Crispy Gnocchi Salad with Yogurt Dressing
This salad features golden, pan-crisped gnocchi paired with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt dressing. It’s a perfect mix of warm and cool textures, making it both comforting and refreshing.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the gnocchi:
16 oz (450 g) shelf-stable or fresh potato gnocchi
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the salad:
3 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
For the yogurt dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook gnocchi:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add gnocchi (no need to boil) and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Prepare dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble salad:
In a large bowl, combine greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
Add gnocchi:
Add warm crispy gnocchi to the salad.
Dress and toss:
Drizzle yogurt dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Finish & serve:
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
Extra crispiness: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking gnocchi.
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp.
More flavor: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted veggies.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and skip Parmesan.
Serve warm: Best enjoyed while gnocchi is still crispy and warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?
A: No! Shelf-stable gnocchi can be pan-fried directly for crispiness.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and cook gnocchi just before serving.
Q: Can I bake the gnocchi instead?
A: Yes, roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free yogurt and skip or replace Parmesan.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320–370 kcal
Protein: 9–12 g
Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Fat: 12–15 g
Sugar: 3–4 g
Sodium: 350–450 mg