Welcome to my kitchen!

I’m Melissa, a Miami-based celebrity private chef specializing in ingredient-driven cuisine that celebrates the seasons. Inspired by my Mexican roots and Los Angeles upbringing, my cooking blends technique, global influences, and deep umami to create dishes that feel both refined, nourishing, and comforting.

No matter what I’m creating—whether I’m developing recipes, hosting intimate dinners, cooking for celebrities, or creating content— my goal remains the same: to turn every dish into an experience.

Explore recipes

Spring Edible Flower Butter
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Spring Edible Flower Butter

A stunning, seasonal butter to welcome spring in full bloom.

There’s something so magical about edible flowers

delicate, vibrant, and a beautiful way to dress up the everyday. This Spring Edible Flower Butter is a simple, elegant way to infuse your table with a little joy. Whether you’re hosting brunch, gifting a homemade treat, or just want a reason to use up those herbs in your fridge, this butter is a showstopper.

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Sweet Potato Miso Latte
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Sweet Potato Miso Latte

This latte is pure magic in a cup. Layered magic.

Inspired by a cozy morning and my love for blending sweet with savory, this Sweet Potato Miso Latte is everything I didn’t know I needed. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potato meets the salty depth of white miso, rounded out by warm cinnamon and a shot of espresso. It’s nourishing, unexpected, and deeply satisfying

—perfect for chilly mornings, creative afternoons, or anytime you want to sip something that feels a little luxurious.

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Fresh Fava Bean Tartine with Whipped Goat Cheese, Mint & Lemon
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Fresh Fava Bean Tartine with Whipped Goat Cheese, Mint & Lemon

Spring is finally in the air, and with it comes my craving for all things fresh, green, and vibrant. There’s something magical about this seasonal shift—when farmers markets start filling up with tender herbs, crisp radishes, and the first fave beans of the year. This tartine is a celebration of that moment: creamy whipped goat cheese layered on golden toasted ciabatta, topped with lemony favas, mint, and flowering dill. It’s simple, textural, and bursting with flavor, the kind of food I want to be eating right now.

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Squash blossom Farinata with Whipped Ricotta
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Squash blossom Farinata with Whipped Ricotta

Crispy, golden farinata meets delicate squash blossoms and a creamy whipped ricotta in this simple yet elegant dish. Naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor, this light, savory pancake is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a satisfying snack. With crisp edges, a soft center, and a bright, herby ricotta topping, every bite feels balanced and delicious.

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Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Honey-Poached Rhubarb
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Cinnamon Rice Pudding with Honey-Poached Rhubarb

Creamy cinnamon-infused rice pudding meets bright, honey-poached rhubarb in this comforting yet fresh dessert. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and honey, this dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy and vibrant. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it’s a simple yet elegant way to welcome spring flavors into your kitchen.

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Charred Octopus with Celery root puree, Fresno chili relish & Lotus chips
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Charred Octopus with Celery root puree, Fresno chili relish & Lotus chips

A dish built on bold contrasts. Smoky, charred octopus, silky celery root purée, bright Fresno chili relish, and crisp lotus root chips. Inspired by a chance market find, this recipe balances richness, heat, and texture for a restaurant-worthy bite that’s surprisingly simple to master. Perfect for an elegant dinner or a creative night in.

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Fish Sauce-Marinated Flanken Ribs with Grilled Veggies and Heirloom Tomato Salad
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Fish Sauce-Marinated Flanken Ribs with Grilled Veggies and Heirloom Tomato Salad

Flanken ribs are one of my favorite cuts for a quick, flavor-packed BBQ. Marinated in fish sauce, honey, lime, and ginger, they caramelize beautifully on the grill, delivering the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami. Served with an heirloom tomato salad, grilled veggies, a bright garlic-sherry vinaigrette, and creamy labneh, this dish is effortless yet bold—exactly how I love to cook.

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Zucchini & Perilla chips with an Herby- Feta dip
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Zucchini & Perilla chips with an Herby- Feta dip

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these Zucchini & Perilla Chips are the ultimate snack—light yet satisfying, with just the right crunch. paired with a tangy, herby feta yogurt dip, this recipe is an easy yet elevated way to make the most of seasonal produce. Whether you’re prepping for a gathering or just need a new go-to snack, these chips deliver!

