Say hello to your new summer obsession! This crispy gnocchi salad is everything you need on a warm day—light, fresh, and packed with flavor and texture. Imagine golden-brown gnocchi with a satisfying crunch, layered over crisp veggies and topped with a tangy yogurt-dill dressing. It’s a refreshing twist on pasta salad that’s gone viral for good reason!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy meets creamy: The crispy gnocchi pairs beautifully with the creamy yogurt-based dressing for a texture-lover’s dream.
- Quick & easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this perfect for weekday lunches or spontaneous dinners.
- Versatile & customizable: Serve it as a light main dish, a BBQ side, or add protein to make it heartier.
📝 Ingredients
For the Crispy Gnocchi:
- 500g gnocchi (fresh or packaged)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Paprika (or your favorite seasoning)
For the Salad:
- 300g iceberg lettuce (or mixed greens)
- 1 cucumber (approx. 300g), thinly sliced
- 1 red or white onion, thinly sliced
For the Yogurt Dressing:
- 150ml plain yogurt
- 1 tsp mustard
- 2 tsp vinegar (white wine or apple cider)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh dill (optional but recommended)
- Salt & pepper to taste
🔪 Instructions
- Crisp the Gnocchi:
- Toss the gnocchi with olive oil and paprika.
- Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
No Airfryer? Bake at 180°C (fan) for about 20 minutes.
- Prep the Salad:
- Wash and chop the lettuce, cucumber, and onion.
- Place in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing:
- Whisk together the yogurt, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Top with crispy gnocchi and serve immediately.
🍋 Pro Tips
- For extra flavor: Add garlic powder, chili flakes, or Cajun seasoning to the gnocchi before baking.
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked salmon for protein.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
📦 Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing and gnocchi separate to preserve the texture!