Crispy gnocchi salad: trendy, indulgent and perfectly balanced for summer

Light, crunchy and full of summer flavor, this crispy gnocchi salad has become a go-to for warm days. It pairs golden, pan-roasted gnocchi with a zesty yogurt dressing and bright vegetables. Quick to make, easy to adapt, and perfect to serve straight from the air fryer or oven.

Ingredients for a crunchy gnocchi salad

For the crunchy gnocchi

• 500 g store-bought gnocchi (fresh or vacuum-packed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 tsp Herbes de Provence or mixed dried herbs

For the creamy yogurt dressing

• 200 g plain skyr or Greek yogurt
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the fresh garnish

• 1 cucumber (about 450 g), sliced or diced
• 400 g cherry tomatoes, halved

Essential kitchen tools

• Air fryer or conventional oven
• Citrus juicer or small reamer
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large mixing bowl for tossing
• Spatula or tongs

Step-by-step: make the salad

1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C or heat the oven to 200°C.
2. In a bowl, toss gnocchi with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika and dried herbs.
3. Spread gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a baking tray.
4. Cook 12 minutes in air-fry mode, shaking halfway. For the oven, bake around 20 minutes. Watch closely for golden edges.
5. While gnocchi cooks, whisk yogurt, shallot, lemon juice, chives and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Prepare vegetables: wash and cut cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Place in a large salad bowl.
7. Let gnocchi cool slightly so they stay crisp. Do not mix them while steaming hot.
8. Add gnocchi to the bowl, spoon over the dressing, and toss gently.
9. Serve immediately so the gnocchi keep their crunch.

Flavor swaps and serving ideas

• For extra richness, swap half the yogurt for sour cream.
• Add arugula or baby spinach for peppery greens.
• Stir in toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Replace dill with basil for an Italian twist.
• Use roasted bell peppers or radishes for more color and texture.

Practical tips to keep gnocchi crispy

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket or baking tray. One layer crisps best.
• Dry gnocchi well if you use homemade versions. Moisture prevents browning.
• Cool gnocchi briefly on a rack before dressing to avoid soggy edges.
• If preparing ahead, store gnocchi and salad components separately.

Frequently asked questions about crispy gnocchi salads

How do I get gnocchi crispy without an air fryer?

Use a hot oven at 200°C and bake on a preheated tray. Turn halfway. The texture may be slightly different, but you can still get good browning.

Which gnocchi are best for crisping?

Plain potato gnocchi from the supermarket crisp up reliably. Avoid filled or cheese-stuffed versions; they don’t brown evenly.

Can I swap the yogurt dressing?

Yes. A lemony vinaigrette or tzatziki-style sauce work well. Choose a dressing that adds acidity to balance the gnocchi.

What vegetables pair well with the salad?

Cucumber and cherry tomatoes are classic. You can also add radishes, sweet corn, bell peppers, or a handful of arugula.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Prep the vegetables and dressing ahead, but cook the gnocchi just before serving. Assemble at the last minute for best texture.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep gnocchi separate in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 48 hours. Re-crisp in the air fryer for a few minutes before adding to salad.

Nutrition snapshot and portion info

• Calories per serving: about 218 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~33.7 g
• Fat: ~4.9 g
• Protein: ~6.9 g
• Fiber: ~4.3 g
• Useful for summer meals and balanced lunches

Notes on equipment and sustainability

• An air fryer gives the fastest crisp and uses less oil.
• Oven works well if you have more portions to cook.
• This recipe is a great way to use leftover gnocchi or extra vegetables.

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Harper James

Harper is a recipe developer with a deep love for seasonal produce and rustic simplicity. She brings a farm-to-table philosophy to life with every dish she creates, celebrating the beauty of fresh, accessible ingredients.