Easy Roasted Gnocchi Salad (Printable Version)

Golden gnocchi roasted with vegetables, tossed with pesto and fresh mozzarella for a warm, satisfying Italian-inspired dish.

# What You Need:

→ Gnocchi

01 - 1.1 lbs shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Vegetables & Cheese

03 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved
07 - 2 cups fresh baby arugula or spinach

→ Pesto Dressing

08 - 4 tbsp basil pesto
09 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
10 - 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh basil leaves, for serving
13 - Optional: toasted pine nuts

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion with 2 tbsp olive oil on the prepared baking sheet. Spread in a single layer.
03 - Roast for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until gnocchi are golden and vegetables softened.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together pesto, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
05 - Add roasted gnocchi and vegetables to the bowl. Gently toss to coat with the pesto dressing.
06 - Fold in mozzarella balls and arugula or spinach. Toss gently until everything is just combined and greens begin to wilt.
07 - Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with fresh basil and optional toasted pine nuts.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between crispy gnocchi and creamy mozzarella is absolutely addictive
  • Everything roasts on one sheet pan while you whisk together the simplest dressing
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the baking sheet or the gnocchi will steam instead of roast crispy
  • Let the roasted vegetables cool for just 5 minutes before tossing with the arugula so you get that perfect wilted texture
03 -
  • If your gnocchi is not crisping after 20 minutes, run it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes watching carefully
  • Add a handful of toasted pine nuts right at the end for incredible crunch and nutty flavor

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