Description
This Gnocchi Caprese Salad is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender gnocchi sautéed to a golden crisp, combined with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil, this salad is perfect served at room temperature or chilled, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Salad Components
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for finishing)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process.
- Sauté Gnocchi: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the drained gnocchi and sauté for 5–7 minutes until they become lightly golden and crisp on the outside. Remove the skillet from heat and let the gnocchi cool slightly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed gnocchi with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Make sure all ingredients are gently combined to prevent breaking the mozzarella.
- Add Dressing and Season: Drizzle the salad with 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for about 30 minutes before serving for a refreshing and flavorful salad experience.
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a splash of fresh lemon juice.
- This salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks because it holds up well and tastes great even when served chilled.
- Using heirloom cherry tomatoes can add a beautiful, colorful presentation to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
