Panzanella inspired Pan Fried Gnocchi Salad

This pan-fried gnocchi salad is gonna be your new fave recipe. It's so easy to make, bursting with flavor, and super satisfying. Whether you need a quick lunch or a dish to impress a crowd, this recipe has your back. Enjoy cooking!

About this recipe

I made this recipe after seeing a similar recipe in the New York Times. This pan-fried salad is inspired by the traditional Panzanella, the beloved Tuscan bread salad, but instead of using stale bread, you swap it for pan-fried gnocchi. The result is a delightful combination of crispy, golden gnocchi, and fresh, vibrant vegetables.

This gnocchi salad is perfect for a light lunch, a hearty side dish, or even a main course. The ingredients have bold flavors with different textures that make each bite a dream.

What Is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi are potato dumplings made with flour and eggs; they can also be vegan. They’re super popular in Italian cooking and can be cooked in a bunch of different ways—boiled, baked, or pan-fried, like in this recipe. Gnocchi has a really soft texture that goes great with lots of different sauces and ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Gnocchi, for this salad, I use the traditional potato gnocchi.
  • Tomatoes: I like cherry tomatoes because of their size and flavor.
  • Onion, rinse it with cold water to remove the strong bite. Red onion works well, too.
  • Cucumber, I prefer Persian or small English ones.
  • Basil.
  • Olive oil and red wine vinegar. You could use a simple or the Italian vinaigrette.

How To Fry Gnocchi?

  • Heat the Pan: Heat some olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  • Pan-Fry the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on one side. Flip them and cook for 2-3 minutes until all sides are crispy.
  • You could also do this in your air fryer. To pan fry gnocchi in an air fryer, start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the gnocchi with olive oil to help them crisp up. Place the gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once the gnocchi turns golden brown and crispy, they will be served.

VAriations

If you wish to make this salad a complete or a heartier meal, add one can of drained and rinsed navy or garbanzo beans.

Panzanella Pan-Fried Gnocchi Salad

Alejandra Graf
This pan-fried gnocchi salad is gonna be your new fave recipe. It's so easy to make, bursting with flavor, and super satisfying. Whether you need a quick lunch or a dish to impress a crowd, this recipe has your back. Enjoy cooking!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 393 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound of gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves torn

Dressing

Instructions
 

  • Add the gnocchi to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on one side. Flip them and cook for 2-3 minutes until all sides are crispy.
  • While the gnocchi cools, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the onion
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
    Add the pan-fried gnocchi and the torn basil leaves.

Notes

  • Look for fresh or vacuum-sealed gnocchi for the best results.
  • Rinse the sliced onion under cold water to remove the strong bite.
  • Use Italian vinaigrette or a once-a-week simple vinaigrette instead of the oil and red wine vinegar if you wish.
  • This salad is best when served immidiately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 393kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 391mgPotassium: 174mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 286IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 5mg
Keyword gnocchi, panzanella

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
Alejandra Graf
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