelize better. A rimmed sheet keeps the glaze from spilling. Use a spatula for tossing the sprouts. A large bowl helps mix everything evenly. Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps in the main article. {{image_2}} If you want to skip the pecans, try sunflower seeds instead. They add a nice crunch. You can also use pumpkin seeds for a different flavor. Both options keep the dish nut-free while still adding texture. To make this dish vegan, just omit the pecans or replace them with seeds. You can also substitute maple syrup with agave nectar. This keeps the sweet flavor while ensuring it's fully plant-based. Consider adding seasonal herbs like rosemary or sage. These herbs pair well with the sweet glaze. You could also mix in root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for extra color and nutrition. Using seasonal veggies enhances the dish's flavor and makes it more vibrant. If you want the full recipe, check the earlier part of this article. Store leftover maple glazed Brussels sprouts in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze them, place the sprouts in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat your Brussels sprouts, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them, but this may make them softer. To maintain the texture and flavor, avoid reheating more than once. You can prepare Brussels sprouts in advance for easy meals. Trim and halve them a day before cooking. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to roast. You can also make the maple glaze ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you are ready to serve, just warm the glaze slightly before drizzling it over the sprouts. This makes meal assembly fast and simple. For the full recipe, check the link above. Yes, you can prepare Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts ahead of time. Cook them fully and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. This method keeps them tasty and fresh. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts pair well with many dishes. Try serving them with roasted chicken or grilled salmon. They also taste great with pork chops or a hearty grain like quinoa. Add some rice for a full meal. To thicken the glaze, you can simmer it longer until it reduces. This process helps to concentrate the flavors. Another option is to add a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir it into the glaze while it simmers. You can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but fresh ones taste better. If using frozen, thaw and drain them first. Then, follow the same steps in the recipe. Keep in mind that frozen sprouts may have more moisture, affecting the glaze. Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients. They are high in vitamins C and K. They also contain fiber, which aids digestion. Eating Brussels sprouts may help lower cholesterol and boost your immune system. Including them in your diet can support your overall health. Don't miss out on these small but mighty veggies! Check out the Full Recipe for more delicious ideas. In this article, we explored how to make delicious Maple Glazed Brussels sprouts. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and essential cooking tips for perfect results. We also discussed variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. Brussels sprouts can be a tasty addition to your meals. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the health benefits they bring. Happy cooking!$

Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts Flavorful and Easy Dish

Are you ready to elevate your vegetable game? Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a tasty and easy dish that even

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