Summer Gnocchi Salad
Summer is all about vibrant flavors, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a deliciously refreshing summer gnocchi salad? . The combination of crispy gnocchi with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and marinated mozzarella creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is a celebration of summer’s bounty, highlighting the freshest produce in every bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This summer gnocchi salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that perfectly captures the essence of the season. Imagine crispy yet pillowy gnocchi paired with tangy artichoke hearts, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy marinated mozzarella balls, all tossed together with a vibrant dressing bursting with garlic and herbaceous notes. It’s a dish that celebrates simplicity without compromising on taste, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for picnics, barbecues, or any summer gathering. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization to suit your preferences or whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Fresh Gnocchi: These tender potato dumplings provide a comforting base for the salad, with a delicate texture and mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
- Ghee or Butter: Used for sautéing the gnocchi, ghee or butter adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the insides soft.
- Artichoke Hearts: Tangy and slightly sweet, artichoke hearts bring a unique flavor and meaty texture to the salad, packed with fiber and nutrients.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bursting with intense tomato flavor, sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tart punch, with a chewy texture that contrasts well with the other ingredients.
- Marinated Mozzarella Balls: Creamy and indulgent, marinated mozzarella balls provide freshness and richness, with a mild flavor and soft texture.
- Spring Mix or Arugula: Vibrant greens add freshness, color, and a peppery bite, providing a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.
- Fresh Basil: Fragrant and aromatic, fresh basil adds herbal brightness to the salad, thinly sliced to release its essential oils.
Dressing:
- Olive Oil: The base of the dressing, olive oil contributes fruity notes and a smooth mouthfeel.
- Garlic: Grated garlic adds a pungent kick and aromatic depth to the dressing.
- White Balsamic Vinegar: A milder alternative to traditional balsamic vinegar, white balsamic vinegar lends subtle tanginess.
- Crushed Red Pepper: A pinch adds heat and complexity, balancing out the sweetness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These staples enhance flavors, ensuring a well-balanced final result. Adjust to taste.
Creating the Perfect Summer Gnocchi Salad: A Garden-Fresh Journey”
- Prepare the Gnocchi: Heat ghee or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the fresh gnocchi and sauté until golden and crispy outside while remaining soft inside, creating a delightful contrast in texture
- Prep the Ingredients:Halve the artichoke hearts, julienne the sun-dried tomatoes, and cut the mozzarella balls if desired. These steps ensure uniformity in size and easy mixing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked gnocchi, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. This melds the flavors and textures..
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine olive oil, grated garlic, white balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Shake well to emulsify, creating a flavorful dressing.
- Toss and Dress: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Add chiffonade-cut basil and the spring mix or arugula. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately for optimal freshness and flavor. If making ahead, add greens just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Incorporate other seasonal veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or grilled zucchini.
- Swap out the mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile.
- Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or pesto for extra depth of flavor.
Are you looking for more salad recipes? Check out my Spring Tabbouleh Salad Also who doesn’t love Pinterest?
Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly upon refrigeration.
Top tip for making Summer Gnocchi Salad
For an extra burst of flavor, toast the gnocchi in the pan until golden brown before tossing them with the other ingredients. This adds a lovely nuttiness to the dish that elevates its overall taste.
With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and effortless preparation, this summer gnocchi salad is sure to become a staple in your seasonal recipe repertoire. Enjoy it as a light lunch, side dish, or even a main course.
Summer Gnocchi Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh gnocchi
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 12 oz artichoke heart in a jar
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes halves you can use sun dried tomato in oil
- 12 oz marinated mozzarella balls
- 2 cups spring mix or arugula
- 1 handful of fresh basil cut in chiffonade
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil I used the oil from marinated mozzarella
- 1 garlic clove grated
- 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar or regular
- Pinch of crushed red pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add ghee or butter into a sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add gnocchi into the pan and sauté until crispy and pillowy. Set aside.
- Drain the artichoke heart and cut them in half if too big.
- Slice the sun dried tomatoes in julienne strips.
- Remove mozzarella balls from the marinade and cut in half if preferred.
- In a large bowl add gnocchi, artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese balls.
- In a jar combine all ingredients for dressing and shake well.
- Pour dressing over the salad. Add fresh basil and the spring mix or arugula and toss to combine.
- If you make the salad ahead of time, add the spring mix before serving.
