Gnocchi, Tomato, and Pesto Salad (25 Mins + Chill Time)

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This cold gnocchi, tomato, and pesto salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect for casual meals or as a unique side dish at gatherings. This salad combines pillowy gnocchi with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onion, all tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce.

The dish is then garnished with fresh basil leaves, adding a touch of freshness and color. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Let’s begin!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • 1 cup tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Gnocchi (5 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool them down.
  2. Prepare Vegetables (10 minutes): While the gnocchi is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. Combine Ingredients (5 minutes): In a large bowl, combine the cooled gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
  4. Add Pesto (5 minutes): Add the pesto sauce to the bowl with the gnocchi and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Chill (1 hour): Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
  6. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Before serving, garnish the salad with fresh basil leaves

Notes

For the best gnocchi salad, make sure the gnocchi is not overcooked – it should be tender but still firm.

Using a homemade pesto can enhance the flavor, but a good quality store-bought pesto works well for convenience. The salad is best served cold, making it a refreshing option for quick meals.

This dish is versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients like olives, mozzarella balls, or grilled chicken for a protein boost. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/gnocchi-tomato-and-pesto-salad-25-mins-chill-time/