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When you think of gnocchi, the first image that comes to mind might be soft, pillowy dumplings swimming in a luscious sauce. But this recipe flips the script, turning gnocchi into the unexpected star of a vibrant salad. Imagine the golden crispness of air-fried gnocchi paired with the cool crunch of cucumbers, the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the sharp tang of red onion—all tied together with a creamy dill dressing bursting with flavor. This Gnocchi Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing is an unforgettable combination of textures and tastes.
Perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even as a side dish for gatherings, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. The best part? It’s easy to make, relying on a mix of fresh produce and pantry staples to create something extraordinary.
Why This Gnocchi Salad Stands Out
- Bold Contrasts: The crispy gnocchi contrasts beautifully with the fresh vegetables, offering a delightful textural balance.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: The combination of dill, lemon, and garlic in the dressing keeps the salad lively and zesty.
- Effortlessly Impressive: While it looks and tastes gourmet, this salad is surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Versatility in Presentation: Serve it warm as a comforting dish or chilled for a refreshing take. Either way, it’s a showstopper.
What Makes This Salad Special?
The Air-Fried Gnocchi:
Air-frying the gnocchi transforms it into crispy, golden nuggets that add a satisfying crunch to the salad. This technique is a game-changer, offering a lighter alternative to deep-frying while still delivering maximum texture.
The Creamy Dill Dressing:
The dressing is the star of this dish, striking the perfect balance of creaminess, tanginess, and herbal brightness. The combination of Greek yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, and lemon juice creates a flavor that complements both the gnocchi and the fresh vegetables beautifully.
The Versatility:
This salad works equally well as a light main course or a side dish. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, or serve it as part of a spread for brunch, lunch, or dinner gatherings.
Ingredient Notes
- Gnocchi: You can use store-bought gnocchi, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own! Fresh or frozen gnocchi works well for this recipe.
- Cucumber: A refreshing addition that adds crunch and freshness. If you prefer, you can peel the cucumber, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and color.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor to balance the creaminess of the dressing. Slice it thinly to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the salad. You can substitute them with other small tomatoes or even other vegetables if desired.
For the Dressing:
- Greek Yogurt: The creamy base of the dressing. It’s thick and tangy, making it a great alternative to mayo or sour cream.
- Garlic: Mince the garlic finely to get the best flavor infusion into the dressing. You can adjust the amount based on how garlicky you like your salad.
- Fresh Dill: The herb that brings a refreshing, slightly tangy flavor to the dressing. Fresh dill is highly recommended, but dried dill can be used in a pinch (use half the amount).
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing and balances the richness of the yogurt. Fresh lemon juice will provide the best flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy texture and mild sweetness. For a lighter option, you can replace it with more Greek yogurt.
- Mustard: A small amount of mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the dressing.
- Honey: A touch of honey helps balance the acidity of the lemon and mustard, giving the dressing a smooth finish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dressing and bringing all the flavors together.
- Chili Flakes: Optional, but they provide a nice touch of heat. Add as much or as little as you like depending on your preference for spice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gnocchi Salad
1. Prepare the Gnocchi
Transforming gnocchi into crispy bites is the secret to this salad’s unique texture. Toss the gnocchi with a drizzle of oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle paprika powder over the gnocchi, mixing well to evenly distribute its smoky flavor.
Place the seasoned gnocchi in an air fryer set to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The result should be beautifully crispy gnocchi with a golden-brown finish.
Tip: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can achieve similar results by pan-frying the gnocchi in a hot skillet with a little oil.
2. Whisk Together the Creamy Dill Dressing
The dressing is where all the flavors come together. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, mayonnaise, mustard, and honey. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes (if desired).
Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking—it should be tangy, savory, and lightly sweet, with the dill shining through.
Make Ahead Tip: The dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add the air-fried gnocchi while it’s still warm for a comforting element, or let it cool slightly for a more refreshing take.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the gnocchi to retain its crispiness.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. For a finishing touch, garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill or a pinch of chili flakes for color and spice.
This salad is delicious served immediately, but it can also be refrigerated for 15–20 minutes if you prefer it cold.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Vegetables: While cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes are a classic combination, feel free to add your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, arugula, or even roasted zucchini would work well.
- Keep the Gnocchi Crisp: To preserve the gnocchi’s crispiness, avoid over-dressing the salad or letting it sit too long before serving.
- Make It Ahead: Prep the dressing and chop the vegetables in advance to save time. Just toss everything together when ready to serve.
- Dietary Swaps: For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt. You can also make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi.
Short-Term Storage (1–2 Days)
- Refrigerate Immediately: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator as soon as possible after preparation.
- Keep Dressing Separate (Optional): If you anticipate leftovers, store the dressing separately from the salad to prevent the gnocchi and vegetables from becoming soggy. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.
Other Salad Recipes You Must Try
Creamy Cucumber and Avocado Salad
Gnocchi Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing
Ingredients
- 250 g gnocchi
- 1 cucumber diced for crunch
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Chili flakes to taste
- 1 tsp fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Toss the gnocchi with a drizzle of oil.
- Sprinkle with paprika powder and mix until evenly coated.
- Cook the gnocchi in an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and dill.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and air-fried gnocchi.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for a warm salad or chill briefly for a refreshing cold version.
