Toasted gnocchi salad
Ever since I discovered sauteed gnocchi, I’ve absolutely adored it. Gone are the days when I thought gnocchi was dense and tasteless – throw it in a pan to get it nice and toasty, and it becomes light and fluffy inside, with crispy bits outside. Heaven.
Of course, after you’ve toasted your gnocchi you’re still only half way there. Now comes the tricky bit – how to serve it?
Since gnocchi is pretty filling, I often find that putting a full sauce on top makes it feel a bit too heavy. Obviously I’m willing to make an exception if it makes the gnocchi taste like pizza… but usually I’m looking for a lighter option.
Hence: toasted gnocchi salad!
No heavy sauce, just a few tasty ingredients that add heaps of flavour without making your gnocchi feel smothered.
As usual, I’ve called this a salad, but really it’s much more than that. It’s a collection of yummy bits, with a token bit of greenery to justify its name. A handful of pine nuts and fresh garlic get toasty alongside the gnocchi, and peppery rocket and juicy sun-dried tomatoes can be tossed through the gnocchi just before serving. A squeeze of lemon and a good pinch of black pepper are the only other things this gnocchi salad needs – apart from a few shavings of parmesan, if you’re so inclined (I am.).
All in, you can have this tasty lunch on the table in less than fifteen minutes. Not half bad.
Toasted gnocchi salad
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 500 g gnocchi (~ 3 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 3 tbsp pine nuts
- Large handful fresh rocket (arugula)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Black pepper
- Vegetarian parmesan-style cheese, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan, and add the gnocchi (in a single layer, if possible). Cook over a medium heat for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add the garlic and pine nuts, and cook for a few more minutes, until the pine nuts are lightly toasted and the garlic is fragrant.
- Toss the toasted gnocchi with the rocket, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and plenty of black pepper. Serve topped with shaved parmesan, if desired.
Note: nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on exactly what ingredients you choose. Information above does not include parmesan shavings.
My first proper vegetarian meal and it was too tasty for words! Quick, simple and filling. Will be making this over and over for sure.
I’m so excited that you just made your first vegetarian meal!! I don’t necessarily think that everyone should go veggie, but I DO think that everyone should eat more veggie food – if only because it’s delicious :D I hope you find more veggie recipes here you enjoy! :)
This was dinner last night. Though I did make two changes, one was almonds instead of pine nuts – I never have pine nuts around – and the other was some halved mine roma tomatoes mixed in as well. Delicious.
Sounds great, glad you enjoyed it! :)
Took this to school today and I’m completely addicted; I was craving it all day! I can’t wait to take it to school every. single. day. from now on!! IT WAS SO GOOD OMG YOU ARE A GENIUS!
Haha yay! Glad you enjoyed it :D
I adore gnocchi, but like you say it can be a bit heavy for a lunch. I love the idea of toasting them and adding to a salad, your photos look utterly mouthwatering!
Made this for tea tonight (with pancetta because my other half won’t eat meals without meat in them) and it was delish! Would never have thought of pan-frying gnocchi but it works so well!
I have made toasted gnocchi in brown butter before but I haven’t thought about adding it to salad – a huge mistake on my part because it sounds and looks amazing!
I’m always looking for new ways to make salad more palatable haha ;)
This is fantastic!!!! I love gnocchi! And roasting them is the only way I will eat them too! Never thought of pairing them with a salad! Love it!
Love sauteed gnocchi, I make a similar Polish thing called Kopytka. Never tried it with salad, though so will give this a go.
Ooh I’ve not heard of Kopytka, will have to have a look at that!
I love gnocchi, but I haven’t toasted it before. I have loads of packs in the cupboard, so I will have to try this next time we have it!
After learning how to properly pronounce it, I was desperate to order some gnocchi whilst in Italy. What came out was something very similar to this, except it had a mess of herbs on top and instead of pine nuts it had flaked almonds. Honestly, one of the nicest things I’ve eaten. So you have no idea how excited I was to see this recipe! Memories <3
Yay I hope it’s as good as the proper Italian version! ;)
I love gnocchi and like you I can find it quite dense. So you can imagine my joy and finding out that you can toast it. REVOLUTION………
I never have it untoasted now! So much nicer that way :)
This looks so yummy. I do sometimes find supermarket gnocci a bit rubbery so crisping it up sounds like a great idea. You never fail to make me hungry, Becca!
You wouldn’t believe how much fluffier it tastes after a few minutes in a frying pan :)
A gorgeous simple dish, I really haven’t got into gnocchi but really should make an effort as I enjoyed it when I was sent some to cook with!
It’s not something I have in the cupboard very often, but I always really enjoy it when I’m inspired to grab a pack :)
I’v e never had gnocchi quite like this before! What a great way to make a simple salad into something substantial enough to eat as a main course. Yay!
How could you ever have thought my beloved gnocchi are tasteless? I love gnocchi and there are so many varieties! Yum!! Your recipe sounds wonderful — I’ve never thought of putting gnocchi in a salad but why not? They are excellent anywhere.
Haha I did say gone are the days! ;) I now appreciate its greatness :D
Gnocchi in a salad, yum! I’ve made low carb gnocchi in the past but never thought to put them in a salad. Thanks for the yummy idea!