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Harissa Chicken Thighs with Carrot puree, Buckwheat and Kale chips
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Harissa Chicken Thighs with Carrot puree, Buckwheat and Kale chips

This Harissa Chicken Thighs with Carrot Puree, Buckwheat, and Kale Chips is a bold, nutrient- dense meal that balances smoky heat, earthy grains, and crispy textures. The preserved lemon harissa adds depth to the chicken, while the silky carrot puree and nutty buckwheat create a satisfying base. Finished with crispy kale chips and a drizzle of spicy tahini, this dish is flavorful as it’s wholesome, and Gluten-free. Perfect for warm dinner or meal prep, with easy swaps for a plant-based version.

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Roasted Beet & Winter Citrus Salad with Orange- Thyme Vinaigrette and Cacao Nibs
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Roasted Beet & Winter Citrus Salad with Orange- Thyme Vinaigrette and Cacao Nibs

If you thought winter salads and beets were boring, let this one change your mind. We’ve got sweet, caramelized roasted beets, bright citrus, creamy yogurt, crunchy cacao nibs (yes, trust me), and a punchy orange-thyme vinaigrette that brings it all together. Oh, and some quick-pickled shallots—because we’re fancy like that.

It’s earthy, tangy, creamy, and crisp all at once—the kind of salad that makes you feel like you really did something in the kitchen, even though it’s ridiculously easy.

Make it for a date, make it for yourself, or make it just because you deserve a plate of food that looks this good.

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Thai- inspired Pomelo & Melogold salad
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Thai- inspired Pomelo & Melogold salad

Bright, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors, this Thai- inspired Pomelo & Melogold Salad is the perfect antidote to heavy winter dishes. Inspired by the classic Yam Som O, it’s a vibrant mix of sweet, tart citrus, fresh herbs, crispy shallots, and peanuts- all tied together with a punchy, savory dressing. It’s the kind of salad that wakes up your taste buds and proves that winter can be just as refreshing as summer. Don’t sleep on all the beautiful winter citrus.

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Cheesy Roasted Cabbage with Horseradish & Coriander- Almond chimichurri
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Cheesy Roasted Cabbage with Horseradish & Coriander- Almond chimichurri

Forget everything you thought you knew about cabbage—this Cheesy Roasted Cabbage with Horseradish & Coriander-Almond Chimichurri is here to change the game. Roasted until perfectly caramelized, the cabbage becomes tender on the inside with crispy, golden edges. It’s smothered in a bold, creamy horseradish cheese sauce and finished with a zesty herb-almond chimichurri that adds brightness, crunch, and a punch of flavor. Whether you serve it as a hearty side or a standout vegetarian main, this dish proves that cabbage deserves all the love.

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Miso- Tahini Spaghetti with a Soy cured Egg Yolk
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Miso- Tahini Spaghetti with a Soy cured Egg Yolk

Looking for a bold, umami packed twist on your usual pasta routine? This Miso Tahini Spaghetti with Soy Cure Egg Yolk is creamy, savory, and bursting with layered flavors, The nuttiness of tahini and deep savory umami notes of miso, velvety soy yolk create a dish that’s simple yet chef-driven. Finished with bright lemon zest and a sprinkle of furikake, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. This is the pasta you didn’t know you needed. A perfect way to use items that are probably already in your pantry.

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Olive oil cake,  Roasted Grapes and Red Currants
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Olive oil cake, Roasted Grapes and Red Currants

This Cake recipe is perfect for gatherings when you want something that’s as beautiful as it is easy to make. It’s the kind of dessert that sparks conversation at the table but still feels cozy and approachable. Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party or just enjoying a slice with coffee on a quiet afternoon, this Olive Oil Bundt Cake is a celebration of seasonal flavors and simple elegance.

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Citrus & Apple Vermouth Sangria (Low-ABV)
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Citrus & Apple Vermouth Sangria (Low-ABV)

This Low-ABV Citrus & Apple Vermouth Sangria is perfect for when you want a light, refreshing drink with a festive touch. Inspired by my phases of enjoying lighter beverages, it’s packed with fresh fruit, herbal notes, and just enough sparkle to make any occasion special.

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Shrimp Toast
Melissa Zuniga Melissa Zuniga

Shrimp Toast

The beauty of shrimp toast is its balance: crispy bread, a savory, shrimp-packed topping, and just enough richness to feel special. It’s quick to whip up but feels like a treat every time, great for brunch…

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