Crispy Gnocchi Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing
Transform ordinary gnocchi into a show-stopping salad! This crispy gnocchi salad features golden pan-fried gnocchi tossed with fresh greens and a tangy yogurt dressing for a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Gnocchi Salad
This crispy gnocchi salad takes comfort food to the next level! By pan-frying store-bought gnocchi until golden and crispy, then tossing with fresh vegetables and a creamy yogurt dressing, you get the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
It’s a complete meal that’s vegetarian-friendly, packed with protein from the yogurt dressing, and ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you want something that feels both healthy and indulgent!
Ingredients for Crispy Gnocchi Salad
For the Crispy Gnocchi:
- 2 lbs potato gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Creamy Yogurt Dressing:
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Fresh herbs for garnish
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes | Serves: 4-6
- Make the yogurt dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the gnocchi: If using fresh gnocchi, pat dry with paper towels. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Crisp the gnocchi: Add gnocchi to hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t stir for 3-4 minutes to allow browning. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic in the last minute.
- Prep the salad components: While gnocchi cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice red onion, and chop roasted peppers and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, roasted peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Combine and serve: Add warm crispy gnocchi to the salad. Drizzle with yogurt dressing and toss gently. Top with crumbled feta, pine nuts, and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Gnocchi
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook gnocchi in batches if necessary for even browning
- Pat gnocchi dry: Remove excess moisture for better crisping
- High heat is key: Medium-high heat creates the perfect golden crust
- Don’t stir too soon: Let gnocchi develop a crust before flipping
- Serve immediately: Gnocchi is best when still warm and crispy
Delicious Variations
Mediterranean Style
Add:
- Kalamata olives
- Artichoke hearts
- Fresh oregano and parsley
Caprese Version
Include:
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Extra fresh basil
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
Fall Harvest Salad
Add:
- Roasted butternut squash
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted walnuts
- Sage leaves
Protein-Packed
Include:
- Grilled chicken strips
- Chickpeas
- Hard-boiled eggs
Storage & Meal Prep
Best served fresh: Gnocchi loses crispiness when stored, so assemble just before serving. Prep components: Make dressing and prep vegetables up to 2 days ahead. Leftover gnocchi: Re-crisp in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to salad. Dressing storage: Keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this warm gnocchi salad with:
- Grilled protein like chicken or salmon
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- White wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- Soup for a complete meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi? A: Yes! No need to thaw – cook directly from frozen, just add 1-2 extra minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt? A: Substitute with sour cream, regular yogurt, or make a vinaigrette instead.
Q: Can I make this vegan? A: Use vegan gnocchi, replace yogurt with cashew cream, and skip the feta cheese.
Q: How do I prevent soggy gnocchi? A: Pat dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan. High heat is essential.
Nutritional Benefits
This healthy gnocchi salad offers:
- Protein from Greek yogurt and feta cheese
- Fiber from vegetables and greens
- Probiotics from Greek yogurt for gut health
- Antioxidants from colorful vegetables
- Healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts
The Perfect Comfort-Fresh Balance
This crispy gnocchi salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up comfort food. The golden, crispy gnocchi provides that satisfying, indulgent element while the fresh vegetables and tangy yogurt dressing keep it light and nutritious. It’s a complete meal that satisfies both your cravings and your health goals!
