Gnocchi Caprese Salad

When dinnertime rolls around, and my husband and I look at each other and say “what’s for dinner?” at the same time, it’s nice to have an easy recipe like gnocchi Caprese salad in my back pocket. This flavorful recipe comes together in a flash, and the whole family enjoys eating it (even my picky 6-year-old won’t say no to potato pasta, tomatoes and cheese).

Gnocchi Caprese Salad Ingredients

• Olive oil: Olive oil is used to pan-fry the gnocchi and to flavor the Caprese salad mixture. That’s why you may want to splurge and use a high-quality brand of olive oil for this gnocchi recipe.
• Gnocchi: You’ll need a 16-ounce package of shelf-stable gnocchi to make this dish. Look for gnocchi in the pasta aisle.
• Cherry tomatoes: Tomatoes are a must-have ingredient in a classic Caprese salad. Bite-sized cherry tomatoes add a sweet flavor to this particular dish. If the cherry tomatoes are larger in size, cut them in quarters rather than halves. Grape tomatoes also work well in this recipe.
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Mozzarella balls marinated in fresh herbs and spices will add an extra punch of flavor, but regular mozzarella balls will do too. Ideally they should be bite-sized, so cut larger balls into halves or quarters. If you can’t find mozzarella balls, you can also use fresh mozzarella slices torn into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Basil: You’ll need a large handful of this flavorful herb for the Caprese salad. To easily thinly slice, or chiffonade, the basil, stack the basil leaves on top of one another, roll them tightly lengthwise and use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the leaves horizontally.
• Red wine vinegar: This type of vinegar has a sharp, tangy and grape-forward flavor. It provides a nice contrast to the creaminess of the fresh mozzarella and the savory, unctuous flavor of the olive oil.
• Seasoning: The Caprese salad is seasoned simply with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
• Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of store-bought balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy concentrated balsamic flavor to the gnocchi Caprese salad.

Directions

Step 1: Make the tomato mixture

In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder and sliced basil. Gently stir to combine. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the gnocchi

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Although I love to use my cast-iron skillet when cooking, a nonstick skillet is your best friend here. It will help prevent the gnocchi from sticking as they brown, resulting in an even golden brown color and crisp texture.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

Add the gnocchi to the bowl with the tomato mixture and toss gently to combine. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve.

Gnocchi Caprese Salad Variations

• Add more seasoning: Dried herbs or seasoning blends that would work nicely with this gnocchi recipe include dried basil, oregano, rosemary or Italian seasoning. You could also mix in more chopped fresh herbs, such as Italian parsley, if you prefer.
• Make it spicy: To add some heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper or up to 1/4 cup of chopped roasted red pepper.
• Add protein: To pack in some protein, stir in shredded or chopped cooked chicken (this recipe is a great way to use up leftovers or a store-bought rotisserie chicken). Or, lean in to the flavors of antipasto and stir in bite-sized chopped or sliced cured meats such as pepperoni, prosciutto or salami.

How to Store Gnocchi Caprese Salad

Leftover gnocchi Caprese salad should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge.

How long does gnocchi Caprese salad last?

Gnocchi Caprese salad lasts up to three days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can you make gnocchi Caprese salad ahead of time?

This gnocchi Caprese salad can be served warm or cold. If you plan to serve it warm, it’s best to make it just before serving. If you plan to serve the gnocchi Caprese salad cold, you can make it up to one day in advance. However, do not add the fresh basil until just before serving, as it will blacken over time in the fridge.

Gnocchi Caprese Salad Tips

What should you serve with gnocchi Caprese salad?

Gnocchi Caprese salad can be served as an entree alongside a fresh green salad, such as this Caesar salad or an Italian chopped salad. Or, pair it with another vegetable side dish, such as Parmesan-roasted broccoli or roasted asparagus. And definitely don’t forget the garlic bread!

This dish would also make a tasty contribution to a get-together with family or friends served alongside other summer potluck dishes.