Golden, crunchy gnocchi tossed with crisp fresh vegetables and drizzled in a creamy yogurt-dill dressing — this is the ultimate light summer dish that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with.
The Story
Ah, the irresistible taste of summer! Imagine perfectly crisp gnocchi, with that satisfying crunch on the outside, paired with a refreshing, creamy yogurt dressing. That’s our new favorite warm-weather obsession — Crispy Gnocchi Salad.
I first stumbled upon this recipe thanks to TikTok, and I admit, I was skeptical at first. “Gnocchi… in a salad?” I thought. But after that very first crunchy bite, I was hooked. It’s light yet filling, simple yet packed with texture and flavor — a true crowd-pleaser for hot days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable flavor: Crispy, golden gnocchi pairs beautifully with the tangy yogurt dressing and a touch of fresh lemon.
- Quick & Easy: Toss gnocchi with a bit of oil and seasoning, crisp them in the air fryer or oven, whisk the dressing — and you’re done!
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side at your next BBQ or picnic.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Gnocchi:
- 500 g (about 1 lb) gnocchi
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Paprika powder (to taste)
For the Salad:
- 300 g (about 10 oz) iceberg lettuce, washed & chopped
- 1 cucumber (approx. 300 g), sliced
- 1 onion, finely diced
For the Yogurt Dressing:
- 150 ml (about 2/3 cup) plain yogurt
- 1 tsp mustard
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Crisp the Gnocchi:
- Toss the gnocchi with olive oil and paprika powder until evenly coated.
- Air fryer: Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Oven: Bake at 180°C (350°F) fan for about 20 minutes, turning once.
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- Wash and chop the lettuce, cucumber, and onion.
- Place the vegetables in a large salad bowl.
- Make the Yogurt Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
- Top with the warm, crispy gnocchi just before serving for maximum crunch.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked salmon for a more filling version.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle chili flakes over the gnocchi before crisping for a little heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Crumbled feta or goat cheese makes a delicious salty contrast.
Storage
Best enjoyed fresh — the gnocchi lose their crunch after sitting in the dressing. If you have leftovers, store the salad and gnocchi separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 1–2 days.
This recipe is a fresh twist on the classic summer salad — simple enough for a weekday lunch, yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. One bite, and you’ll understand why crispy gnocchi has taken the internet by storm.