Introduction
Transform humble gnocchi into a vibrant, cheesy, and zesty Italian-inspired salad that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering! This recipe is all about easy, delicious comfort food that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but comes together in a flash. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will impress your family and friends!
Why This Works
This Gnocchi Antipasto Salad is a winner because it’s ridiculously easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and completely adaptable to whatever you have on hand. The combination of creamy gnocchi, tangy vinaigrette, and a colorful mix of antipasto ingredients creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover gnocchi!
Key Ingredients
🥔 2 cups cooked gnocchi
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
🥒 ½ cup cucumber, diced
🫒 ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
🫑 ½ cup bell pepper (any color), diced
🧅 ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
🌿 ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
vinaigrette:
🍋 2 tablespoons olive oil
🍋 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
🧂Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Gnocchi: If using store-bought gnocchi, cook according to package directions. If making your own, follow your favorite recipe. Make sure to drain well!
2️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables: While the gnocchi cooks, prep your veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the basil.
3️⃣ Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4️⃣ Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked gnocchi, mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, red onion, and basil.
5️⃣ Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure all the gnocchi are coated.
6️⃣ Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Handy Tips
- Use a variety of colored bell peppers for a more visually appealing salad.
- If you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can substitute any other type of olive you prefer.
- For a creamier salad, add a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Heat Control
This recipe doesn’t involve any heat after the gnocchi is cooked. The focus is on combining fresh, flavorful ingredients at room temperature or chilled for optimal enjoyment.
Crunch Factor
The crunch in this salad comes from the red onion and the slightly firm texture of the fresh vegetables. The gnocchi provides a soft counterpoint.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Roast the vegetables for a deeper flavor. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add some grilled chicken or Italian sausage for a heartier salad.
- Make it a complete meal by adding some crusty bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
Storage Tips
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi may absorb some of the vinaigrette, but it will still be delicious.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This salad makes a wonderful gift! Present it in a pretty glass bowl or a decorative container. You can even add a small baguette and a bottle of Italian dressing for a complete gift basket.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a little heat.
🌟 Herby Delight: Include fresh oregano and parsley along with the basil.
🌟 Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the vinaigrette for extra brightness.
🌟 Creamy Dream: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a richer, creamier flavor.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Gnocchi is too soggy.
Solution: Reduce the amount of vinaigrette or add the dressing just before serving instead of tossing it in ahead of time.
Problem: Salad lacks flavor.
Solution: Adjust seasonings – add more salt, pepper, garlic, or red wine vinegar to your taste.
FAQ
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Try Parmesan, Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best to add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soggy.
Q: Is this salad suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
A: As written, it is vegetarian. To make it vegan, use a vegan mozzarella cheese alternative.
Q: Can I freeze this salad?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the gnocchi and vegetables may be affected.
Conclusion
This Gnocchi Antipasto Salad is a true crowd-pleaser! Its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures will make it a family favorite. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us on Ratemyrecipes.com!