A fresh salad can be so much more than just a side dish. Our gnocchi salad recipe with pesto and arugula is a perfect example. This salad combines crispy seared gnocchi with mozzarella and tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and spicy arugula, rounded off with an aromatic green pesto dressing. Whether as a light lunch, side dish, or dinner – this salad is versatile and delights with its variety of flavors.
Originally inspired by Italian cuisine, this Italian gnocchi salad recipe combines the simplicity and intense flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for those who enjoy exploring new dishes and are looking for a quick yet impressive meal.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 400 g small tomatoes
- 250 g mozzarella (e.g. balls)
- 200 g arugula
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 800 g gnocchi (from the refrigerated section)
For the dressing:
- 4 tbsp green pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tbsp white wine vinegar
Preparation:
1. Preparation:
Wash and halve the tomatoes. Wash the arugula thoroughly and spin dry. Drain the mozzarella and cut into smaller pieces if necessary. This is the perfect way to prepare the ingredients for the gnocchi salad.
2. Fry the gnocchi:
Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the gnocchi for about 5 minutes until they develop a crispy golden brown crust. Toss the gnocchi in pesto for an extra kick of flavor.
3. Prepare the dressing:
To make the dressing, mix the green pesto with the olive oil and white wine vinegar in a bowl until well blended. This is how to prepare the pesto for gnocchi salad.
4. Assemble the salad:
Place the crispy gnocchi, tomato halves, arugula, and mozzarella in a large bowl. Toss the gnocchi with the mozzarella and tomatoes and pour the dressing over the top. Mix everything well so the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. This is the most important step in preparing the gnocchi salad step by step.
Tips & Variations:
- Extra crunch: Add toasted pine nuts or chopped nuts to give the salad extra texture and enrich the gnocchi salad with fresh ingredients.
- Fruity note: Replace the tomatoes with halved grapes or peach slices for a sweeter component and a new twist on the gnocchi salad with fresh tomatoes.
- Vegan: Use vegan gnocchi and replace the mozzarella with a plant-based alternative to make the salad vegan.
Serving suggestion:
Serve the gnocchi salad with pesto and mozzarella in the elegant "Misty Cliff" bowls from Springlane. These dark gray stoneware bowls perfectly showcase the vibrant colors of the salad and make for an attractive presentation. Serve with a glass of homemade lemonade or a refreshing iced tea.
Conclusion:
Gnocchi Salad with Pesto and Arugula is a refreshing and delicious dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of crispy gnocchi, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy arugula is perfectly complemented by the aromatic pesto dressing. Turning gnocchi into a salad has never been so easy or delicious.
The use of the cast iron pan from Springlane is particularly practical, as it allows for even heat distribution and fries the gnocchi wonderfully crispy.
Have fun cooking and enjoying!
